The parts of the book from 1970 and the 1980's were really boring and mainly consisted of Johnny Wheelwright complaining about Vietnam. The best parts of this book are the first two chapters and the last chapter. In terms of reading this book in 2021, it was far too long. Slowly, the reader discovers what Owen already knows, and we discover how Owen was truly brave and faithful.Ī Prayer for Owen Meany was published in 1989, well in advance of the internet and the 5-second attention spans of today. That is what is so endearing about this book. Owen knows what is his purpose, and he wholeheartedly pursues it. The central theme of this book is destiny or fate. While slipping in and out of consciousness, I wanted this book to be running through my thoughts. When I went into my heart surgery, I selected to read A Prayer for Owen Meany. What will happen to Owen Meany and will Johnny Wheelwright ever find out who his father is? In 1953, Owen hits a foul ball during a Little League game, instantly killing Johnny's Wheelwright's mother. However, what really sets him apart is his intellect and faith. Owen Meany is special - he never grows taller than 5 feet tall, and he has a very high pitched voice. Owen Meany and Johnny Wheelwright are best friends, growing up in Gravesend, New Hampshire. Just as Owen had lived his life for one specific point and time, the power of this story was revealed to me in one perfect sentence.Ī unique book about fate, destiny, and faith

And when it came time to act and live this moment, he didn't flinch. He had known his fate, his moment, and not only did he embrace it, he had prepared for it. At the same time I realized the purpose of 'the shot', it also hit home how Owen had lived his entire life for that momemt. Irving had made their routine practice of 'the shot' so commonplace in their time together, that I forgot about even asking what purpose it served being in the story.īut the sentence carries so much more power than that. Maybe I was a little slow to catch on, but it was right then that I realized the reason they had always practiced 'the shot'.

But then I read the sentence when Owen looks to Johnny and says something along the lines of 'WE'LL HAVE ABOUT FOUR SECONDS'.

I thought I had it all figured out - the lunatic kid has the grenade and he's going to try and blow them up. It's at the end of the story, when Owen and Johnny are in the 'temporary bathroom' with the children, and his dream is starting to unfold.

I think I fell in love with book as I read one specific sentence. ***SPOILERS FROM THIS POINT ON IN THE REVEIW*** As the first sentence of the story starts out, 'I am doomed to remember a boy with a wrecked voice.', well, I am, too. ***I'm back a few days later to edit my review, because I can't stop thinking about this book. I'm short on time for this review, but man, this is the closest thing to 'a perfect story' as anything I've ever read.

A prayer for meany