The World According to Garp

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!

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.

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!"