Book Reviews of The Cider House Rules

A great story told with all the reverence and wit John Irving has for the complicated, flawed human race.

You may agree with Irving or you may not, but if you're interested in how people tick and a good story, this will do it for ya.

John Irving's tale still stands the test of time---it tells the story of human nature at its best and worst. Extremely well written, but dealing with highly controversial subject matter, I recommend this novel to anyone who is interested in the motivations of why people do what they do.

The book was by far better than the movie and I did enjoy the movie. The book has so much more detail and the path it takes is more interesting as well. I recommend this book even if this is not an author you regularly read.

Awesome book!

I loved this book! The book is so much better than the movie.

Raised from birth in the orphanage at St. Cloud's, Maine, Homer Wells has become the protege of Dr. Wilbur Larch, its physician and director. There Dr. Larch cares for the troubled mothers who seek his help, either by delivering and taking in their unwanted babies or by performing illegal abortions. Meticulously trained by Dr. Larch, Homer assists in the former, but draws the line at the latter. Then a young man brings his beautiful fiancee to Dr. Larch for an abortion, and everything about the couple beckons Homer to the wide world outside the orphanage....

I read this book over several weeks. While it was easy to put down it was also easy to pick up again. It does differ from the movie a good deal. I will try not to reveal any particular difference. The book is written in the view of many characters all throughout the book. As an "afterwords" to the movie, I enjoyed the author's attention to detail and the insight he gave to the characters. I loved the characters and felt as if I might read about myself at anytime.

another great story from a great storyteller

Compelling story, sympathetic characters, rich writing. Loved it!

Enjoyed the book and the movie made from the book.

I liked this one better than most of his other work. It explored many different themes -- great book for discussion.