john irving book reviews

Review: John Irving writes long tale ‘The Last Chairlift’

“real life is so sloppy — it’s full of coincidences. things just happen, random things that have no connection to one another. in good fiction, isn’t everything connected to everything else.

By ROB MERRILL, Associated Press

“The Last Chairlift” by John Irving (Simon & Schuster)

After 54 years and 15 novels, John Irving’s finally done it. He’s written a book longer than most editions of “Moby-Dick.” And by the time you’re done reading it, you’ll chuckle every time you see the hyphen in Melville’s title.

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It’s difficult to do justice to this book in a short review. Every Irving fan will read it and even readers trying Irving for the first time will find it an accessible introduction to the New England-born novelist whose work has always been stuffed with serious themes like religion, sex and politics, tempered by a fair dose of satire and absurdity, delivered by narrators in an endearing, matter-of-fact prose.

At its heart “The Last Chairlift” is a love story, telling almost the entire life story of its narrator, Adam Brewster, himself a writer growing up in Exeter, New Hampshire, who wrestles, becomes a bestselling novelist, wins an Oscar and earns Canadian citizenship, not unlike Mr. Irving himself. But as narrator Adam admits: “Real life is so sloppy — it’s full of coincidences. Things just happen, random things that have no connection to one another. In good fiction, isn’t everything connected to everything else?” In “The Last Chairlift,” Irving tries to do both — tell a fictional story that is chock full of random events, but make it feel like nothing is random at all in hindsight, as Adam relates it all to us.

At the beginning of the book, Adam doesn’t know who his biological father is. His mother falls in love with an English teacher at Exeter Academy, whom Adam admires for his diminutive stature and his distaste for downhill skiing. Henceforth the man, whose full name is Elliot Barlow, is referred to mostly as “the snowshoer.” (Adam’s mom, called Little Ray, is also very small. She’s a ski instructor, always doing lunges and wall sits around the house and decamping for the winter months to live in Manchester, New Hampshire, closer to the ski mountain that pays the bills.)

Without spoiling too much, it turns out that Ray isn’t really into men anymore, if she ever was, and while “the snowshoer” is a constant companion for the rest of her days and a father figure to Adam, it’s a ski patroller named Molly who captures Little Ray’s heart.

True to form for an Irving novel, sex is a frequent topic of discussion and driver of the plot. There’s an unusual frankness among Adam’s extended family about his formative sexual experiences, which are recounted in great detail and recalled at various stages of his life. There’s also an orgasm that even “the white whale wouldn’t have survived” overheard by guests at Little Ray’s wedding to the snowshoer, and while the narrative tracks Adam’s life, chronologically, it lingers during sexually charged political moments in history — from Roe v. Wade to President Reagan ignoring the AIDS crisis to the pedophile scandal in the Catholic Church.

Oh, and don’t forget the ghosts! The novel begins and ends with a reference to them and they play all sorts of roles in between. A real-life establishment in Aspen, Colorado, called The Hotel Jerome is haunted by various important figures in Adam’s life, many of which he features in a pair of screenplays he writes that are included in the novel, but which are based on his real life. Screenplay line spacing helps the 889 pages turn faster. It’s not that you want “The Last Chairlift” to end, exactly, but you do want to see where all the characters end up off after that final ride up the mountain.

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The last chairlift review: john irving’s unconventional family epic.

The novel reads as a final, all-encompassing summary of Irving’s concerns and obsessions.

Then again, Irving’s novels have seemed like “greatest hits” collections for years now. Sometimes lazily and sometimes transformatively, he’s reconfigured his favorite plot elements, settings, and autobiographical details into works that will feel comfortingly familiar to some and stale to others. Rainer Werner Fassbinder once remarked that every great director has only one subject, and ultimately makes the same film over and over again. Irving, working primarily as a novelist and sometimes as a screenwriter, seems to have taken this idea literally.

The Last Charlift is about a man who’s born in the mid-20th century to a single mother in New England. He attends an elite boarding school, joins the wrestling team, and grows up to be a writer. Already, you’re sure you’ve heard this one before, and that’s without mentioning that one of the main characters is a transgender woman, or that the story involves the murder of a feminist activist by a male bigot with a rifle, or the protagonist’s stint in a German-speaking country. An Irving loyalist can play “I Spy” throughout all 900 pages of The Last Charlift , but that broad outline above doesn’t begin to capture what makes the novel distinctive.

Typical of an Irving protagonist, Adam Brewster—who narrates the book in the first person—is more of an observer of his unconventional family life than he is an active participant in the story. We’ve seen this get Irving into trouble before, as he tends to write absorbing openings and poignant endings but struggles to hold our attention in the middle stretch. But, to take one example, The Cider House Rules , mired in hundreds of pages of passive “waiting and seeing,” finds Homer Wells making two crucial decisions, the second effectively a reversal of the first. Homer changes by the end of Irving’s heartfelt and morally magnificent masterpiece, and the reader can see it happening over more than a decade of story time.

Adam Brewster, though, seems to take everything in stride, even major revelations about members of his family. There are moments when we learn that he’s been crying, which would otherwise be unapparent from the uninflected prose. It isn’t that Adam is cold or unfeeling; rather, his role, as a stand-in for Irving, is to tell the stories of the people in his life and to chronicle the progress and regression of sexual politics in America over the course of his life. We spend the novel looking outward through his eyes, not exploring the depths of his soul.

But Irving isn’t Anthony Powell and Adam is no Nick Jenkins: The Last Chairlift is less insightful on Irving’s major political subject, sexual intolerance, than it is about the peculiar personalities of all the other major characters. This is where the aforementioned tropes distinguish themselves from their precedents. The details matter. Adam’s mother, called Little Ray, is a free-spirited Bennington College dropout who spends six months of the year as a ski instructor in Vermont, leaving Adam in the care of his grandmother, a lettered woman who reads him Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick , and grandfather, a former Exeter faculty member who became mute upon learning the circumstances of his grandson’s conception. Despite Ray’s absence for half the year, she’s an attentive and loving mother.

There are non-avocational reasons for her time away that come to light in due course, but mystery hangs over much of the novel’s first act, especially concerning Adam’s father. Adam is told that Ray is a “one-event girl,” which he understands to mean at least three things: that she’s strictly a slalom skier; that, like her two older sisters, she has only one child; and that she may in fact have had sex only one time (i.e., when Adam was conceived). Ray herself refers to Adam as her “one and only,” and later on as the love of her life. This is The Last Chairlift ’s central relationship, and it’s so effectively rendered that the reader doesn’t stumble over what would in less gentle hands be uncomfortable intimacies, such as Ray and Adam’s habit of sleeping in the same bed. (Adam’s relationship with his mother is less Oedipal than Proustian.)

As Adam grows up, his older cousin Nora lets him in, piece by piece, on the family lore. Bluntly, she tells Adam that all their family’s problems have to do with sex. And here, the Brewster clan slots into Irving’s accurate but blinkered vision of the United States as a country violently inhospitable to sexual minorities. When Ray marries an English teacher named Elliot Barlow, some members of the family suspect she’s serving as his “beard.” There turns out to be a seed of truth to this, in that Ray is in fact a lesbian and Elliot is a gay man who eventually comes out as a transgender woman. Meanwhile, Ray’s judgmental sisters and puritan father, for Irving, represent not just cultural relics but persistent forces in American society.

The Brewster paterfamilias is imbued with pathos as he declines from dementia, but Adam’s aunts might as well be Cinderella’s evil step sisters. Irving, at this point in his life, has little time for exploring the psychology of intolerance; his focus is squarely on the victims and the survivors. Granted, he misses opportunities for nuance and complexity but stays true to his convictions. We may admire his humanism while at times cringing at his narrator’s unoriginal political broadsides and the author’s own bland, even condescending “love is love” perspective.

Some readers will undoubtedly take issue with Irving rooting his story in a heterosexual character’s experiences, but there’s an element of modesty to this approach that’s worth acknowledging, if not commending. Others may actually be relieved that Irving didn’t attempt to fully inhabit his gay and transgender characters’ lives; though he effectively dials up the pain of watching a loved one die from AIDS, his depiction of New York counterculture during the civil rights era is unconvincing, and thankfully only a small part of The Last Chairlift . Perhaps Irving’s boldest conceit, though, is showing the non-sexual married relationship between Ray and Elliot as nurturing for Adam and fulfilling for each other.

The Last Chairlift ultimately turns out to be about autobiographical fiction as much as an example of it. Some 200 pages are given over to Adam’s unproduced screenplay based on a trip he makes to Aspen, where he was conceived. Much like the second half of 1998’s A Widow for One Year , which transforms a coming-of-age story into a detective yarn, the insertion of a feature-length film script into the novel sounds thrillingly inventive in theory but in practice is rather tedious. Adam isn’t the only autobiographical writer in the novel, but his is the only writing we get to read, and let’s just say it’s difficult to buy, in the absence of any further evidence, that he’s won an Oscar by the end of the story. We just have to take the Academy’s word for it that Adam is as talented a writer as Irving himself.

And Irving, indeed, is one of the most talented novelists of his generation, which is why the protracted longeurs in his work are so frustrating. Few living writers can outdo him at plot construction; the first act of The Last Chairlift is a master class in the gradual accumulation of details and unanswered questions, all of which pay off in a tragically madcap finale. Perhaps it’s simply that childhood is Irving’s best subject, as the early parts of his novels are often the most engaging. But reckoning with the frustration of a John Irving novel, pushing through it to reach the payoff, is, at this point, an inextricable part of the experience of reading him. In that sense, no matter how many shorter books come forth, this shall be the last John Irving novel.

John Irving’s The Last Chairlift is now available from Simon & Schuster.

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I’m about 20% though the book now, and like all 14 of his prior novels which I loved, I’m loving this one too.

Irving has long been my favorite contemporary author.

whut? no bears?

excellent review, succinct, honest, humourous, and kind whilst still exercising critical analysis.

Overall, I felt an emotional connection to the characters and felt sad at the end. At times the narrative seemed repetitive and tedious (perhaps more typical of a first-person narration), but certainly realistic. The story was, nonetheless, compelling.

I have read all but two of Irving’s novels. I live in Colorado and ski. When I heard that Irving’s latest book was called The Last Chairlift and would be a ghost story taking place partially in Colorado, I was very excited. Now I am excited that I finished this 900 page book so I can read something else. If you like Irving, read it. The Beatles were master songwriters. Some songs better than others. Same with Irving books. I found this book cumbersome, plodding and in need of an editor. That all being said, I look forward to reading those two unread Irving novels.

Excellent review, and spot on. Irving’s moral high ground is claimed through juxtaposition with extremes, not everyday people. But his plot and characters are compelling. The ending was weak; really had to slog through it to get there. Not upset I read it. But because of the extreme politics, it made it tougher.

I love this review and the comments. I’m a long-standing Irving fan however this one is a struggle and I’m looking for inspiration to keep going. The comment about the Beatles clicked. If you are a fan go deep in the catalogue. Sometimes there are treasures that stay with you for a long time. I loved Widow for One Year and never prematurely turn my wheels at a stop light because of it.

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Submitting a book for review, write the editor, you are here:, the last chairlift.

John Irving is often accused of rewriting his own autobiography in each novel he produces (which is highly unfair considering the well-worn writer’s adage “write what you know”). Sure, his writing is self-referential. He draws from his own experiences, but that’s where it ends.

The reader sees similar themes run throughout Irving’s books --- including sex, gender, love, abandonment, orphaned children, prep schools, independent women, New England, and writing as a career. But like a good movie remake or sequel, these references are Easter eggs, nods to familiarity, to the insider who knows his work. They are like comfortable shoes that one wears everyday…because why would you wear something else?

"For the true Irving devotee, THE LAST CHAIRLIFT...has it all, and then some. For those unfamiliar with Irving, start with an earlier work, and fall in love with his ability to create realistically absurd scenarios and enthrallingly memorable characters."

That’s where Irving excels. He gives us what we, his fans, want from him, but he also takes us down different and unexpected paths each time. He engages the reader right from the start in THE LAST CHAIRLIFT with a likable albeit unconventional narrator, Adam, who is struggling with issues of identity.

Reminiscent of Irving’s most notable character Garp (and yet not), Adam is the only child of Rachel, or Little Ray, as she is known in the family. A one-time Olympic hopeful, Rachel is a seasonal ski instructor who disappears for months at a time, leaving Adam to be raised by his extended family of eccentric individuals (like a grandfather who appears as a ghost later, dressed solely in a diaper). There is an assemblage of characters --- gay, straight, trans, mute, moaning, dead, ghostly, short, wrestling, skiing --- but at the heart of the book is a child-man searching for answers he may never get.

Irving is not a clichéd writer. His scenes are often surprisingly delightful in their departure from expectation, which I have always loved about his work. You don’t see what’s coming, despite how visual his writing is. When it lands, you can’t help but be transfixed by both the stellar landing and the sheer uniqueness of it. A few examples include the transition of Rachel’s husband of convenience to a woman, Adam’s escorting of two corpses down a mountain slope on the titular chairlift, a girlfriend’s bowel evacuation in bed --- all astonishing scenes that result in the shake of a reader’s head and a tandem smile. The book is rife with these vignettes, as is any Irving novel. These are quirky characters living life to its quirkiest.

An Irving book would not be complete without commentary on the larger issues of life and the world. Acceptance is at the heart of this novel, whether familial, societal, sexual or political. Irving touches on it all in this 900-plus-page volume. “There is more than one way to love people,” says one pivotal character, a line that speaks to the core of the story, if not all of Irving’s oeuvre. At base, Adam, a struggling screenwriter, is witnessing and discovering love in all its permutations.

For the true Irving devotee, THE LAST CHAIRLIFT (which he has stated will be his last novel) has it all, and then some. For those unfamiliar with Irving, start with an earlier work, and fall in love with his ability to create realistically absurd scenarios and enthrallingly memorable characters. You will appreciate this voluminous book more if you are familiar with and have grown to adore what Irving is inviting you to experience.

Reviewed by Roberta O'Hara on October 21, 2022

The Last Chairlift by John Irving

Publication Date: October 3, 2023
Genres: Fiction
Paperback: 912 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN-10: 150118928X
ISBN-13: 9781501189289

ADMIN AREA MY BOOKSHELF MY DASHBOARD MY PROFILE SIGN OUT SIGN IN

A WIDOW FOR ONE YEAR

by John Irving ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 1998

Irving’s latest LBM (Loose Baggy Monster, that is), which portrays with seriocomic gusto the literary life and its impact on both writers and their families, is simultaneously one of his most intriguing books and one of his most self-indulgent and flaccid. Though it’s primarily the story of successful novelist Ruth Cole, the lengthy foreground, set in Sagaponack, Long Island, in 1958, is dominated by Ruth’s parents, Ted and Marion, both minor novelists (though Ted later becomes rich and famous as a writer and illustrator of children’s stories), both mourning the deaths of their two teenaged sons in an automobile accident. Ted copes by seducing younger (often married) women; Marion, by bearing a daughter (Ruth) whom she’ll later abandon following her affair with 16-year-old Eddie O’Hare, a prep-school student hired by Ted as a “writer’s assistant.” Later sections, set in 1990 and 1995, dwell melodramatically on Ruth’s painstaking progress toward romantic happiness (including a European book tour that involves her with a prostitutes’-rights organization) and the lingering effects of their adolescent affair on Eddie, who’s now a middle-aged novelist and “perpetual visiting writer-in-residence” with a lifelong passion for older women. A grieving widow, offended by one of Ruth’s novels, pronounces a curse on her. Eddie accidentally learns that the fugitive Marion is living in Canada, writing detective novels (by now the bemused reader may have anticipated the question later put to Ruth: “Is everyone you know a writer?”). The story moves sluggishly, and overindulges both Irving’s (Trying to Save Piggy Sneed, 1996, etc.) love of intricate Victorian plots and his literary likes and dislikes. On the other hand, his characters are vividly imagined, insistent presences who get under your skin and stay with you. A thoughtful, if diffuse, examination of how writers make art of their lives and loves without otherwise benefitting from the process. The borderline-tearful ending is a bit much, but at least there aren’t any bears.

Pub Date: May 1, 1998

ISBN: 0-375-50137-1

Page Count: 608

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1998

LITERARY FICTION

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BOOK REVIEW

by John Irving

THINGS FALL APART

by Chinua Achebe ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 23, 1958

This book sings with the terrible silence of dead civilizations in which once there was valor.

Written with quiet dignity that builds to a climax of tragic force, this book about the dissolution of an African tribe, its traditions, and values, represents a welcome departure from the familiar "Me, white brother" genre.

Written by a Nigerian African trained in missionary schools, this novel tells quietly the story of a brave man, Okonkwo, whose life has absolute validity in terms of his culture, and who exercises his prerogative as a warrior, father, and husband with unflinching single mindedness. But into the complex Nigerian village filters the teachings of strangers, teachings so alien to the tribe, that resistance is impossible. One must distinguish a force to be able to oppose it, and to most, the talk of Christian salvation is no more than the babbling of incoherent children. Still, with his guns and persistence, the white man, amoeba-like, gradually absorbs the native culture and in despair, Okonkwo, unable to withstand the corrosion of what he, alone, understands to be the life force of his people, hangs himself. In the formlessness of the dying culture, it is the missionary who takes note of the event, reminding himself to give Okonkwo's gesture a line or two in his work, The Pacification of the Primitive Tribes of the Lower Niger .

Pub Date: Jan. 23, 1958

ISBN: 0385474547

Page Count: 207

Publisher: McDowell, Obolensky

Review Posted Online: April 23, 2013

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1958

More by Chinua Achebe

by Chinua Achebe

THE EDUCATION OF A BRITISH-PROTECTED CHILD

THE SECRET HISTORY

by Donna Tartt ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 16, 1992

The Brat Pack meets The Bacchae in this precious, way-too-long, and utterly unsuspenseful town-and-gown murder tale. A bunch of ever-so-mandarin college kids in a small Vermont school are the eager epigones of an aloof classics professor, and in their exclusivity and snobbishness and eagerness to please their teacher, they are moved to try to enact Dionysian frenzies in the woods. During the only one that actually comes off, a local farmer happens upon them—and they kill him. But the death isn't ruled a murder—and might never have been if one of the gang—a cadging sybarite named Bunny Corcoran—hadn't shown signs of cracking under the secret's weight. And so he too is dispatched. The narrator, a blank-slate Californian named Richard Pepen chronicles the coverup. But if you're thinking remorse-drama, conscience masque, or even semi-trashy who'll-break-first? page-turner, forget it: This is a straight gee-whiz, first-to-have-ever-noticed college novel—"Hampden College, as a body, was always strangely prone to hysteria. Whether from isolation, malice, or simple boredom, people there were far more credulous and excitable than educated people are generally thought to be, and this hermetic, overheated atmosphere made it a thriving black petri dish of melodrama and distortion." First-novelist Tartt goes muzzy when she has to describe human confrontations (the murder, or sex, or even the ping-ponging of fear), and is much more comfortable in transcribing aimless dorm-room paranoia or the TV shows that the malefactors anesthetize themselves with as fate ticks down. By telegraphing the murders, Tartt wants us to be continually horrified at these kids—while inviting us to semi-enjoy their manneristic fetishes and refined tastes. This ersatz-Fitzgerald mix of moralizing and mirror-looking (Jay McInerney shook and poured the shaker first) is very 80's—and in Tartt's strenuous version already seems dated, formulaic. Les Nerds du Mal—and about as deep (if not nearly as involving) as a TV movie.

Pub Date: Sept. 16, 1992

ISBN: 1400031702

Page Count: 592

Publisher: Knopf

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1992

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by Donna Tartt

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Review: John Irving writes long tale ‘The Last Chairlift’

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Best & Worst of John Irving

Please welcome today’s guest blogger: John from Pretty Sinister Books , who will be discussing the best and worst of John Irving.

When it comes to picking my favorite novel by John Irving it at first seems a disquieting task. Do I go for the all out favorite A Prayer for Owen Meany? Do I choose his odd but strangely moving debut that gave us his obsession with bears, Austrian pensions and motorcycles Setting Free The Bears? Or do I surprise everyone with something else?

Homer Wells, learns from his father figure Dr. Wilbur Larch, to be the best kind of man, to treat women with kindness and compassion. He learns most of these lessons while serving as an apprentice to a physician known for being the only man in town who will perform abortions. But the book is never a novel that uses the story and characters to exploit a sociopolitical platform on a woman’s right to choose or any other hot topic associated with that medical procedure.

The characters in The Cider House Rules more than anything make this book one of my lifelong favorites. If you have seen the movie version — with a skillfully adapted screenplay by John Irving from his dense novel — you do not know the real story of the novel. The lives of so many characters are never seen in the movie. The nurses and women especially get the short shrift in the movie, In fact, my favorite female character — the wild Melony who escapes Dr. Larch’s home — is completely absent from the movie. Gone too is the true message of living a life of purpose and finding a reason to be of use in the world. Most importantly, Irving’s love of storytelling shines through in the narrative, the frequent literary allusions and the rich prose sections. Books become powerful tools, a way to escape the confines of the sometimes oppressive orphanage. The orphans fall in love with Dickens and Bronte. Melony even flees carrying a copy of Jane Eyre with her.

Following The Cider House Rules Irving pledged to spend a full four years in order to write each novel afterwards. But around the time of A Widow for One Year I began to grow tired of what appeared to be the lazy writer’s habit of recycling his earlier novels. Widow felt like a rewrite of Garp from a woman’s point of view. Then came The Fourth Hand a comparatively slight novel with an odd premise that seemed to be a rewrite of A Son of the Circus set in the US with its emphasis on hand surgery and orthopedics echoing the story of the surgeons of India in that earlier bizarre novel often dismissed as Irving’s worst and most lurid novel. Is that my nominee for his worst? Oh no, my friends.

Sometimes a writer so entrances us with his imaginative powers early in his career we keep hoping he can dazzle us anew again and again in each book. I think John Irving has said all he can say for me. I choose to remember my first encounters like the books I mention above and being dazzled. And I’d prefer to reread Garp, Cider House, Owen Meany or even Setting Free The Bears than to read anything new he might have to offer in the future.

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Steampunk: H.G. Wells
Mailbox Monday - May 6
Signs You are Reading Too Much Twilight
Twilight: Love it or Hate it?
Taken by Erin Bowman
The Best of All Possible Worlds: A Novel by Karen Lord
Mailbox Monday - April 22
Best & Worst of Dick Francis
Best & Worst of Charise Mericle Harper
Saturday Snapshot - February 23
Best & Worst of Steve Berry
Best & Worst of Agatha Christie
Books that Make Me Blush
Best & Worst of Donna Leon
Mailbox Monday - February 4
Best & Worst of A.J. Jacobs
Reached by Ally Condie
January Giveaway Winners
Mailbox Monday - January 28
Abridged Book Frustrations
Best & Worst of Bill Bryson
Back to the Future Giveaway Hop
Mailbox Monday - January 21
Logicomix by Apostolos Doxiadis, Christos H. Papadimitriou, Alecos Papadatos and Annie Di Donna
Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan
Replay by Ken Grimwood
Best & Worst Series
Dwarf by Tiffanie DiDonato
Mailbox Monday - January 7
January Book Giveaway (Closed)
December Giveaway Winners
Mini Reviews: Beautiful Ruins, Maisie Dobbs, Fingersmith
Wish List Additions
Best of 2012 and Reading Stats
Mailbox Monday - December 31
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
Best & Worst Invitation & Stats
Strong in the Rain by Lucy Birmingham and David McNeill
Tense & Offensive Reading
Best & Worst of Katherine Neville
Mailbox Monday - December 10
December Book Giveaway (Closed)
Best & Worst of Dan Brown
Crewel by Gennifer Albin
The Second Empress by Michelle Moran
Best & Worst of Sophie Kinsella
Giveaway Winners
Mailbox Monday - November 26
Happy Thanksgiving!
Best & Worst of Georgette Heyer
Heads in Beds by Jacob Tomsky
Mailbox Monday - November 19
Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold
Gratitude Giveaway Hop
Best & Worst of Cormac McCarthy
Divide and Conquer by Carrie Ryan - Infinity Ring Book 2
Mailbox Monday - November 12
The Far West by Patricia C. Wrede
Lost at Sea by Jon Ronson
Best & Worst of Kristin Hannah
Mutiny in Time by James Dashner
Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier
November Book Giveaway (Closed)
Best & Worst of Charles Dickens
October Giveaway Winners
Adaptation by Malinda Lo
Mailbox Monday - October 29
Two Books I Did Not Finish
Falling Free by Lois McMaster Bujold
Best & Worst of Richard Russo
Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
Mailbox Monday - October 22
Edge of Oblivion - Giveaway (Closed)
Evan Burl and the Falling by Justin Blaney - Review & Giveaway (Closed)
Best & Worst of Doris Lessing
Giveaway Winner - The Spy Lover
Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
Mailbox Monday - October 15
Summer and Bird by Katherine Catmull
Star Trek: The Next Generation / Doctor Who: Assimilation 2 Volume 1
Best & Worst of Ursula K. Le Guin
Goodbye for Now by Laurie Frankel
Mailbox Monday - October 8
Toes by Tor Seidler
October Book Giveaway (Closed)
Best & Worst of Charlaine Harris
Eve and Adam by Katherine Applegate & Michael Grant
Mailbox Monday - October 1
Blogfest 2012 Giveaway
The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman
Best & Worst of Stephen King
Yesterday by C. K. Kelly Martin
Shadow Show: All New Stories in Celebration of Ray Bradbury
Giveaway: The Spy Lover by Kiana Davenport (Closed)
Best & Worst of Nicholas Sparks
First Cameraman by Arun Chaudhary
Mailbox Monday - September 17
Mini Reviews: Maria V. Snyder Series
Outpost by Ann Aguirre
Best & Worst of Kate Atkinson
September Book Giveaway (Closed)
Mailbox Monday - September 10
American Dervish Giveaway
Best & Worst of Sheri S. Tepper
Mini Reviews: Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven & Avatar: The Promise Part 2
Mailbox Monday - September 3
Every Day by David Levithan
Best & Worst Series - A New Season
The Absolutist by John Boyne
Mailbox Monday - August 27
Book News & Events
Princess Academy: Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Mailbox Monday - August 20
Enemies: A History of the FBI by Tim Weiner - DNF
The Forgetting River by Doreen Carvajal
January First Giveaway (Closed)
Me Who Dove Into the Heart of the World by Sabina Berman
Mailbox Monday - August 13
On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves
January First by Michael Schofield
Some Kind of Fairy Tale by Graham Joyce
Mailbox Monday - August 6
August Book Giveaway (Closed)
Touch of Power & Insurgent - Mini Reviews
July Giveaway Winners
Best & Worst Series - Upcoming Posts
Mailbox Monday - July 30
Between a Rock and a Hard Place & The Scottish Prisoner - Mini Reviews
The Violinist's Thumb by Sam Kean
Best & Worst of Anne McCaffrey
The House of the Scorpion & Pandemonium - Mini Reviews
Mailbox Monday - July 23
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The Song Remains the Same by Allison Winn Scotch
Best & Worst of James Patterson
DNA USA by Bryan Sykes
Mailbox Monday - July 16
A Rural Affair by Catherine Alliott
Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire
Best & Worst of Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Mrs. Robinson's Disgrace by Kate Summerscale
Mailbox Monday - July 9
The After-Effects of a Good Book
July Book Giveaway
Proving Darwin by Gregory Chaitin
Best & Worst of John Steinbeck
The Girl Below by Bianca Zander
Mailbox Monday - July 2
The Chaperone By Laura Moriarty
Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon
Best & Worst of Alice Hoffman
Prairie Tale by Melissa Gilbert
June Giveaway Winners
Mailbox Monday - June 25
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Visit Sunny Chernobyl by Andrew Blackwell
Best & Worst of Julian Barnes
Laddertop by Orson Scott Card
Mailbox Monday - June 18
Best & Worst of Kaye Gibbons
Mailbox Monday - June 11
Armchair BEA: Networking in Real Life
Armchair BEA Giveaway
Armchair BEA: Introductions
June Book Giveaway
Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon - Giveaway & Blog Tour
Best & Worst of Yusef Komunyakaa
The City & The City by China Mieville
May Giveaway Winners
Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop
Every Last One by Anna Quindlen
Best & Worst of Isabel Allende
Then Again by Diane Keaton
Mailbox Monday - May 21
Subliminal by Leonard Mlodinow
Best & Worst of Jane Urquhart
The Cranes Dance by Meg Howrey
Mailbox Monday - May 14
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Book Discoveries - May 10
Best & Worst of Mary Sharratt
The Engines of God by Jack McDevitt
Mailbox Monday - May 7
May Book Giveaway (Closed)
11/22/63 by Stephen King
Best & Worst of Scarlett Thomas
April Giveaway Winners
A Stolen Life by Jaycee Lee Dugard
Mailbox Monday - April 30
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Prague Winter by Madeleine Albright
Best & Worst of Cecelia Ahern
Stories I Only Tell My Friends by Rob Lowe
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
Best & Worst of Sebastian Faulks
Mailbox Monday - April 16
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
Mini Reviews: Biographies & Memoirs
Best & Worst of Julie Klassen
Independent Book Blogger Awards
The Greatest Love Story of All Time - Winner
April Book Giveaway
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Best & Worst of Audrey Niffenegger
An Autobiography: Agatha Christie
Mailbox Monday - April 2
The House at Tyneford - Giveaway
Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon
Best & Worst of Richard B. Wright
The Death Cure by James Dashner - Reflections
March Giveaway Winners
Mailbox Monday - March 26
The Greatest Love Story of All Time - Giveaway (Closed)
Mini Reviews: Call of the Wild & The Hobbit
Best & Worst of Elizabeth Berg
Tuscon Trip Part 2
2011 Indie Lit Awards Winners
Mailbox Monday - March 19
V For Vendetta - Reflections
Notes From My Tucson Trip - Part 1
Best & Worst of Joanne Harris
Before and After
Religion for Atheists - Why I Did Not Finish
March Book Giveaway (Closed)
Best & Worst of J. K. Rowling
The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides - Reflections
An Invisible Thread Giveaway Winners
Mailbox Monday - March 5
The Dragon's Child by Jenny Nimmo - Interview with My Son
Best & Worst of Mo Willems
February Book Giveaway Winners
Old Man's War & The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi - Mini Reviews
Mailbox Monday - February 27
Tucson Festival of Books
Mini Reviews: A Long Long Sleep & Enclave
Best & Worst of Jodi Picoult
An Invisible Thread - Giveaway (Closed)
Mailbox Monday - February 20
Follower Love Giveaway Winner
One Day by David Nicholls - Review
Best & Worst of Jacqueline Winspear
Eclectic Questions
Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Promise Part 1
Mailbox Monday - February 13
Pure by Julianna Baggott - Review
Best & Worst of Joyce Carol Oates
Immortal Bird by Doron Weber - Review
Follower Love Giveaway Hop (Closed)
Google Friend Connect & Following
February Book Giveaway (Closed)
Best & Worst of Joshilyn Jackson
Stasiland by Anna Funder - Review
Mailbox Monday - January 30
The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe - Review
Cinder by Marissa Meyer - Review
Best & Worst of Patricia Cornwell
The World We Found by Thrity Umrigar - Review
Mailbox Monday - January 23
Blog Status Update
Mailbox Monday - January 16
Best & Worst of Marjane Satrapi
Best & Worst Reads of 2011 - Young Adult & MG
Mailbox Monday - January 9
Best & Worst Nonfiction Reads of 2011
Best & Worst of Janet Evanovich
Best & Worst Fiction Reads of 2011
Mailbox Monday - January 2
Back Up and Running
Mini Reviews: We All Wore Stars, Legend, Crossed
Best & Worst of Shakespeare
December Giveaway Winners!
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Mailbox Monday - December 26
MWF Seeking BFF by Rachel Bertsche - Review
Best & Worst on Holiday
Monday Mailbox - December 19
The Man Who Couldn't Eat by Jon Reiner - Review
Best & Worst of Neil Gaiman
New Time Travel Reading Challenge Host
An Easy Way to Help Kids Get Free Books
Mailbox Monday - December 12
Awesome Author & Time Travel Challenges
Best & Worst of Ian McEwan
Haiti After the Earthquake - DNF
The Best and Worst of Terry Pratchett
Mailbox Monday - November 28
Grammar Girl's 101 Words to Sound Smart - Review
Best & Worst of Anita Shreve
The Pledge by Kimberly Derting - Review
Mailbox Monday - November 21
Geek Girls Unite by Leslie Simon - Review
Gratitude Giveaway Hop (Closed)
Best & Worst of Christopher Marlowe
The Unconquered by Scott Wallace - Review
Star Wars: The Blueprints
Mailbox Monday - November 14
Bookish Links & News
Mini Reviews: The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus, This Life in Your Hands, Fire Season
Best & Worst of Sara Gruen
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - Review
Mailbox Monday - November 7
Breaking the Code by Karen Fisher-Alaniz - Review
Best & Worst of Christopher Moore
October Book Giveaway Winners
Happy Halloween!
Mailbox Monday - October 31
DNF - Bumped by Megan McCafferty
Reamde by Neal Stephenson - Review
Best & Worst of Zoe Heller
There But For The - Giveaway Winners
A Thousand Lives by Julia Scheeres - Review
Mailbox Monday - October 24
Character Photo Mini Challenge - 24 Hour Readathon
The Apothecary by Maile Meloy - Review
The Lost Photographs of Captain Scott - Review
Mailbox Monday - October 17
Mini Reviews: Revolution, Eona, Where She Went
Across the Great Barrier by Patricia C. Wrede - Review
Best & Worst of Gregory Maguire
Across Many Mountains by Yangzom Brauen
Mailbox Monday - October 10
There But For The by Ali Smith - Review & Giveaway (Closed)
Best & Worst of Jane Austen
October Book Giveaway
Mailbox Monday - October 3
Signs of Life by Natalie Taylor - Review
September Giveaway Winners
Best & Worst - Yann Martel
In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson - Review
It's Monday, What are You Reading - September 26
The Revisionists by Thomas Mullen - Review
Theodora by Stella Duffy - Review
Goliath by Scott Westerfeld - Review
Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories - Review
Mailbox Monday - September 19
BBAW Giveaway Winner
Never the Hope Itself by Gerry Hadden - Review
Book Blogging Community
My Favorite Bookstore
Mailbox Monday - September 12
Book Blogger Appreciation Week - Giveaway (Closed)
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan - Review
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick - Review
Giveaway Winner
Mailbox Monday - September 5
It's Monday What Are You Reading - September 5
New Wednesday Feature - Best & Worst
Indie Lit Awards Nominations Open
When She Woke by Hillary Jordan - Review
My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares - Review
August Giveaway Winners
Mailbox Monday August 29
It's Monday What Are You Reading - August 29
Saturday Snapshot - August 27
Divergent by Veronica Roth - Review
Gone by Michael Grant - Review
The Brummstein by Peter Adolphsen - Review
Blood Wounds by Susan Beth Pfeffer - Review
What Language is by John McWhorter - Review & Giveaway (Closed)
The Fox Inheritance Giveaway Winner
Friday Finds - August 19
The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson - Review
DNF - Life is too Short
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline - Review
Giveaway Winner - How to Be an American Housewife
Mailbox Monday & What Are You Reading - August 15
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde - Review
Next to Love by Ellen Feldman - Review
Mailbox Monday - August 8
Bookish News and Links
The Fox Inheritance Audiobook - Giveaway (Closed)
Blind Descent by James M. Tabor - Review
How to Be an American Housewife - Giveaway (Closed)
Indie Lit Awards Books
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot - Review
Miss New India by Bharati Mukherjee - Review
The Sun's Heartbeat by Bob Berman - Review
Mailbox Monday - July 25
Friday Finds - July 15
Grammar Girl's Books - Review & Giveaway (Closed)
Global Climate Change by Orrin H. Pilkey - Review
One Day - Giveaway Spectacular! (Closed)
The Sunday Salon - July 17
13 Little Blue Envelopes & The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson - Review
Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Lost Adventures
Mini Reviews: The Forgotten Garden, A Cup of Friendship, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt
Mailbox Monday - July 11
The Map of Time by Felix J. Palma - Review
The Lucky Kind by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
July Book Giveaway (Closed)
I've Changed Locations
Mini Reviews: Outside In, Delirium and XVI
Hawaii - Part 2
Turn Right at Machu Picchu - Review
Hawaii - Part 1
I'm Back From Vacation
The Man in the Rockefeller Suit by Mark Seal - Review
Mailbox Monday June 20
Friday Finds - Graphic Novels
Mini Reviews: 29, Bellwether & The Four Ms. Bradwells
Bad Re-Reads
Mailbox Monday - June 13
I've Been Interviewed
Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
June Book Giveaway (Closed)
Elizabeth Taylor, A Passion For Life - Review
The Greatest Music Stories Never Told - Review
May Totals - Complete Insanity
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett - Review
Splash Into Summer Winners!
The Geek Dad's Guide to Weekend Fun - Review
Mailbox Monday - May 30
Friday Finds - BEA Week
Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop (Closed)
Armchair BEA - Interview
Armchair BEA 2011 - Giveaway (Closed)
Two Kisses For Maddy by Matthew Logelin - Review
Armchair BEA - Introductions
Resistance by Agnes Humbert - Review
Across the Universe by Beth Revis - Review
Passage by Connie Willis - Review
Pam Allyn's Best Books for Boys - Review
Mailbox Monday - May 15
Indie Lit Awards - Reviewers
In Stitches - Giveaway Winner
The Adoration of Jenna Fox - Review
Mini Reviews: If I Stay and D.A.
Mailbox Monday - May 2
Friday Finds - April 29
The Wrong Mother by Sophie Hannah - Review
A Genre Question For You
The Other Life by Ellen Meister - Review
In Stitches - Review
April Giveaway Winners!
Mailbox Monday - April 25
Bad Day For Sorry by Sophie Littlefield - Review
Mini Reviews: The Persian Pickle Club & Wishing Well
Little Princes by Conor Grennan - Review
Mailbox Monday - April 18
Friday Finds - April 15
The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens - Review
All Clear by Connie Willis - Review
Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton - Review
Mailbox Monday - April 11
Blackout by Connie Willis
Indie Lit Awards 2011
Mailbox Monday - April 4
March Reading Totals
April Book Giveaway (Closed)
Mini Reviews: Behemoth and The Children of Men
March Giveaway Winners!
Mailbox Monday - March 28
Fannie's Last Supper - Review
Unbearable Lightness by Portia de Rossi - Review
Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran - Review
The World is Bigger Now by Euna Lee - Review
Mailbox Monday - March 21
The Tucson Book Festival - Part 1
The White House Doctor by Connie Mariano- Review
Oh No She Didn't by Clinton Kelly - Review
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand - Review
The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern - Review
Giveaway Winner - Letters From Home!
Mailbox Monday - March 7
Friday Finds - March 4
February Wrap-up
Letters From Home by Kristina McMorris - Review
February Giveaway Winners!
This is No Drill by Henry Berry - Review
Katie Up and Down the Hall - Review
Promise Me by Nancy G. Brinker - Review
Afternoon Update
Giveaway - Letters From Home by Kristina McMorris (Closed)
Mailbox Monday - February 21
Friday Finds - February 18
The Summerhouse - Review
To Say Nothing of the Dog - Review
Giveaway Winners!
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova - Review
Mailbox Monday - February 7
Friday Finds - February 4
The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown - Review
February 2011 Book Giveaway (Closed)
January 2011 Wrap Up
Review & Giveaway - Dirty Secret by Jessie Sholl (Closed)
Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt
Mailbox Monday - January 24
Reading Irony
Dreaming of Books Winner!
Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa - Review
Giveaway: Madame Tussaud Book & Earrings (Closed)
Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop (Closed)
Giveaway Winner!
Best of 2010 - Graphic Novels & Short Stories
Best & Worst of 2010 - Young Adult
Best & Worst of 2010 - Time Travel Fiction
Best & Worst of 2010 - General Fiction
Best & Worst of 2010 - Nonfiction
My Gift Card Purchase
Mini Reviews - Part 4
Mini Reviews - Part 3
Mini Reviews - Part 2
Mini Reviews - Part 1
I Need Your Book Recommendation
To Have Not - Guest Post & Giveaway (Closed)
Reading Challenges
Time Travel Reading Challenge 2011 - Reviews
Awesome Author Challenge - Review Links 2011
Awesome Author Challenge 2011 - My List
Time Travel Reading Challenge - My List
New Author Challenge 2011
Graphic Novel Challenge 2011
Chunkster Challenge 2011
42 Challenge
2011 Book Reviews
A to Z Challenge 2011
The Memorable Memoir Challenge
Reading the World Challenge
Where Are You Reading 2011
Take a Chance Challenge 2011
Friday Finds - December 17
By Fire, By Water by Mitchell James Kaplan
What I Thought I Knew - Giveaway & Review (Closed)
Mailbox Monday - December 13
Friday Finds - December 10
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis - Review
Hiroshima by John Hersey - Review
Time Travel Reading Challenge 2011
The Polski Affair Winner!
Mailbox Monday - December 6
Awesome Author Challenge 2011
I'm At Book Journey Today
November Wrap-Up
December Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway (Closed)
Sisters: An Anthology - Review
November Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway Winners!
Tell Me Another Morning by Zdena Berger - Review
Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs - Review
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver - Review
Wine Grape Card Winner!
Mailbox Monday - November 22
The Polski Affair - Giveaway and Guest Blog
I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg - Review
Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder - Review
Mailbox Monday - November 15
Friday Finds - November 12
Awesome Author Challenge Reviews - Nov/Dec
Green Books Campaign 2010 - Review & Giveaway (Closed)
Book Lovers Calendar Winners!
Mailbox Monday - November 8
Inspector Singh Investigates: A Most Peculiar Malaysian Murder - Review
The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - Review
November Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway (Closed)
Musashi Readalong - Books 3 & 4
Mailbox Monday - November 1
Friday Finds - October 29
My Favorite Reads - October 28
Poisoned Pens by Gary Dexter - Review
Anne's House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery - Review
October Giveaway Winners!
Book Lovers Calendar Giveaway (Closed)
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls - Review
My Favorite Reads - October 21
The Link by Colin Tudge - Review
My Reading Roots
CSN Giveaway - $100 Gift Certificate (Closed)
Mailbox Monday - October 18
The Perfect Love Song - Giveaway (Closed)
Friday Finds - October 15
My Favorite Reads - October 14
Valeria's Last Stand by Marc Fitten - Review
The Financial Lives of the Poets by Jess Walter - Review
Musashi Readalong - Book 2
Character Photo Mini Challenge (Closed)
Reading Themes
My Favorite Reads - October 7
In Arabian Nights by Tahir Shah - Review
Unwind by Neal Shusterman - Review
The Financial Lives of the Poets Winners!
Musashi Readalong - Book 1
Mailbox Monday - October 4
September Wrap Up 2010
October Bookshelf Cleaning - Closed
Matched by Ally Condie - Review
The Mental Floss History of the United States - Giveaway (Closed)
My Favorite Reads - September 30
The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno - Review
The Wishing Trees by John Shors - Giveaway (Closed)
If a Tree Falls by Jennifer Rosner - Review
September Giveaway Winners!
Mailbox Monday - September 27
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood - Review
My Favorite Reads - September 23
Love and Pollywogs from Camp Calamity - Review
Top 100 20th Century Novels by Women
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - Review *Contains Spoilers*
The Financial Lives of the Poets - Giveaway (Closed)
Musashi - A Readalong
BBAW Giveaway Winners!
Friday Finds - September 17
BBAW - Future Treasures
My Favorite Reads - BBAW Style
Confessions of a Former Bully - Review
BBAW - Interview Swap with Violet Crush
Mailbox Monday - September 13
BBAW - First Treasure
BBAW - Book Giveaway (Closed)
BlogFest 2010 Giveaway Winner!
BlogFest 2010 - $20 Book Depository Giveaway (Closed)
My Favorite Reads - September 9
Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wrede - Review
Confessions of a Prairie Bitch by Alison Arngrim - Review
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri - Review
Awesome Author Challenge Reviews for Sept./Oct. 2010
Monthly Wrap Up for August 2010
September Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway (Closed)
Baxter, the Pig Who Wanted to Be Kosher - Review
My Favorite Reads - September 2
Review Book - Has Been Claimed
My Fabulous New Bookcase!
The French Blue by Richard W. Wise - Review
Mailbox Monday - August 30
Friday Finds - August 27
My Favorite Reads - August 26
Harry Potter Mini Reviews - Books 6 & 7
My Favorite Reads - August 19
The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing by Tarquin Hall
Steve & Me by Terri Irwin - Review
Mailbox Monday - August 16
Friday Finds - August 13
Giveaway - Under the Dome by Stephen King (Closed)
My Favorite Reads - August 12
This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer - Review
Beneath the Thirteen Moons - Review
Mailbox Monday - August 9
Upcoming CSN Bookcase Review
Friday Finds - August 6
My Favorite Reads - August 5
The Dead & the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer - Review
Harry Potter Mini Reviews - Books 4 & 5
August 2010 Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway (Closed)
Mailbox Monday - August 2
June and July Wrap Up Posts
Friday Finds - July 30
Babushka's Beauty Secrets by Raisa Ruder - Review
My Favorite Reads - July 29
Red Hook Road by Ayelet Waldman - Review
An Eagle Named Freedom by Jeff Guidry - Review
July Bookshelf Cleaning Winners!
Fit For Life - Giveaway (Closed)
High Adventure: The Story of the National Geographic Society - Review
The Island by Elin Hilderbrand - Audiobook Giveaway
Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer - Review
My Favorite Reads - July 22
The Caliph's House by Tahir Shah - Review
How to Be an American Housewife Review & Giveaway (Closed)
Mailbox Monday - July 19
Pyongyang by Guy Delisle - Review
Friday Finds - July 16
War by Sebastian Junger - Review
My Favorite Reads - July 15
Shenzhen by Guy Delisle - Review
Critical Care by Theresa Brown - Review
Time Travel Challenge Wrap-Up Post
Awesome Author Challenge Reviews for July/August 2010
Lucky Girl by Mei-Ling Hopgood - Review
My Favorite Reads - The Long Winter
The Season of Second Chances by Diane Meier - Review
My Vacation in Book Covers - Part 1
Mailbox Monday - July 5
July 2010 Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway - Closed
My Favorite Reads - Marley & Me
Dragonquest by Anne McCaffrey - Review
The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott - Review
L. Diane Wolfe - Author Guest Post
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer - Review
My Favorite Reads - Dragonsong
Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean - Review
Harry Potter - Mini Reviews
June Bookshelf Cleaning Winners!
Mailbox Monday - June 21
My First New York - Review
My Favorite Reads - Where the Sidewalk Ends
Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness - Review
CSN Bookcase Giveaway Winner!
How I Became a Famous Novelist by Steve Hely - Review
Contest Winners!
Mailbox Monday - June 14
Monthly Wrap Up for May 2010
Book Blogger Appreciation Week
My Favorite Reads - June 10
What is the Best Way to Reply to Comments?
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead - Review
Mailbox Monday - June 7
June Bookshelf Cleaning (Closed)
My Favorite Reads - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Burma Chronicles by Guy Delisle - Review
CSN Bookcase Giveaway (Closed)
May Bookshelf Cleaning Winners!
How to Host a Successful Giveaway
My Favorite Reads - To Kill a Mockingbird
Lily by Cindy Bonner - Review
Armchair BEA - Signed Books
Mailbox Monday - May 24
The Post-Birthday World by Lionel Shriver - Review
My Favorite Reads - Kicked, Bitten, and Scratched
Put on Your Crown Audiobook Giveaway (Closed)
Moment of Glory - Audiobook Giveaway (Closed)
War by Sebastian Junger - Audiobook Giveaway (Closed)
That's How I Blog Interview Tonight!
Higher Education Winners!
The Arrival by Shaun Tan - Review
Friday Finds - May 14
Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel - Review
My Favorite Reads - The Thirteenth Tale
Thursday Night Widows by Claudia Pineiro - Review
Finished the Awesome Author Challenge?
That's How I Blog Interview
Mailbox Monday
My Favorite Reads Index
Monthy Wrap Up for April
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey - Review
My Favorite Reads - The Great Gatsby
Higher Education by Kenneth Jedding - Giveaway
Awesome Author Challenge Reviews For May/June 2010
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell - Review
Making Rounds With Oscar by David Dosa - Review
Whiter Than Snow Winners!
May Bookshelf Cleaning (Contest Closed)
Free Books For Review
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom - Review
My Favorite Reads - Memoirs of a Geisha
Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald - Review & Giveaway
The Council of Dads by Bruce Feiler - Giveaway
April Bookshelf Cleaning Winners!
Mailbox Monday - April 26
Friday Finds - April 23
My Favorite Reads - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
The Semantics of Murder by Aifric Campbell - Review
Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas - Giveaway
Mailbox Monday - April 19
Free Books for Review
Bookish Links and News
What about Self-Published Books?
Emma, Vol 9 by Kaoru Mori - Review
Rendezvous With Rama by Arthur C. Clarke - Review
What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell - Review
How Many Unread Books Do You Have?
The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli - Review
My Favorite Reads - Misty of Chincoteague
Going to D.C. (and New York)
Bone: Out from Boneville (Vol. 1) - Review
Mailbox Monday - April 5
Guest House Winner!
Monthly Wrap Up for March
April Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway
My Favorite Reads - Jurassic Park
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld - Review
Louisa May Alcott by Harriet Reisen - Review
March Bookshelf Cleaning Winners!
Mailbox Monday - March 29
I Concede Defeat
Sum: Forty Tales of the Afterlives by David Eagleman - Review
My Favorite Reads - Summer of My German Soldier
Time Travelers Never Die by Jack McDevitt - Review
Blindness by Jose Saramago - Review
Mailbox Monday - March 22
Friday Finds - March 19
Guest House by Barbara K. Richardson - Giveaway
My Favorite Reads - The Secret Garden
Magnolia Wednesdays Winners!
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro - Review
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks - Review
Mailbox Monday - March 15
February Wrapup
Friday Finds - March 12
My Favorite Reads - Hatchet
An Extra Special Book
Non-Fiction Five Challenge 2010
The Dolphin People by Torsten Krol - Review
Mailbox Monday - March 8
Friday Finds - March 5
My Favorite Reads - James and the Giant Peach
Postcards from a Dead Girl Winners!
March Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway
Awesome Author Challenge Reviews - March/April
Magnolia Wednesdays - Giveaway
Mailbox Monday - March 1
The Harlot's Progress: Yorkshire Molly - Review
My Favorite Reads - Doctor Dolittle
Mornings With Mailer by Dwayne Raymond - Review
Home Repair Winner!
Mailbox Monday - February 22
Friday Finds - February 19
The Hot Zone by Richard Preston - Review
An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon - Review
Postcards from a Dead Girl Giveaway
Last Snow Winner!
Shirley by Kaoru Mori - Review
Clearing Up Some of the Confusion
If You Use An Embedded Comment Box Please Read This
My Favorite Reads - Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
Mornings With Mailer Winners!
How to Get Things Really Flat - Review
Home Repair by Liz Rosenberg - Giveaway
Ulysses - Impossible to Understand?
Friday Finds - February 5
My Favorite Reads - The Three Musketeers
So Long and Thanks for all the Fish by Douglas Adams - Review
You Are Here Giveaway
Crazy Heart Giveaway
To Dance: A Ballerina's Graphic Novel - Review
Reading Glasses Shopper Winners!
February Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway
Last Snow Giveaway
Sci-Fi Monthly Review
Giveaway Update - Signed Books!
My Favorite Reads - The Ship Who Sang
The Makedown by Gitty Daneshvari - Review
Mornings With Mailer Giveaway - Signed Copies
January Bookshelf Cleaning Winners!
Immoveable Feast by John Baxter - Review
American Eve by Paula Uruburu - Review
Friday Finds - January 22
My Favorite Reads - Yeager
Flatland by Edwin A. Abbott - Review
Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky - Review
Mailbox Monday - January 18
My Favorite Reads - Little Women
Life, the Universe and Everything by Douglas Adams - Review
Anne Frank: Her Life in Words and Pictures - Review
The Survivors Club Winners!
The Motion of the Ocean by Janna Cawrse Esarey - Review
My Favorite Reads - Reading Lolita in Tehran
Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton - Review
The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness - Review
Mailbox Monday - January 4
January Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway
Happy New Year & December Wrap Up
Time Travel Reading Challenge Reviews
Awesome Author Challenge Reviews - Jan/Feb
My Favorite Reads - Swing!
Challenge Wrap Up 2009
Best Reads of 2009
December Bookshelf Cleaning Winners!
Gang Leader For a Day by Sudhir Venkatesh - Review
The Survivors Club Giveaway
My Favorite Reads - Twas the Night Before Christmas
Laika by Nick Abadzis - Review
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness - Review
Mailbox Monday - December 21
Blogroll Update
451 Challenge
Graphic Novels Challenge
My Favorite Reads - Roots
Audio Book Challenge 2010
Touching the Void by Joe Simpson - Review
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding - Review
The Terror by Dan Simmons - Review
The Chunkster Challenge 2010
Take Another Chance Challenge 2010
Friday Finds - December 11
My Favorite Reads - Wild Swans
Meet the Austins by Madeleine L'Engle - Review
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe - Review
The Dolphin People Winners!
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress - Review
Secret Santa Present!
ARC Reading Challenge 2010
The Michener Challenge
What's in a Name Challenge
Read the Book, See the Movie Challenge
Flashback Challenge 2010
Terry Pratchett 2010 Challenge
New Author Challenge 2010
42 Challenge 2010
TwentyTen Reading Challenge
A to Z Challenge 2010
Support Your Local Library Challenge 2010
Young Adult Reading Challenge 2010
100+ Reading Challenge 2010
Lots of Challenge Posts Today
Time Travel Reading Challenge
My Favorite Reads - Anne of Green Gables
November Wrap Up
Muslim Women Reformers - Review
December Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway
November Giveaway Winners!
Mailbox Monday - November 30
TBR 2010 Challenge
Reading From My Shelves Challenge
Traveling With Pomegranates - Review
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Review
Dracula is Dead - Review
The Dolphin People Giveaway
Friday Finds - November 20
My Favorite Reads - Diana
Emma, Volume 8 - Review
Wicked Will by Bailey MacDonald
The Gate House Winners!
After by Amy Efaw - Review
Mailbox Monday - November 16
Friday Finds - November 13
My Favorite Reads - The Monster at the End of This Book
Bridge to Terabithia - Review
Green Books Campaign: Art and Upheaval & Giveaway
Kissing Games of the World - Giveaway
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown
Green Books Campaign
In the First Circle - Giveaway
Friday Finds - November 6
My Favorite Reads - Crystal Singer
Book Title Meme
Surviving Paradise - Review
November Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway
Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant - Review
Mailbox Monday - November 2
The Gate House by Nelson DeMille - Giveaway
October Bookshelf Cleaning Winners!
Books to Read Before I Die Challenge
My Favorite Reads - The Mascot
Book Awards Challenge III - Completed
Final Read-a-thon & Charity Donation Post
Pedaling Revolution by Jeff Mapes - Review
My Picks For the Awesome Author Challenge 2010
Awesome Author Challenge 2010
Mailbox Monday - October 26
22 Hours Down & Goodnight
20 Hours Down
18 Hours Down
Drabble Mini Challenge
16 Hours Down
Tribute to Dewey
14 Hours Down
Mid Event Meme
10 Hours Down
Feed Me Seymour Mini Challenge
8 Hours Down
6 Hours Down
Four Hours Down
Hour 4 Mini Challenge
Mini Challenge
Read-a-thon Hour Zero
Read-a-thon Excitement
Friday Finds - October 23
A Possible Reading Challenge?
My Favorite Reads - Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
The Queen's Mistake Winners!
True Compass by Edward M. Kennedy - Review
Shadow of the Sword by Jeremiah Workman - Review
The Maze Runner by James Dashner - Review
Friday Finds - October 16
My Favorite Reads - Skeletons on the Zahara
A Northern Light (Audiobook) - Review
Fire by Kristin Cashore - Review
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins - Review
24 Hour Read-a-thon Book List
The Shadow of the Wind - Review
Friday Finds - October 9
My Favorite Reads - Home
Graphic Novel Mini Reviews
How to Rule the World From You Couch Winners!
The Queen's Mistake - Giveaway
The Oxford Project - Review
The FTC Rules About Blogging and Disclosure
Mailbox Monday - October 5
Video Footage of Anne Frank
September Wrap Up
October Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway
My Favorite Reads - London
September Bookshelf Cleaning Winners!
Her Fearful Symmetry - Review
My Life in France by Julia Child - Review
Mailbox Monday - September 28
Book Review Blog Carnival #27
My Apologies For Not Visiting
Julie and Julia - Review
My Favorite Reads - Bad Kitty Gets a Bath
Beg, Borrow, Steal - Review
How to Rule the World From Your Couch - Giveaway
Cleopatra's Daughter - Review
Contest Winners - BBAW Giveaway #6
Book Review Blog Carnival Info
Mailbox Monday - September 21
More BBAW Giveaway Winners
Contest Winners - BBAW Giveaways 1 & 2
BBAW - Setting Goals
My Favorite Reads - A Ring of Endless Light
BBAW Book Discoveries
BBAW Reading Meme
BBAW My TBR Photo
BBAW Giveaway #6 - Cleopatra's Daughter & The Heretic Queen
BBAW Interview: Silly Little Mischief
BBAW Giveaway #5 - Hurry Down Sunshine
BBAW Giveaway #4 - Beg, Borrow, Steal
My Favorite Blogs
BBAW Giveaway #3 - The Puzzle King
BBAW Giveaway #2 - Traveling With Pomegranates
Flashforward - Review
Friday Finds - September 11
My Favorite Reads - Miracle in the Andes
BBAW Giveway #1 - The Unlikely Disciple
The Puzzle King - Review
The White Queen - Review
Dragonfly in Amber - Review
Mailbox Monday - September 7
Should Prep School Go Bookless?
In the President's Secret Service - Review
My Favorite Reads - The Sunday Philosophy Club
August 2009 Wrap Up
September Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway
Half of a Yellow Sun - Review
Mailbox Monday - August 31
August Bookshelf Cleaning Winners!
Shakespeare Festival Notes
My Favorite Reads - Starman's Quest
The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist - Review
Mailbox Monday - August 24
The White Queen Winners!
Wicked Plants by Amy Stewart
My Favorite Reads - The Song of Albion Trilogy
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - Review
Lost & Found by Carolyn Parkhurst - Review
Mailbox Monday - August 17
Friday Finds - August 14
My Favorite Reads - Infidel
Whatever You Do, Don't Run - Review
One Year Old
Emma, Vol. 4 & 5 by Kaoru Mori
Book Club Photos
Mailbox Monday - August 10
The White Queen - Giveaway
My Favorite Reads - Rescuing Da Vinci
Are You a History Buff?
August Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway
Visions of America - Review
July Wrap Up
The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall
Harry Potter Reading Challenge
Background Identity Crisis
My Favorite Reads - Dragonflight
The Impostor's Daughter by Laurie Sandell - Review
Saffron Dreams & Taste of Saffron Winners!
Princess Academy by Shannon Hale - Review
Random Reading Challenge
Mailbox Monday - July 27
Have You Been Getting Fewer Comments?
My Favorite Reads - Maus
We Take This Man - Review
Fragment by Warren Fahy - Review
Mailbox Monday - July 20
I've Joined Shelfari
Friday Finds & Library Loot - July 17
My Favorite Reads - Madam Secretary
What an Animal Challenge II
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen - Review
Saffron Dreams - Review & Giveaway
Friday Finds - July 10
My Favorite Reads - The Thorn Birds
The Giver by Lois Lowry - Review
Impostor's Daughter Giveaway Winners!
Emma, Volume 3 by Kaoru Mori - Review
July Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway
Mailbox Monday - July 6
Crazy For the Storm by Norman Ollestad - Review
Happy 4th of July!
Alex & Me by Irene Pepperberg - Review
My Favorite Reads - Nobody's Fault
June 2009 Wrap Up
Young Adult Book Challenge
Lumber Ghosts by Kenneth A. Erickson
Q and A with Author Heather Barbieri
Mailbox Monday & Library Loot - June 29
YA Book Carnival Winners
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela - Review
Blog Viewing Update
Blog Viewing Problems
My Favorite Reads - Captains Courageous
Emma Volume 2 by Kaoru Mori
FTC Blogging Regulations Update
The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley - Review
Mailbox Monday - June 22
YA Book Carnival Giveaway #2
YA Book Carnival Giveaway #1
Awards Roundup
Friday Finds - June 19
The Impostor's Daughter - Giveaway
Julie & Julia - Giveaway
My Favorite Reads - The Devil's Sandbox
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - Review
The Banned or Challenged Books Challenge
Starfinder by John Marco - Review
Library Loot - June 15
Take A Chance Challenge Book Choices
Friday Finds - June 12
My Favorite Reads - Hiroshima Diary
Color Online Summer Book Drive
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson - Review
Book Awards III
Short Story Summer Challenge
A Series of Unfortunate Events -The Bad Beginning - Review
The Take a Chance Challenge
Mailbox Monday - June 8
Emma by Kaoru Mori - Review
My Favorite Reads - The Gate to Women's Country
The Unlikely Disciple by Kevin Roose - Review
May Wrap Up
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks - Review
My Favorite Reads Button
June Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway
Giveaway at Reviewer X
Mailbox Monday - June 1
May Bookshelf Cleaning Winners
Friday Finds - May 29
My Favorite Reads - On Gold Mountain
Xenocide by Orson Scott Card - Review
The Survivors Club Winner
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See - Review
Frederica by Georgette Heyer - Review
Mailbox Monday - May 25
Friday Finds - May 22
The Godfather by Mario Puzo - Review
Mailbox Monday - May 18
A Visit to Powell's
The Four Corners of the Sky by Michael Malone - Review
Friday Finds - May 15
Stone's Fall by Iain Pears - Review
Winners of Brain Surgeon
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Review
Mailbox Monday - May 11
Friday Finds - May 8
The G-Free Diet Giveaway
April Wrap Up
Priceless Memories Audiobook Giveaway
Irretrievably Broken by Irma Fritz - Review
Mailbox Monday - May 4
Giveaway Roundup - May 2
May Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway
Friday Finds - May 1
April Bookshelf Cleaning Winners
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Review
Waiting on Wednesday - April 29
Brain Surgeon by Keith Black - Review & Giveaway
Mailbox Monday - April 27
Awards Roundup - April
Eight is Enough Meme
Friday Finds - April 24
Speaker For the Dead by Orson Scott Card - Review
Unpolished Gem by Alice Pung - Review
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card - Review
Mailbox Monday - April 20
Friday Finds - April 17
Fill in the Gaps: 100 Books Project
Booking Through Thursday - April 16
The Survivor's Club by Ben Sherwood - Review
Girls In Trucks Winners
Waiting on Wednesday - April 15
The Neck Pain Handbook - Review
Tuesday Thingers - April 14
Teaser Tuesday - April 14
Mailbox Monday - April 13
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens - Review
Weekly Giveaway Roundup - April 11
Friday Finds - April 10
Booking Through Thursday - April 9
An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell - Review
Waiting on Wednesday - April 8
Still Alice by Lisa Genova - Review
Teaser Tuesday - April 7
Extras by Scott Westerfeld - Review
Mailbox Monday - April 6
Weekly Giveaway Roundup - April 4
2009 TBR Challenge
Nonfiction Five Challenge
James Patterson Giveaway Winners
Friday Finds - April 3
The Strength of a Sparrow by Tim Anders - Review
Booking Through Thursday - April 2
Bedlam South by Mark Grisham - Review
Galway Bay Winner
Recovering Charles by Jason F. Wright - Review
Waiting on Wednesday - April 1
Free Book Letter
The Girl She Used to Be by David Cristofano - Review
Girls In Trucks by Katie Crouch - Giveaway
Tuesday Thingers - Least Favorite
Teaser Tuesday - March 31
March Wrap Up Post
Nicholas Sparks Giveaway Winner
A Quiet Flame by Philip Kerr - Guest Review
Mailbox Monday - March 30
Weekly Giveaway Roundup
Friday Finds - March 27
Waiting on Wednesday - March 25
Teaser Tuesday - March 24
Mailbox Monday - March 23
The Only True Genius in the Family - Review
Spring Reading Thing Challenge 2009
Friday Finds - March 20
Winter Reading Challenge Wrap Up
Max - James Patterson Audiobook Giveaway
Run For Your Life Audiobook Giveaway
Waiting on Wednesday - March 18
Galway Bay Blog Tour & Giveaway
Teaser Tuesdays - March 17
Free Review Copies
Galway Bay Author Interview
Mailbox Monday - March 16
The Rose of Sebastopol by Katharine McMahon - Review
Specials by Scott Westerfeld - Review
Pretties by Scott Westerfeld - Review
Friday Finds - March 13
Booking Through Thursday - March 12
Teaser Tuesday - March 10
Tuesday Thingers - March 10
Nicholas Sparks Audiobook Giveaway
Book Giveaway Carnival Winners
Mailbox Monday - March 9
My Little Red Book Blog Tour
Library Loot
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld - Review
Friday Finds - March 6
Booking Through Thursday - March 5
Sophomore Switch by Abby McDonald
Scene of the Blog at Kittling: Books
Teaser Tuesdays - March 3
The Book of Night Women by Marlon James - Review
Mailbox Monday - March 2
The Help - Carnival Giveaway 2
Life of Pi - Carnival Giveaway 1
Challenges Update Post
Links of the Week and Giveaway Roundup
February Bookshelf Cleaning Winners
Friday Finds - February 27
Another Great Song
Booking Through Thursday - February 26
The Lost City of Z by David Grann - Review
How Do Book Bloggers Get Advance Copies?
What's On Your Nightstand - February
Teaser Tuesday - February 24
Blogger Followers Problem
Silent on the Moor by Deanna Raybourn - Review
Mailbox Monday - February 23
Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Raybourn - Review
Friday Finds - February 20
Booking Through Thursday - February 19
Book Giveaway Carnival
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein - Review
Tuesday Thingers - February 17
The Angel Maker by Stefan Brijs - Review
Teaser Tuesday - February 17
Mailbox Monday - February 16
Happy V-Day!
Friday Finds - February 13
The Help by Kathryn Stockett - Review
Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn - Review
Mistress Shakespeare by Karen Harper - Review
Teaser Tuesdays - February 10
New Post at Dewey's Blog
Bookin' With Bingo Giveaways
Lit Flicks Challenge Wrapup
Mailbox Monday - February 9
Weekly Links
Bat 6 by Virginia Euwer Wolff - Review
Friday Finds - February 6
The Lemonade Award
Booking Through Thursday - February 5
Nothing Right by Antonya Nelson - Review
What I Love About "M"
Delicate Edible Birds by Lauren Groff - Review
Blog Awards Recap
Teaser Tuesdays - February 3
Jennie Nash - Author Interview
The Italian Lover by Robert Hellenga - Giveaway
Mailbox Monday - February 2
The Terror by Dan Simmons - Giveaway
Blogroll Amnesty Weekend
Weight Watchers Cookbook Winner
Friday Finds - January 30
Holly Shumas Books Giveaway Winners
The Domino Men by Jonathan Barnes - Review
Change Your Life Challenge Giveaway Winner
The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street by Helene Hanff - Review
Booking Through Thursday - January 29
I, Lorelei by Yeardley Smith - Review
What's On Your Nightstand? - January
Teaser Tuesdays - January 27
Weight Watchers Winner's Circle Cookbook - Giveaway
Mailbox Monday - January 26th
Just For Fun - I Am Audrey
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick - Review
Friday Finds - January 23
Random Acts of Heroic Love by Danny Scheinmann - Review
These Books Are Made For Walking Meme
Booking Through Thursday - January 22
My Splendid Concubine - Lloyd Lofthouse Guest Post
The Change Your Life Challenge Seminar and Giveaway
Library Loot - January 21
Tuesday Thingers - January 20
Sundays at Tiffany's Winners
Blonde Roots by Bernardine Evaristo - Review
Teaser Tuesdays - January 20
Mailbox Monday - January 19th
Life of Pi by Yann Martel - Review
Audio Book Suggestions
Friday Finds - January 16
Booking Through Thursday - January 15
Love and Other Natural Disasters Blog Tour & Giveaway
I Choose to Be Happy by Missy Jenkins - Review
84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff - Review
Eon: Dragoneye Reborn Giveaway Winner
Teaser Tuesdays - January 13
Mailbox Monday - January 12
Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway Winners
Friday Finds - January 9
Booking Through Thursday - January 8
The Five Lost Days by William Petrick - Blog Tour
Library Loot - January 7
The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker - Review
Chunkster Challenge 2009
Tuesday Thingers - January 6
Teaser Tuesdays - January 6
Graceling by Kristin Cashore - Review
Sundays At Tiffany's Giveaway
Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell - Review
Butterfly Award
Mailbox Monday - January 5
Shakespeare Meme
Friday Finds - January 2
Booking Through Thursday - January 1
Just For the Love of It Challenge
Happy New Year!
2008 Reading Roundup
Tuesday Thingers - December 30
Teaser Tuesday
Mailbox Monday - December 29
Eon: Dragoneye Reborn Giveaway
U.S. Presidents Reading Project
2009 Support Your Local Library Challenge
Winter Reading Challenge
Thursday's Thoughts - New Years
Diversity Rocks Challenge
World Citizen Challenge 2009
Matrimony by Joshua Henkin - Review
The American Journey of Barack Obama - Review
Yoga: Awakening the Inner Body by Donald Moyer - Review
Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway
What's On Your Nightstand - December
Teaser Tuesdays - December 23
Tuesday Thingers - December 23
Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by by Alison Goodman - Review
Classics Challenge - Wrap up
Outlander Challenge 2009
Mailbox Monday - December 22
Pictures from our Trip Home
Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis - Review
Friday Finds - December 19
Flirting With Forty Giveaway Winners
The Adventures of Songha by Linda R. Caterine - Review
New Author Challenge 2009
2009 ARC Reading Challenge
Lit Flicks - Mickey's Christmas Carol Review
Lit Flicks December Meme
The Conqueror by Georgette Heyer - Review
Fall Into Reading 2008 Update
Far From You Release Celebration and Giveaway
Diana Spechler - Author Interview
Teaser Tuesdays - December 16
Kids' Picks - December 16
Matrimony Giveaway Winner
Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen - Review
Tuesday Thingers - December 16
Mailbox Monday - December 15
Cooperative Village by Frances Madeson - Review
Dewey's Books Reading Challenge
A - Z Challenge 2009
Blindspot by Jane Kamensky and Jill Lepore - Review
Friday Finds - December 12
Bookcase Envy
Booking Through Thursday - December 11
Books I Have Read in 2008
Tuesday Thingers - December 9
Teaser Tuesdays - December 9
That Went Well by Terrell Harris Dougan - Review
Mailbox Monday - December 8
Matrimony by Joshua Henkin - Giveaway
Saturday: Book Club and Meeting a Fellow Blogger
Friday Finds - December 5
Flirting With Forty - Blog Tour and Giveaway
Booking Through Thursday - December 4
Tuesday Thingers - December 2
Teaser Tuesdays - December 2
Classics Bookclub - A Christmas Carol
I Won an Award
Queen of Oblivion - Review
Winner of Jenford
Mailbox Monday - December 1
In Honor of Dewey
Civil War Game
Booking Through Thursday - Thanksgiving
Tuesday Thingers - November 25
Teaser Tuesdays - November 25
What's On Your Nightstand - My 200th Post!
Where Am I Wearing? by Kelsey Timmerman - Review
The Dracula Dossier by James Reese - Review
Mailbox Monday - November 24
Alexander McCall Smith's New Book
Jenford by Hendrik E. Sadi - Giveaway
Friday Finds - November 21
DNA by W. Craig Reed - Review
Lost and Found Giveaway Winners
Booking Through Thursday - November 20
Persepolis 2 by Marjane Satrapi - Review
The People of Sparks by Jeanne Duprau - Review
Kid's Picks - November
Tuesday Thingers - November 18
My Lady of Cleves by Margaret Campbell Barnes - Review
Read Your Own Books Challenge
Bookworm Award
Giveaway Roundup
Friday Finds - November 14
Booking Through Thursday - November 13
Lost and Found Giveaway
The American Journey of Barack Obama - Giveaway Winner
Mr. Darcy's Daughter by Rebecca Ann Collins - Review
Teaser Tuesdays - November 11
Tuesday Thingers - November 11
Children's Classics - Caldecott Medal Winners
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi - Review
100+ Reading Challenge For 2009
Book Bloggers Christmas Swap
Lit Flicks - November Meme
Book Giveaway Carnival Winners!
City of Ember by Jeanne Duprau - Review
Friday Finds - November 7
In the Land of Invisible Women Review
Li'l Kids Review
The American Journey of Barack Obama - Giveaway
Life After Genius Winner
Jane Eyre - The movie review
Divine Justice Review
Weekly Giveaway Roundup - November 4
Teaser Tuesdays - November 4
Tuesday Thingers - November 4
Winners of In the Land of Invisible Women
The Pub Challenge 2009
October Reading Roundup
Contest Winners
Dating da Vinci by Malena Lott - Review
Queen Vernita's Visitors Review
Booking Through Thursday - October 30
The Gate House by Nelson DeMille - Review
Life After Genius Blog Tour & Giveaway
Nefertiti & The Heretic Queen Winners!
Tuesday Thingers - October 28
Teaser Tuesdays - October 28
Bloggy Giveaways Carnival - October 2008
In the Land of Invisible Women Promotion & Giveaway
Giveaway Carnivals
Friday Finds - October 24
Booking Through Thursday - October 23
Thursday's Thoughts - October 23
One Perfect Day Winner
Your Roots Are Showing by Elise Chidley - Review
Weekly Giveaway Roundup - October 22
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Review
Teaser Tuesdays - October 21
Tuesday Thingers - October 21
The Heretic Queen & Nefertiti Giveaway!
Michelle Moran - Guest Post
The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran - Review
Fall Into Reading Challenge Update
Nefertiti by Michelle Moran - Review
Friday Finds - October 17
Dark Rain - Review
Booking Through Thursday - October 16
One Perfect Day - Giveaway
Frecklebox Personalized Books
Tuesday Thingers - October 14
Teaser Tuesdays - October 14
Friday Finds - October 10
Thursday's Thoughts - October 9
Teaser Tuesdays - October 7
Classics Bookclub - Jane Eyre
Testimony by Anita Shreve - Review
More Book Giveaways
Dreaming Again - Review
Friday Finds
Booking Through Thursday - October 2
Thursday Thoughts
Dreaming Again Giveaway
Read-A-Thon
September Reading Roundup & Challenge Update
Teaser Tuesdays - September 30
Chasing Diana by Jack and Robin Firestone - Review
Baghdad at Sunrise by Peter R. Mansoor Review
Book Review Blog Carnival
Blogs I discovered from BBAW
Friday Finds - September 26
Booking Through Thursday
Thursday's Thoughts
Interzone Sci-Fi Magazine
What's on Your Nightstand?
Teaser Tuesdays
Tuesday Thingers
Fall Into Reading 2008
The Translator by Daoud Hari - Review
19th Wife Giveaway
My First Audio Book
Thank You My Friend Amy!
Friday Finds - September 19
Making War to Keep Peace Review
Sailor Girl Winner - BBAW Giveaway
Tuesday Teasers
Kids' Picks
Blogs I love
BBAW Giveaway List
Triumph of Deborah Giveaway Winner
Sailor Girl - BBAW Giveaway
Sailor Girl by Sheree-Lee Olson - Review
The Violets of Usambara by Mary Soderstrom - Review
Book Giveaways
Children's Classics - Picture Books
Know Your Power
Literate Housewife Book Giveaway
The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen - Review
Classics Book Club - Pride and Prejudice
Lit Flicks Challenge Meme
Maw Books - Reading For Darfur
Lit Flicks Challenge
Tuesday Thingers - LT Authors
The Richest Season by Maryann McFadden - Review
How to Rig an Election
BTT: First Library Visit
The Hospital by the River by Dr. Catherine Hamlin - Review
Seeker by Jack McDevitt - Preview
Book Awards Reading Challenge

Subject Index

Banned or Challenged Books Reading the World Challenge

Privacy Overview

10 Best John Irving Books (2024)

John Wallace Blunt Junior, more familiar by his author name of John Winslow Irving, was born on the 2 nd of March, in the year of 1942, in Exeter, New Hampshire, United States of America. Irving is a terrific and loved American-Canadian author and screenwriter.

Irving was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, and he was the son of John Wallace Blunt Senior, an author and executive recruiter, and Helen Frances, born as Winslow. The two separated a few months into the pregnancy, so that John grew up in Exeter with his mom and stepfather, a man named Colin Franklin Newell Irving, a faculty member of the Philips Exeter Academy.

Best John Irving Books

Biological father.

The uncle of John was also a part of the faculty in question, so that John was recruited into the wrestling program as both a student-athlete and, later on, as an assistant coach. The biological dad of John had been an Army Air Forces pilot, with his plane having been shot down in 1943, in Burma, though he survived. Irving learned of this only when he was nearly forty years old. Now, let’s see what picks we have for the best John Irving books.

A Prayer for Owen Meany

An accident.

A Prayer for Owen Meany is one of the most popular John Irving books of all time. It often ranks as being John Irving’s best book, as well. A Prayer for Owen Meany was published in the year of 1989, spanning more than six-hundred pages in total.

A Prayer for Owen Meany is one of the most touching, heartfelt, and heartrending tales that Irving has ever written. It tells the story of Owen Meany, the eponymous character, who is just eleven years of age. In the course of playing baseball during a Little League game in Gravesend, New Hampshire, Owen hit a foul ball in just the right spot so that it flew and hit the mother of his best friend – the lady did not survive this.

A Stubborn Conviction

Owen Meany, on his own, believes not in the random or accidental nature of the world, but in that everything is the work of God and even that he was the instrument of God in the case just described.

With the trademark brilliant writing, intriguing storytelling, tragic, though comic main character, A Prayer for Meany is a book that we strongly recommend picking up because any moment spent not having read it is a moment wasted. It is with reason among John Irving’s best books.

The World According to Garp

The World According to Garp is one of the best-selling John Irving books, without a shadow of a doubt. The World According to Grap was published in the year of 1978, with a page count going north of six-hundred pages.

The tale begins in the year of 1942, with a young lady bearing the name of Jenny Fields. Jenny Fields is a twenty-two-year-old, working and taking care of the wounded soldiers during the Second World War.

We learn of Jenny’s family and that she is heir to a sizable family wealth, though having dropped out of Wellesley to, in turn, become a nurse did not come off as a favorable thing to the aforementioned family. While Jenny’s friends are fascinated by men, by sexual delight, and sex, Jenny is not at all interested in that.

Sole Purpose

In her head and her own heart, Jenny believes that men have the sole purpose in existence, which is to aid in the conception of children. Knowing this about Jenny, it doesn’t surprise anyone that she, through machination, impregnates herself with the seed of a damaged gunner named Garp, one whom she had been taking care of for quite some time.

Garp never finds out that he has a son and soon passes away, leaving Jenny and T. S. Garp alone, just like Jenny envisioned. With the tale only beginning, we can barely keep our love for this gem from the John’s Irving novels list at bay.

The Cider House Rules

The only thing in town.

The Cider House Rules is one of the best John Irving books, genuinely. The novel at hand was published in the year of 1985 and it is one of Irving’s longest works, spanning a whopping nine-hundred-plus pages, in total.

Saint Cloud’s, in Maine, is a small town where the only two notable things one can seemingly find is an orphanage and a paper mill, with the latter closing down and leaving the former being the most distinguishing feature, it seems. A Doctor named Larch is the one that is the head of the orphanage, with his notion of being helpful to women either by helping them give birth and keep the child at the orphanage or by aiding them in their abortion.

The Boy That Became a Midwife

One of the orphans there is Homer Wells. Of all the four attempts made with the intention of adopting him, all failed, ending with Homer back again at the orphanage. Having nothing else going for him, Homer is taught by Larch to help with the delivery of babies, though Homer doesn’t like the idea of performing abortions, on his own.

With a story that focuses on Homer, Larch, and another orphan named Melony, The Cider House Rules is a book we’d call one of the top John Irving books ever.

A Widow for One Year

Unique story.

A Widow for One Year is perhaps the best John Irving book. It has everything that one could ever ask of Irving’s books, while also delivering a special and unique tale. A Widow for One Year was published in the year of 1998 and is nearly six-hundred pages long.

Woken by Love

Ruth Cole was a young girl, merely four years of age, when she was awoken by a certain sound. The sound that woke her came from her parents’ bedroom and it was the sound of lovemaking.

The tale of Ruth Cole, over the course of this marvelous book, we learn in three parts, with each part being essential and crucial to understanding Ruth Cole not just as a character, but as a person. It surprises no one to learn that this is one of the best-rated John Irving books.

Through Many Walks of Life

The first window into the life of Ruth Cole was when she was four, when she heard her parents making love in their bedroom. The second time we step into Cole’s life is in the year of 1990. At this point, Ruth was still unmarried, despite being thirty-six and she bore a sincere distrust towards men.

We finish off the story where Ruth Cole is a forty-one-year-old mother and a widow. She is set to fall in love once more, but with the baggage she carries, can it be enough?

The Fourth Hand

Patrick wallingford.

The Fourth Hand is a novel that was published in the year of 2001. To this day it stands as being one of the best John Irving novels of all the John Irving book reviews. The novel is on the shorter side for Irving, with a page count of nearly four-hundred.

Patrick Wallingford is the one we follow. Patrick is a journalist with more than just a proclivity for womanizing. Now, while covering a story in India, it just so happens that a lion gobbled up the left hand of Patrick Wallingford and this was seen by millions of people on live television. Out of all the people that did see it, it was Doris that asked her husband, a man named Otto, to donate his hand to Patrick because she felt sorry for what had happened to the man.

The Only Thing Left

Never having been resistant to the charm and seductive abilities of Doris, Otto gives in and donates his left hand. However, while drunk, Otto accidentally shoots himself, thus killing himself. Patrick gets his hand, but the stipulation is that Doris can visit him because the left hand of Otto is the only thing she has left.

With many things happening, the most striking perhaps is that Doris ends up pregnant with Patrick’s baby, the story takes twists and turns, and it’s one we recommend very much. A worthy contender for being the best John Irving novel.

In One Person

Feelings within.

In One Person is the kind of novel that if we were taking a look at Irving’s books ranked, it would find itself being ranked as one of the best books by John Irving. In One Person was published in the year of 2012, spanning four-hundred or so pages.

In One Person is the kind of novel that Irving is especially known and loved for. It shows a disregard for the lackadaisical writing that some of his peers have on the subjects present herein as he maneuvers through quite touchy subjects with an earnestness and an enthusiasm that is unmatched. The main character in In One Person is none other than Billy, a young man trying to come to terms with his sexuality – namely, his bisexuality.

The First Affection

We go from the youngest of years of Billy’s life, all the way to when he is in his fifties. The first time that Billy falls head over heels for someone is at the Vermont public library, when his eyes fall upon the librarian, a transgender woman named Miss Frost.

Billy had been going to the library to find books that feature affections towards people that might be considered taboo, but could he have known what life would have in store for him? A dazzling, brilliant story that we recommend very much. Very much worthy of being called one of the best books by Irving.

The Hotel New Hampshire

Masterpiece.

The Hotel New Hampshire is one of the most bizarre, yet also one of the best Irving books ever. On the list of Irving’s novels, one can scarcely find a more suitable pick for John Irving’s best novels. The Hotel New Hampshire was published in the year of 1981.

Remembering

The story of The Hotel New Hampshire begins with a lengthy reminiscence. Win Berry, a man that is married to a beautiful wife and a father to his five children, is the one having this trip down the lane of memories.

What he is remembering is how, in fact, he came first to meet his wife and then how he fathered the kids they have. The two met at a seaside resort. A character that they met here is one named Freud, from Vienna, Austria, who is teaching his bear to ride motorcycles. Win buys the bear, with Freud going back to Vienna, just in time for the Second World War.

Rebuilding Your Memories

It is obvious to whom the Viennese man Freud refers to, namely the psychologist that founded psychoanalysis. When, years after being at the resort, one referred to as Arbuthnot-by-the-Sea, one that Win remembered as being heaven on earth, he returns there, he sees it as the tatterdemalion version it is. Then, he gets the urge to buy and rebuild it to its former glory. The story, however, has only just started.

Last Night in Twisted River

Of all the novels by Irving, Last Night in Twisted River might just be our favorite. The tale is special as the reader will soon understand. Last Night in Twisted River was published in the year of 2009, spanning about five-hundred-and-fifty or so pages.

The Water That Takes

Last Night in Twisted River’s events begin in the year of 1954. Angel Pope, a Canadian boy, is whom we first meet and then say goodbye to as he drowns while at camp. At this very same camp works a man named Dominic Baciagalupo, namely a cook, whose wife perished a decade ago in a similar accident related to drowning.

At present, once more a horrible accident occurs when Daniel, the twelve-year-old son of Dominic, kills Injun Jane, the babysitter, while she and Dominic were having sex. Daniel had thought her a bear.

How It All Went

Knowing that trouble would happen if they stayed, Dominic and Daniel leave. What’s worse is that Injun Jane was the girlfriend of the local sheriff, Constable Carl.

Now, as the tale moves through fifty years that the two lived, we see as they move from place one to place two, and then to place three, and in succession. We believe that of all the books written by Irving, Last Night in Twisted River is the one we find ourselves rereading most often.

Until I Find You

Finding daddy.

To put John Irving’s books in order of, for example, best to worst would surely negate the reviews we’re doing, but Until I Find You is just the novel that we’d make sure to put among the best. So, if one is trying to find the number one novel of John Irving’s novels in order, look no further.

Jack Burns is just a four-year-old in the 1960s as he and his mother take leave from Canada and go through Northern Europe, under the pretense that they’re searching for the dad of Jack, William Burns, who was a church organist. Daughter Alice, the nickname Jack’s mother has, finds a job in Amsterdam, then in Helsinki, and Oslo, as they pass through Scandinavia, all the while trying to find out where William Burns is.

Having no other recourse after the trail goes pretty cold, the two go back to Toronto, Canada, where Jack attends a private school, before going off to a boarding school in Maine. Alice, on her own, meets and becomes involved with a wealthy man named Leslie Oastler.

Leslie has a daughter of his own, one named Emma, who is the senior to Jack, but it is with the time spent with her that Jack gets his initiation into sexual activity. While we have unpacked quite a lot, this is merely the beginning of the story. Until I Find You is one of the best on John Irving books list.

A Son of the Circus

A Son of the Circus, by no means just another entry among Irving’s books order, is a sweeping six-hundred-page novel that we sincerely love. A Son of the Circus was published in the year of 1994.

A Man of Many Talents

The main character of A Son of the Circus, though not the only one we follow, seeing as there are several different subplots, sub-character arcs, and such, is none other than Doctor Daruwalla. Doctor Daruwalla is a man researching achondroplasia, specifically among little people, while also doing a stint as an action movie screenwriter in India.

Daruwalla was born in India, though he practices his medicinal craft in Toronto. By his lonesome, Daruwalla feels that he doesn’t belong, as he’s but a guest of honor, in his own words, in whichever country he resides.

A Sweeping Tale

When in Bombay, Daruwalla is busying himself with the research that is demanded of him, he comes upon a circus. He visits it and he ends up having a traumatic interaction with the spouse of one of the little people he was examining.

As the story continues, we meet a plethora of different characters, in different walks and wakes of life, but it all comes together brilliantly. In more ways than one, this can be viewed as one of the books on Irving, for its revelatory facets. Any Other Books to Recommend? The 158-Pound Marriage gets our nod of approval every time.

Alissa Wynn

Alissa is an avid reader, blogger, and wannabe writer. (She's a much better cook than a writer actually). Alissa is married, has one human, one feline, and two canine kids. She always looks a mess and never meets a deadline.

Literature & Fiction
Genre Fiction

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The Last Chairlift Hardcover – Deckle Edge, October 18, 2022

Print length 912 pages
Language English
Publisher Simon & Schuster
Publication date October 18, 2022
Dimensions 6.25 x 1.7 x 9.25 inches
ISBN-10 1501189271
ISBN-13 978-1501189272
See all details

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

About the author, product details.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster; First Edition (October 18, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 912 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1501189271
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1501189272
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.8 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1.7 x 9.25 inches
#638 in Political Fiction (Books)
#4,057 in Family Life Fiction (Books)
#13,167 in Literary Fiction (Books)

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John Irving on His Writing Process

Simon & Schuster

About the author

John irving.

John Irving published his first novel, Setting Free the Bears, in 1968. He has been nominated for a National Book Award three times-winning once, in 1980, for the novel The World According to Garp. He also received an O. Henry Award, in 1981, for the short story "Interior Space." In 1992, Mr. Irving was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma. In 2000, he won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Cider House Rules-a film with seven Academy Award nominations. In 2001, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

For more information about the author, please visit www.john-irving.com

Customer reviews

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5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 46% 23% 16% 6% 8% 23%
5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 46% 23% 16% 6% 8% 16%
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5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 46% 23% 16% 6% 8% 8%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers find the storyline great and ridiculously unlikely. They also appreciate the craftsmanship and storytelling style as unique and unsurpassed. However, some find the narrative boring, repetitive, and goes nowhere. They describe the book as way too long and an absolute slog to get through. Readers also mention the plot bizarre and unnatural. Opinions are mixed on the writing style, with some finding it wonderful and engaging, while others find it confusing and repetitive. Reader opinions are mixed also on the characters, with those finding them great and loveable, while other find them unlikable and disappointing.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the storyline compelling, with wildly unrealistic events and loveable characters. They also mention that the book has a quirky extended family and ghosts.

"...If you're a fan, you be happy that Irving again delivers a sweeping storyline , a large cast of quirky characters and a compelling narrative...." Read more

"...This is a unique story told in a unique way and it is memorable, but I would be disinclined to read it again." Read more

"...In the end, I'm glad I stuck with it. It was a compelling love story involving a quirky extended family and ghosts...." Read more

"...It has the wildly unrealistic events with just enough detail to believe. It has the book-within-a-book bonus. You can almost see the movie of it...." Read more

Customers find the book well developed, and appreciate the condition and price. They also say the book is a colossal achievement and a lesson in stamina and perseverance.

"...Why is this? Well-- craftsmanship --and depth --to name 2 qualities Irving has that the mega-star and mega-quantity authors lack...." Read more

"...Otherwise, it was entertaining, endearing, and earnest ." Read more

"...What a colossal achievement ! A cast of characters that you get to know, you can’t leave them without their telling you their story...." Read more

"...too far off to be enjoyable - the characters are interesting and well developed and the story line follows - but much of the detail is overdone and..." Read more

Customers find the storytelling style unique and unsurpassed as an original thinker. They also appreciate the intricately constructed situations, great sense of humor, and clever device. Readers also mention that the book is pure John Irving.

"...Chairlift is Irving at his best, memorable characters, intricately constructed situations , great sense of humor...." Read more

"...It's a clever device and it made me think about how much or how little the feeling of inevitability has led up to significant events in my own..." Read more

"...The joys & challenges are wisely cataloged in wonderful fictional form ...." Read more

"...I like how his characters are fit and active and athletic and smart and accomplished, even when very old. Go, old people!" Read more

Customers are mixed about the writing style. Some find it well written, witty, and poetic. They say the author captures your spirit and takes you for a long, bumpy ride. However, others say the grammar is poor and the detail is overdone. They also mention that the narrator is awful and it's like being read to by Hal.

"...an incredibly imaginative novelist with a lot to say, a unique voice in the literary world ." Read more

"...Many of the greatest novels are NOT easy to read . "Moby Dick"? Dostoevsky? Shakespeare? "War and Peace"? and now--"The Last Chairlift."..." Read more

"...my understanding, made me think beyond the story itself and touched my heart ." Read more

"...but disruptive to the narrative of the story; burdened with excessive details about ski trails , lifts, garments, weather etc..." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the characters in the book. Some find them great, while others say they're not likeable.

"...Chairlift is Irving at his best, memorable characters , intricately constructed situations, great sense of humor...." Read more

"...; little humanity in any of the characters , although a half-hearted attempt is made to give them..." Read more

"In this book, John Irving has created his most original and unique characters . He brings them to life as only he can...." Read more

"...happy that Irving again delivers a sweeping storyline, a large cast of quirky characters and a compelling narrative...." Read more

Customers find the narrative boring, repetitive, and frustrating to read. They say the story doesn't go anywhere and is too long with unnecessary fluff. Readers also mention that the characters become redundant and boring.

"...It's also Irving at his worst, repetitive , overuse of quirky nicknames...." Read more

"...relationship between the two main characters and, again, felt the story was incomplete with the way the end just faded out instead of going more..." Read more

"...doubt even the most progress- minded liberal could like; the nonsense of a screen play (hundreds of pages) inserted here and there which is not only..." Read more

"...John Irving, but his latest novel, The Last Chair Lift, is not a book I can recommend . I have read all his novels...." Read more

Customers find the book too long, bloated, and tedious. They also mention that the story has become repetitive and drags to read.

"...As several have pointed out it is way too long - a good editor would have removed at least 400 pages; repetitive beyond reason; characters that I..." Read more

"I liked this book, even though it was waaaay over-long . At the half way point, I nearly gave up on it...." Read more

"This book was far too long and repetitive and wordy. If you are big on skiing, you might find it interesting...." Read more

"...It is at least 200 pages (that is not a typo) too long and badly needed editing for length, his incessant repetition, and poor grammar that is not..." Read more

Customers find the plot bizarre, creepy, and strange. They also say the unnatural focus on sex and ghosts, along with a couple of screenplays, makes the ghost stories seem like an add-on.

"...The unnatural focus on sex and ghosts , along with a couple of screenplays thrown in, just didn’t do anything for me...." Read more

"...The ghost stories seemed like an add on , not an integral part of the narrative...." Read more

"...one (I am only halfway through and doubt I will finish it) is bizarre to say the least . Some parts are truly funny and the writing is good...." Read more

" Too Weird , Too many meaningless threads, Too much self indulgent rambling, Too much of the boring screen play, Too many pages, But not a single..." Read more

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5 Best Books by John Irving: A Comprehensive Guide

John Irving is one of the most prominent American authors of our time. Through his works, he has touched on themes of love, loss, and the human experience, weaving intricate stories that have captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. This comprehensive guide will explore the best books written by John Irving, giving you an overview of his writing style, themes, critical reception, and awards, as well as a detailed plot summary for each of his top books.

A Brief Introduction to John Irving

Who is john irving.

John Winslow Irving was born in New Hampshire in 1942. He grew up in a family of educators; his father was a teacher and his mother was a nurse. This upbringing instilled in him a love of learning and a desire to explore the world through literature.

Irving attended Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, where he excelled academically and developed a passion for writing. He went on to study English at the University of Pittsburgh, where he continued to hone his craft.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Irving moved to Iowa City to attend the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa. It was here that he received an MFA in creative writing and began to develop his unique voice as a writer.

Irving began his writing career with his debut novel, Setting Free the Bears , which was published in 1968. The book was a critical success, earning praise for its inventive plot and engaging characters.

It was quickly followed by other acclaimed works, such as The Water-Method Man , The 158-Pound Marriage , and The World According to Garp . These books established Irving as a major literary figure and earned him a devoted following of readers.

Irving’s later works, such as A Prayer for Owen Meany , The Cider House Rules , and A Widow for One Year , continued to explore complex themes and feature well-drawn characters. His books have won numerous awards, including the National Book Award, the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, and the O. Henry Award. Irving has also been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Irving’s Writing Style and Themes

Irving’s writing style is known for its intricate plots, well-developed characters, and in-depth exploration of complex themes. He often writes stories that span generations, exploring the connections between past and present.

One common theme in his books is the idea of fate and the interconnectedness of all things. Irving is fascinated by the idea that seemingly random events can have profound consequences, and he explores this idea in many of his works.

Another recurring theme in Irving’s books is the absurdity of life. He is known for his dark sense of humor and his willingness to tackle difficult subjects such as death, loss, and grief.

Irving is also interested in the difficulties of love and relationships. He often writes about characters who are struggling to connect with others, whether it’s due to their own emotional baggage or external circumstances beyond their control.

Despite the weighty themes of his work, Irving’s writing is always engaging and accessible. He has a gift for creating memorable characters and vivid settings that draw readers in and keep them hooked until the very end.

The World According to Garp

Plot summary.

The World According to Garp is a novel written by John Irving, first published in 1978. The story follows the life of T.S. Garp, a writer and son of a feminist icon who is trying to find his way in a complicated world.

Garp’s mother, Jenny Fields, was a nurse during World War II and became a feminist icon after writing a book about her experiences. She raised Garp on her own and taught him to be independent and self-sufficient.

The novel explores themes of love, sexuality, and loss, and delves into relationships of all kinds. Garp struggles to balance the demands of his career, his family, and his own desires, all while dealing with tragedy and heartbreaking loss.

Garp’s first novel, A Sexual Suspect, is a critical success, but he finds it difficult to follow up with another book. He becomes involved with a group of radical feminists, including the famous Ellen Jamesians, who have all had their tongues cut out in protest of rape culture. Garp becomes obsessed with the idea of protecting his family from violence, and this obsession leads to tragic consequences.

Critical Reception and Awards

The World According to Garp was a critical and commercial success when it was first published, earning rave reviews from critics and readers alike. It won the National Book Award in 1980 and was later adapted into a film starring Robin Williams and Glenn Close.

The novel is often praised for its complex characters and exploration of gender and sexuality. Irving’s writing style is also highly regarded, with many critics noting his ability to blend humor and tragedy seamlessly.

Despite its success, The World According to Garp has also been the subject of controversy. Some feminists have criticized the novel for its portrayal of women, while others have praised it for its frank depiction of sexuality and exploration of gender roles.

Overall, The World According to Garp remains a beloved and influential novel, and its themes and characters continue to resonate with readers today.

A Prayer for Owen Meany

A Prayer for Owen Meany is a novel written by John Irving that explores the story of John Wheelwright and his best friend, Owen Meany. The novel is set in the 1950s and 1960s in Gravesend, New Hampshire, where the two boys grow up together. John and Owen are inseparable, and their friendship is the heart of the story.

John is the narrator of the story, and he tells the story of his friendship with Owen Meany, who he believes is a divine instrument. Owen is a unique and tragic character who is small in stature but has a powerful voice. He has a strange voice that is always in a high-pitched scream, and he believes that he is God’s instrument. Owen is also very intelligent and has a photographic memory, which he uses to memorize the Bible.

The novel explores themes of faith, fate, and purpose, as John tries to make sense of the strange events that seem to follow Owen wherever he goes. They both attend a private school, where Owen accidentally kills John’s mother during a baseball game. This event changes both of their lives forever, and they both struggle to come to terms with it.

The novel is a unique blend of humor and tragedy, and it is a powerful exploration of the human condition. It is a story of friendship, love, and sacrifice, and it will leave readers thinking long after they have finished reading it.

A Prayer for Owen Meany was published in 1989 and was an immediate critical and commercial success. The novel won the O. Henry Award in 1987 and was named one of the best books of the year by numerous publications. It has since become one of Irving’s most beloved works.

The novel has been praised for its complex characters, its exploration of faith and destiny, and its unique blend of humor and tragedy. It has also been criticized for its length and its sometimes meandering plot. However, most readers agree that A Prayer for Owen Meany is a powerful and moving novel that is well worth the read.

Overall, A Prayer for Owen Meany is a beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of the human experience. It is a story of friendship, love, and sacrifice that will leave readers thinking long after they have finished reading it.

The Cider House Rules

The Cider House Rules is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that tells the story of Homer Wells, a young orphan who grows up and becomes a doctor at an orphanage in rural Maine. Homer is a complex character, struggling to find his place in the world and grappling with questions of identity, family, and morality.

The novel explores the difficult and controversial topic of abortion, as Homer becomes involved in the lives of several young women who come to the orphanage seeking help. Through these experiences, Homer is forced to confront his own beliefs and values, and to question the role of doctors in society.

Despite the weighty themes it tackles, The Cider House Rules is also a deeply moving and heartwarming story of love, friendship, and the human spirit. Homer’s relationships with the other characters in the novel – including his mentor, Dr. Larch, and the young couple, Candy and Wally – are beautifully drawn and full of emotional depth.

The Cider House Rules has received widespread critical acclaim since its publication in 1985. It won the National Book Award that same year, and has since been adapted into a successful film starring Tobey Maguire and Charlize Theron.

The novel has been praised for its vivid and fully-realized characters, its exploration of complex moral issues, and its emotional resonance. Irving’s writing is often described as lyrical and evocative, and his ability to capture the nuances of human relationships is unparalleled.

Overall, The Cider House Rules is widely considered one of Irving’s greatest works, and a masterpiece of modern literature. It is a novel that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page, and a testament to the power of storytelling to move and inspire us.

A Widow for One Year

A Widow for One Year is the story of Ruth Cole, a writer who is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her children and her marriage. The novel explores themes of grief, love, and the power of storytelling as Ruth tries to make sense of her past and her present. The story is both heartbreaking and uplifting, as the characters learn to forgive and move on.

A Widow for One Year was also a critical success, earning praise for its vivid characters and engaging storytelling. It won the Prix Femina Étranger in 1999 and was later adapted into the film The Door in the Floor, starring Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger.

These are just a few of John Irving’s great works. In each of his books, he explores the complexities of the human experience with wit, humor, and deep empathy. Whether you are a lifelong fan or new to his writing, these best books are sure to captivate and move you.

What are the best John Irving books?

The most popular books written by John Irving include The World According to Garp John Irving, The Last Chairlife, A Prayer for Owen Meany, The Hotel New Hampshire, and The Cider House Rules.

Is John Irving still writing?

John Irving’s long literary success has no ending in sight. Irving has no plans to stop writing novels, despite his elderly age.

What awards has John Irving won?

Irving has received the National Book Award for fiction, the Academy Award for Best Writing, the Guggenheim Fellowship for Creative Arts, and the Common Wealth Award of Distinguished Service.

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How “reading trees” can unlock many mysteries

Ancient trees have deep roots in culture

Moon rising over Bristlecone Pine Trees in the ancient forest at dusk.

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Twelve Trees. By Daniel Lewis. Simon & Schuster; 304 pages; $30 and £22

I T WAS just a seedling when Egypt’s great pyramids were built. By the time the Roman empire fell its trunk was gnarled and auburn, stretching up more than ten metres. The ancient bristlecone pine (pictured) has witnessed human history for millennia, including “epochs of turbulence and calm”. It is one of 12 trees chronicled by Daniel Lewis, a historian at the Huntington Library in California, in a marvellous new book. This arboreal adventure takes you up the trunk of the mighty ceiba tree in Peru and into the blazing forest fires America’s longleaf pines need to thrive. The dozen species show how much the lives of trees are entwined with people.

The world has lost around half its trees since the emergence of agriculture 12,000 years ago. Despite this decline, there are still 3trn trees on Earth—400 for every living person. Each year they absorb more carbon than is emitted by America and Britain combined. Trees populate humans’ landscapes and language: five of the 20 most common street names in America are trees (oak, pine, maple, cedar, elm). Their branches reach science, trade and literature, Mr Lewis shows.

Clues about the past lives of trees are buried inside their trunks. Some have been scorched by lightning; others have old bullets stuck in their side. Rings of light spring wood and dark summer wood tell scientists the age of trees, and hint at environmental changes over the course of their lives. Mr Lewis compares this to reading a book. For the researchers who “read” its rings, the bristlecone pine is a tome older than the Bible.

Trade has shaped the tales of trees. Central African forest ebony has been coveted by string musicians for centuries: its density elevates the sound of violins and guitars. The arboreal equivalent of “blood diamonds”, this tree has long been pillaged and illegally harvested. But Taylor Guitars, a company in California that supplies guitars to stars such as Taylor Swift, is spearheading its conservation. From seedling to six-string, the firm monitors the supply chain. Traditionally only the darkest heartwood—about 10% of each tree—is harvested for instruments. To reduce waste, Taylor Guitars has started using lighter, mottled wood for its most expensive guitars. (The tonal qualities are identical.)

Although dangers lurk, from loggers to climate change, the book introduces a network of people who protect trees and their inhabitants. In America farmers set forests ablaze to help pines germinate. In Europe artisan olive growers pick fruits by hand instead of using automated harvesting machines, which suck up millions of songbirds a year.

Great writers, from Dante to Pablo Neruda, have extolled trees’ splendour. John Clare , an English poet, wrote an ode to an elm in 1830, calling it “the sweetest anthem autumn ever made”. Today prosaic tributes abound. Melbourne’s 70,000 trees have email addresses so people can report problems to the council; thousands write love letters instead. In the spirit of Clare, a fan wrote to an elm: “I was struck, not by a branch, but by your radiant beauty”. ■

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This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “Trees of life”

Culture August 31st 2024

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The national security adviser H.R. McMaster at a meeting in the White House in 2017. Credit... Tom Brenner/The New York Times

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Nicolas Niarchos is a freelance journalist whose writing on international relations has appeared in The Nation and The New Yorker. He is at work on a book about the supply chain for battery metals.

Aug. 27, 2024
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AT WAR WITH OURSELVES: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House , by H.R. McMaster

Recently on the campaign trail, Donald Trump has talked up his aggressive stance on China, positioning himself as a tough negotiator in a brutal trade war . But a new memoir by Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, one of Trump’s national security advisers, throws that narrative, and many other stories that Trump tells about his time in office, into stark relief.

As McMaster writes in “At War With Ourselves,” the president could sometimes be kept on the straight and narrow with a clever dose of reverse psychology (Xi Jinping wants you to say this, Xi Jinping wants you to say that). But just as often, McMaster shows Trump to have been an unpredictable waffler who undermined himself to the advantage of his competitors on the world stage.

In November 2017, President Trump visited China on the third leg of a 13-day trip around Asia. It was his “most consequential” destination, McMaster explains. As they flew to Beijing, he warned Trump that Xi would try to trick him into saying something that was good for China, but bad for the United States and its allies. “The C.C.P.’s favorite phrase, ‘win-win,’” he recalls telling his boss at one point, “actually meant that China won twice.”

Trump seemed to hear him, but in the Great Hall of the People, the president strayed from his talking points. He agreed with Xi that military exercises in South Korea were “provocative” and a “waste of money” and suggested that China might have a legitimate claim to Japan’s Senkaku Islands. McMaster, his stomach sinking, passed a note to Gen. John Kelly, the chief of staff: Xi “ate our lunch,” it read.

“At War With Ourselves” is intended to be a companion to “ Battlegrounds ,” McMaster’s 2020 assessment of U.S. foreign policy backsliding since the Cold War, but it works well as a stand-alone and serves as essential reading for anyone countenancing a potential second round of Trump as a global leader. The general shows how, despite his best efforts to help the president, the supposed master of the “art of the deal” was treated like a “chump” by a roster of the world’s top authoritarians.

Flattery and pomp from leaders like Xi, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Russian president Vladimir V. Putin seem to have been all that was required to get in Trump’s good graces. In 2018, McMaster found Trump in the Oval Office scrawling a cheerful note to Putin across a New York Post article reporting that the Russian president had denigrated the American political system but called Trump a good listener. Like a child with his Christmas wish list, the leader of the free world asked McMaster to send it to the Kremlin. It was especially bad timing: Evidence was coming to light that Putin had directed an assassination on British soil. McMaster did not forward the note, later explaining to an infuriated Trump that his letter would “reinforce the narrative that you are somehow in the Kremlin’s pocket.”

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Book Review: 'The Last Chairlift' by John Irving
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A book that will try a reader's patience but may also reward it. Familiar Irving themes and autobiographical points mark this sprawling family tale. Narrator Adam Brewster is a lucky bastard. His short and unwed mother, Ray, is gay but marries even shorter Elliot, an English teacher and wrestler at Adam's New Hampshire school, who's fine ...
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John Irving has said that The Last Chairlift will be his last long novel. Since his fourth novel, The World According to Garp, was published in 1978 to significant acclaim, he's specialized in telling expansive stories, often tracing characters' journeys from birth to death and chronicling the histories of the places in which they live.Irving's shortest novel in the last 25 years, The ...
Book review of The Last Chairlift by John Irving
Review by Harvey Freedenberg. With John Irving celebrating his 80th birthday earlier this year, his publisher has announced that The Last Chairlift will be his last big novel. For all the enjoyment more modest works may bring, this one is a fitting valediction to his distinguished literary career.
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You will appreciate this voluminous book more if you are familiar with and have grown to adore what Irving is inviting you to experience. Reviewed by Roberta O'Hara on October 21, 2022. The Last Chairlift. by John Irving. Publication Date: October 3, 2023. Genres: Fiction. Paperback: 912 pages. Publisher: Simon & Schuster. ISBN-10: 150118928X.
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The Last Chairlift is eminently readable, stocked with characters and relationships easy to invest in, even when things get a little queasy making. Irving has been cranking out novels for 54 years, establishing a consistent generosity of spirit that continues through his most recent book. If anyone has earned the right to deliver one more ...
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The Last Chairlift. Hardcover - Deckle Edge, October 18, 2022. by John Irving (Author) 3.9 3,226 ratings. Best Literature & Fiction. See all formats and editions. John Irving, one of the world's greatest novelists, returns with his first novel in seven years—a ghost story, a love story, and a lifetime of sexual politics.
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John Clare, an English poet, wrote an ode to an elm in 1830, calling it "the sweetest anthem autumn ever made". Today prosaic tributes abound. ... For more on the latest books, films, TV shows
Defence projects will be scrapped to balance books, John Healey suggests
Defence projects will be scrapped to balance books, Healey suggests Defence Secretary says ministry will 'do our part' to balance spending following £22 billion hole left by Tory government
Redesigned 2025 Chevy Equinox Finds Its Footing: First Drive Review
The Equinox's interior benefits from a similar glow-up. The dashboard design is much more modern than before, featuring a pair of sleek 11-inch displays, an uncluttered center console and circular air vents cribbed from the late-great Camaro.I wouldn't say the cabin materials are luxe, but there are more soft-touch surfaces than expected at this price point, and everything feels pretty well ...
Book Review: 'At War With Ourselves,' by H.R. McMaster
A new memoir by the onetime national security adviser shows how the former president's insecurities and weaknesses harmed U.S. foreign policy. The national security adviser H.R. McMaster at a ...

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