1. The World According to Garp (1978): John Irving’s masterpiece tells the story of T.S. Garp, the bastard son of a single mother, Jenny Fields, who is a feminist and a nurse. Garp’s life is filled with strange and often tragic events that occur throughout his life. This novel explores themes such as family, love, loss, and identity.
2. A Prayer for Owen Meany (1989): This novel follows the story of two boys, Owen Meany and John Wheelwright, who become close friends in a small New England town. The novel explores themes of faith, destiny, and the power of friendship. Through its characters, this novel examines how faith can shape our lives and our understanding of the world.
3. A Widow for One Year (1998): This novel tells the story of Ruth Cole, a successful writer and single mother, who has been widowed for one year. This novel explores themes of loss, love, and family, as well as the complexities of relationships.
4. The Cider House Rules (1985): This novel follows the life of Homer Wells, an orphan who is adopted by a doctor in rural Maine. The novel explores themes of morality, coming of age, and redemption. Through its characters, this novel examines the power of making one’s own decisions and the impact of those choices on our lives.
5. The Hotel New Hampshire (1981): This novel tells the story of the Berry family, who open a hotel in New Hampshire and their lives are filled with both joy and tragedy. This novel explores themes of family, identity, and love. Through its characters, this novel examines the power of family and how it can shape our lives.