A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

Moderator---Kim

Meet Owen Meany. He is small in stature but big in so many other ways including a booming voice.  His best friend is John Wheelwright who serves as narrator of the novel.  John's story takes us back and forth between the 50s and the 80s.  At age 11, John loses his beloved mother in a freak accident.  Both the boys are connected to the accident since it was John's mother and it was Owen who caused it.  Owen Meany fully believes he knows his fate and takes measures to be sure it is met. 

Owen Meany is an unforgettable character.  He leaves nothing to chance.  John Wheelwright stays his best friend.  The book deals with many subjects including friendship, religion and faith, Viet Nam and even John as an ex-pat in Toronto, Canada.  There is humor mixed with sadness.  No stone is left unturned, (especially since the Meany family are in the granite/stone business.) 

A Prayer for Owen Meany was published in 1989.  It was a National Bestseller.  The movie, Simon Birch, was based on the book. The novel has been adapted for the stage.  The Book-It Repertory Theatre of Seattle put it on in 1997.  The Arden Theatre Co. in Philadelphia featured it in 2006.  The BBC Radio made it into a four part series for it's listeners in 2009.             

(From our banned book series)

The book appears on the American Library Association's list of 100 most banned and challenged books. It also is included on the Independent's listology of the '50 banned books that everyone should read' with the following explanation: "Some feel that the stance Irving takes on religion and opposition to US in Vietnam are reason enough to ban this incredible book". In 2001, it was challenged in the Kanawha County, WV. high schools as pornographic, offensive and vulgar. In 2010, it was removed from the Pelham, Ma. school districts summer reading list after a parent complained about the objectionable language and sexuality.    

Food:

'Take me out to the ball game' fare

including hot dogs decked out in cheese,

sauerkraut, relish, mustard and ketchup

and ball park peanuts.

Bans/Challenges???

"I don't think it should have been banned

for junior or senior year high school.

Not appropriate for younger."---Kim

"Didn't think it should have been banned.

Was not pornographic or offensive."---Shellie