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'The World According to Garp' by John Irving is a novel that follows the life of T.S. Garp, exploring his journey through happy moments followed by tragedies, making readers both sympathize and despise the character. The book delves into complex themes such as feminism, single parenting, marital affairs, and societal issues, all while showcasing Irving's unique storytelling style that blends humor, compassion, and eccentricity.

Irving's narrative weaves a rich tapestry of quirky characters, extreme situations, and bizarre incidents that range from laugh-out-loud funny to incredibly sad. The protagonist, T.S. Garp, is a writer whose life mirrors the wacky stories he creates. The novel is a mix of humor, tragedy, and classic storytelling, offering readers a glimpse into a world that is both eccentric and deeply human.

If you liked The World According to Garp, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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  1. #1

    A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
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    'A Prayer for Owen Meany' by John Irving is a novel that follows the story of two young boys, Owen Meany and John Wheelwright, growing up in Gravesend, New Hampshire. The pivotal moment in the story occurs when a foul ball hit by one of the boys during a Little League baseball game results in the death of the other boy's mother. This event sets off a chain of extraordinary occurrences, with Owen Meany believing himself to be an instrument of God and having unwavering faith in his destiny. The novel beautifully portrays their friendship, the mysteries surrounding Owen Meany's fate and John Wheelwright's paternity, and delves into themes of faith, God, fate, and predestination.

    John Irving's writing style in 'A Prayer for Owen Meany' is described as roomy, intelligent, exhilarating, and darkly comic, reminiscent of Dickensian scope. The novel features unforgettable characters, such as the titular character Owen Meany, who is small in stature but full of confidence and foresight. The story weaves together powerful themes of predestination and faith with compelling characters and a rare sense of humor, making it a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.

    I AM DOOMED to remember a boy with a wrecked voice-not because of his voice, or because he was the smallest person I ever knew, or even because he was the instrument of my mother's death, but because ...

  2. #2

    The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving
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    'The Hotel New Hampshire' by John Irving is a novel that follows the eccentric Berry family as they navigate through life's tragedies and triumphs. The story is set in hotels in New Hampshire and Vienna, where the family faces a range of bizarre and often disturbing situations. The novel features quirky characters like Franny, John, Frank, Lilly, Egg, and a pet bear, all of whom are richly developed and evoke a mix of emotions in the reader.

    The writing style in 'The Hotel New Hampshire' is described as funny, sad, and quirky, with a touch of surrealism. John Irving presents a narrative that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, blending elements of humor and tragedy seamlessly. The novel explores taboo topics such as rape, incest, terrorism, and death, all while maintaining a whimsical and imaginative tone.

    The summer my father bought the bear, none of us was born—we weren’t even conceived: not Frank, the oldest; not Franny, the loudest; not me, the next; and not the youngest of us, Lilly and Egg. My fat...

  3. #3

    The Cider House Rules by John Irving
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    The Cider House Rules by John Irving is a rich and complex novel that delves into themes of abortion, orphanages, migrant workers, and incestuous rape. Set in rural Maine in the early 20th century, the story follows Dr. Wilbur Larch, an obstetrician and abortionist, and his favorite orphan, Homer Wells, who is torn between different perspectives on abortion. The book explores the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate through challenging situations, all while dealing with everyday tedium in a compelling narrative style that absorbs the reader into the setting.

    A child of Maine, Wilbur Larch was born in Portland in 186_—the son of a sullen, tidy woman who was among the staff of cooks and housekeepers for a man named Neal Dow, the mayor of Portland and the so...

  4. #4

    A Widow for One Year by John Irving
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    'A Widow for One Year' by John Irving is a complex novel that follows the life of Ruth, a character who experiences a range of emotions and events from childhood to adulthood. The story delves into Ruth's relationships, struggles, and personal growth, portraying her as a multifaceted individual dealing with grief, love, and the complexities of life. The narrative weaves together different timelines and perspectives, offering a rich and detailed exploration of Ruth's journey as a child, writer, mother, and lover. Despite some flaws in cohesion, the book is praised for its interesting storytelling, deep character development, and the way it captures the essence of Ruth's life through various stages.

    The novel is noted for its intricate storytelling, rich details, and compelling characters that drive the plot forward. Readers appreciate the depth and complexity of the narrative, which combines elements of love, mystery, and real-life drama. The book explores themes of family dysfunction, grief, abandonment, loyalty, and the unpredictable nature of life. John Irving's writing style is described as funny, outrageous, and sad, with a knack for creating vivid characters and engaging storylines that keep readers invested in Ruth's tumultuous life journey.

    A salesgirl who was also a waitress had been found dead in her apartment on Jarvis, south of Gerrard. It was an apartment within her means, but only because she had shared it with two other salesgirls...

  5. #5

    Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving
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    'Last Night in Twisted River' by John Irving is a multi-generational tale that follows the life of Daniel Bacigalupo and his father Dominic. The story revolves around a tragic incident where Daniel accidentally kills Injun Jane, leading to a lifelong pursuit by her violent boyfriend, Cowboy. The narrative spans over 50 years, exploring themes of family, escape, and the consequences of accidents. Irving's writing style weaves together reality and fiction, showcasing the growth of Daniel as an author and offering insights into the author's own writing process.

    THE YOUNG CANADIAN, WHO COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE than fifteen, had hesitated too long. For a frozen moment, his feet had stopped moving on the floating logs in the basin above the river bend; he’d sli...

  6. #6

    A Son of the Circus by John Irving
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    A Son of the Circus by John Irving is a complex and captivating story that follows Dr. Farrokh Daruwalla, a man with connections to multiple murders and a penchant for detective stories. The narrative weaves through various settings, including Europe, Canada, and India, exploring themes of identity, immigration, and belonging. The book features a wide array of characters, from dwarfs and transvestites to actors and film stars, all intricately linked through a murder mystery that proves to be more than meets the eye.

    The writing style of A Son of the Circus is described as engaging and immersive, with intricate world-building and clever tangents that add depth to the plot. Readers praise the well-developed characters, the twisting storyline that keeps them engaged, and the way John Irving seamlessly combines elements of mystery, suspense, and cultural exploration in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

    I’m going to begin by telling you about Miss Frost. While I say to everyone that I became a writer because I read a certain novel by Charles Dickens at the formative age of fifteen, the truth is I was...

  7. #7

    Empire Falls by Richard Russo
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    Empire Falls by Richard Russo is a novel set in a small town in Maine, focusing on the intertwined lives of the residents. The story follows Miles Roby, a middle-aged man running a diner in a decaying town, and his relationships with family, customers, and neighbors. The book expertly captures the essence of small town life, including the impact of economic changes and the secrets that bind the characters together. The plot unfolds slowly, revealing layers of relational dynamics and past histories, leading to a surprising climax that changes the characters' lives.

    The writing style of Empire Falls is praised for its vivid depiction of small town USA, with well-drawn characters and a deep sense of place and history. Richard Russo's storytelling is described as compelling and masterful, with a focus on character development and human foibles. The novel is known for its humor, insight into small town dynamics, and its ability to draw readers into the lives of the characters, making it a memorable and engaging read.

    THE EMPIRE GRILL was long and low-slung, with windows that ran its entire length, and since the building next door, a Rexall drugstore, had been condemned and razed, it was now possible to sit at the ...

  8. #8

    The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
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    The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt follows the life of Theo Decker, a boy whose life is shattered when a terrorist bombing at an art gallery in New York kills his mother. Theo survives the tragedy and leaves the museum with a priceless painting, The Goldfinch, which becomes a central element in his life. The novel explores Theo's journey from boyhood to adulthood, navigating themes of loss, trauma, unrequited love, art theft, drug addiction, and the complexities of human relationships. The story is narrated through Theo's perspective, offering a deep dive into his emotional turmoil and struggles as he grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.

    The narrative style of The Goldfinch is characterized by rich, detailed prose that vividly describes various settings, from the aftermath of a bombing in an art museum to the backwaters of Las Vegas and the high society of New York City. The novel weaves together a complex tapestry of characters, including pretentious and unrealistic figures, intriguing New York personalities, and Theo's enigmatic friend Boris. As Theo's life unfolds amidst a series of challenges and encounters, the painting of The Goldfinch serves as a symbolic thread connecting his past, present, and future, shaping his identity and moral dilemmas.

    WHILE I WASSTILL in Amsterdam, I dreamed about my mother for the first time in years. I’d been shut up in my hotel for more than a week, afraid to telephone anybody or go out; and my heart scrambled a...

  9. #9

    A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
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    'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole is a dark comedy set in New Orleans, following the eccentric and obnoxious protagonist, Ignatius J. Reilly. The plot revolves around Ignatius' misadventures and interactions with a range of bizarre characters in the city, showcasing a mix of humor and sadness. The writing style is described as unique, blending humor with a touch of melancholy, and featuring well-developed characters in a vividly constructed setting.

    A green hunting cap squeezed the top of the fleshy balloon of a head. The green earflaps, full of large ears and uncut hair and the fine bristles that grew in the ears themselves, stuck out on either ...

  10. #10

    The Water-Method Man by John Irving
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    The novel revolves around the mishaps of its narrator, Fred Trumper, a floundering late twenty-something graduate student with serious commitment and honesty issues that earn him the nickname Bogus. It follows a non-linear narrative in the form of a sort of 'confession' authored by Trumper, who humorously recounts his various failures in life and love, from his New England childhood through his experiences on foreign study in Vienna, Austria, and as a graduate student in Iowa, leading up to the present action setting, early 1970s New York. The title refers to a method prescribed to Trumper for the treatment of non-specific urological disorders relating to his abnormally narrow urinary tract, showcasing Irving's fixation on using physical ailment and disfiguration as metaphorical constructs.

    I’m going to begin by telling you about Miss Frost. While I say to everyone that I became a writer because I read a certain novel by Charles Dickens at the formative age of fifteen, the truth is I was...

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