This is the life and times of T. S. Garp, the bastard son of Jenny Fields, a feminist leader ahead of her time. This is the life and death of a famous mother and her almost-famous son; theirs is a world of sexual extremes, even of sexual assassinations. It is a novel rich with lunacy and sorrow, yet the dark, violent events of the story do not undermine a comedy both ribald and robust. In more than thirty languages, in more than forty countries–with more than ten million copies in print–this novel provides almost cheerful, even hilarious evidence of its famous last line: “In the world according to Garp, we are all terminal cases.”
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- The World According to Garp
The World According to Garp
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
16+
Release Date
June 23, 1997
ISBN
0345418018
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User reviews
3 reviews
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0(3)
Characters
N/A(0)
Writing Style
N/A(0)
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
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If only we lived our lives according to Garp!
(Updated: May 31, 2026)
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by T.T.A
I wasn't kidding when I wrote the title if only we lived our lives according to Garp. I'd like to live in the insane world that he inhabits!
I wasn't kidding when I wrote the title if only we lived our lives according to Garp. I'd like to live in the insane world that he inhabits!
The World According to Garp is ingenious, funny and entertainingly odd. The book chronicles the life of one T.S Garp. The book is far too unique for an outwright synopsis but know this; from his conception, childhood love, writing career and death, you will encounter situations you've never heard of or could imagine. A mourner author in drag at his mother's funeral, a short story about old circus performers and a bear...these are just a few of the crazy moments in the novel. Filled with memorable characters and situations, this is one coming of age story you can't miss.
G
Guest
True love, suspense and lust
(Updated: May 31, 2026)
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by L. Eustace
T.S. Garp is a young writer. His mother is a popular feminist leader who never married and slashed an eager flirt's arm from shoulder blade to hand in a movie theater. Garp's father was a wounded soldier in a war, where his mother worked as a nurse. Garp never knew his father, nor did his mother.
Why does Garp decide to become a writer? His wrestling coache's bookish daughter declared that she would only marry a full time writer. So to win her heart, he becomes a writer.
One of the best contemporary books I have read. A tale of life with true love, but also with lust. John Irving is a wonderful writer who manages to keep readers in suspense, in love, and into the book with the twisted humor and zany characters. Although this book is a massive 600+ pages, it reads like a 250 page book.
T.S. Garp is a young writer. His mother is a popular feminist leader who never married and slashed an eager flirt's arm from shoulder blade to hand in a movie theater. Garp's father was a wounded soldier in a war, where his mother worked as a nurse. Garp never knew his father, nor did his mother.
Why does Garp decide to become a writer? His wrestling coache's bookish daughter declared that she would only marry a full time writer. So to win her heart, he becomes a writer.
One of the best contemporary books I have read. A tale of life with true love, but also with lust. John Irving is a wonderful writer who manages to keep readers in suspense, in love, and into the book with the twisted humor and zany characters. Although this book is a massive 600+ pages, it reads like a 250 page book.
G
Guest
In the shadow of his mother
(Updated: May 31, 2026)
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
N/A
Writing Style
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Reader reviewed by K. Ledford
A wonderful book about a man finding himself as an author and as a father. He struggles to deal with is famous feminist mother who becomes a great author. He ends up writing in her shadow but making a name for himself nontheless. His best friend is a transvestite who used to be a professional football player! As his writing career flourishes he must deal with family problems at home. This is perhaps John Irving's finest work. A definite "must read!"
A wonderful book about a man finding himself as an author and as a father. He struggles to deal with is famous feminist mother who becomes a great author. He ends up writing in her shadow but making a name for himself nontheless. His best friend is a transvestite who used to be a professional football player! As his writing career flourishes he must deal with family problems at home. This is perhaps John Irving's finest work. A definite "must read!"
G
Guest
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