If I had to choose a contemporary author’s body of work for my favorite, I would choose John Irving every time. I have read many great books, but something about the way Irving paints his characters makes you want to laugh, cry, and scream, usually at the same time. The fist novel of Irving’s that I read was A Prayer for Owen Meany, then The World According to Garp, The Hotel New Hampshire, The Cider House Rules, The Fourth Hand, and lastly A Widow for One Year. I know there are others I have yet to read. The Austin Chronicle (link from Bookslut) has an interview with Irving about his works and his upcoming novel Until I Find You. It will be released July, 12,2005. John Irving is the kind of writer who makes you forget what the real world is like. He has never disappointed me.
–Jane, “keep passing the open windows”