Not having read John Irving before, I had to become accustomed to his style of writing. Irving simultaneously develops his characters and moves the plot at just the right pace to let the reader fall head over heels into the story. Upon finishing the book last night, I literally cried because Owen Meany, Johnny Wheelwright and the minor characters in whose lives I had become involved (and almost intertwined!) were no longer there. As a person who has struggled with many aspects of faith and religion, I grew to love Owen Meany and feel him as a friend guiding me to ask questions about myself. This novel is one for believers, non-believers, and anyone who has ever wondered about God or miracles. Owen Meany has been my miracle for the past 600 pages, and I only hope that other readers will take the time to experience such a wonderful masterpiece. John Irving is a genius!