I have only read Water Method Man, but it was tremendous.

Garp, Owen, Widow. Fabulous.

His plots are amzingly twisted and complex, loved Owen Meany, Cider House Rules, Widow For a Year and Hotel New Hampshire. Water Method Man was one of his best.

I would say great, but Irving is so... "hit or miss." The World According to Garp? Great Literature. Setting Free the Bears? So bad I only read 10 pages (and lost the book)! Of course, A Prayer for Owen Meany can't be touched, but Son of the Circus? Oh so bad...

Can be thoughtful and entertaining but I'm so burnt out on his cutsie-sexy-morbid writing style I usually end up tossing the book aside in disgust.

Without doubt the most inventive and consistently brilliant american writer i have ever had the pleasure of reading. Mr Irving drags you into his world from which the only escape is to finish the book. Sparked with comedy, romance and fresh original stories this man can only be described as someone who understands the way great novels should be written.

My hero.

Overall I'm not a very big fan of Irving's work. I think when he's on he's on but I haven't personally found many books that he's written where I thought he was "on". I really enjoyed "The World According to Garp" and although I haven't picked up a copy of "Cider House Rules" I'd be willing to give it a try. I couldn't get into anything else I've ever started to read by him.

Irving is an incredible author. He has that amazing gift to draw the reader in until they are sure they are a part of the story! Amazing ability to take the simplest moment incredible. Garp is an amazing tale, as is Owen Meany..also recommend Hotel New Hampshire! Can't lose with any of his writings!

John Irving's books are consistently entertaining and well-written.

"A Prayer for Owen Meaney" made me a fan - I thought "A Widow for a Year" was on the weak side.