Ever read the novel The World According to Garp?

Question

I just read it for my English class and must say that I was not too impressed. I guess it didn't appeal to my tastes and whatnot.

Anyway, if you've read it or even seen the movie, what did you think of it?

Answer 1

With so much great literature to be read, you were assigned "The World Acoording to Garp?" O boy.

Some girl told me I've got to read John Irving, so I did.

I bought "The World According to Garp," "A Prayer for Owen Meany," and "Cider House Rules." These were the three they had at the bookstore and I read them all before I saw that girl again (the next weekend.)

I didn't burn them or anything--and I finished each one to the end (whatever else they might be, they're easy-reads) but I wasn't impressed. They've got their moments, but each one is pushing a private political agenda--I don't like that stuff--I read a lot of fiction (a lot!) and I do not like reading what amounts to religous tracts in the guise of fiction. This may be difficult, but do you know what I mean?

"The World According to Garp" is funny at times, but you know exactly how the author feels about certain issues. I don't mind Mr Irving's views, but they are forced down my throat as I read. An author can write a great novel without the reader's being able to guess (correctly!) how he voted in the last election--do you know what I mean? Based on what I've read by Stephen King, I wouldn't try to guess how he votes, and I don't care how he votes, I just like his stories. John Irving writes his novels with the intention of telling you how he votes, how he will vote, and, worst of all, how you shoud vote.

I don't really see how this stuff belongs in class--it's pretty funny stuff, but...not exactly classy.

Well, the guy's named Garp because it's the only word his mother ever heard his father say; this "word" he said when he ejaculated into her on his death bed where she had climbed atop of him and put his otherwise useless erection to use. Ok.

Probably the funniest part of the story is when the kid Garp's wife is cheating on him with gets his penis bitten off when she's giving him a...sorry, I can't think of a polite word, but you know the story.

When I put the book down (any of the three I read), I haven't learned anything but the author's agenda and a little about his personal life--he's pro-abortion, pro-feminst, anti-war, and a rich old bastard who never worked for a living.

Sorry, I guess he's actually a pretty good writer--but what kind of class has this novel assigned for it? Please tell me it's not high-school. It's just not a very good book and there are so many better books to read--what is the world according to Garp anyway? The reader never finds out just by reading that book alone--if you read more of Mr Irving's stuff, you'll find out it's nothing but slighly imaginative autobiographical "work" written by a man who spent most of his life in school.

PS--the girl was cute--I saw her the next weekened and told her what I had read; when she asked me what I thought of John Irving, I said "Eh."

Answer 2

I love John Irving, but The World According to Garp isn't as good as some of his later books. I loved: Cider House Rules, A Prayer for Owen Meany, A Widow for One Year, The Fourth Hand, and Hotel New Hampshire.

Answer 3

haven't read the book, but definitely see the movie. John lithgow as a transvestite football player, what could be funnier?

Answer 4

didnt read the book but the movie was great robin williams made me laugh,,the whole airplane running into the house,,he says well take it..and the drivway scene..ouch..lol.haha..great movie..tooo funny

Answer 5

I liked both the book and the film.

Answer 6

you have to like that book! It's been pre-disastered!

(made me want to stay out of driveways)