John Irving

An American classic first published in 1985 by William Morrow and adapted into an Academy Award-winning film, The Cider House Rules is among John Irving's most beloved novels. Set in rural Maine in the first half of the twentieth century, it tells the story of Dr. Wilbur Larch-saint and obstetrician, founder and director of the orphanage in the town of St. Cloud's, ether addict and abortionist. It is also the story of Dr. Larch's favorite orphan,...

Tells the story of Ruth Cole, looking in on three stages of her life, the first in the summer of 1958 when she is four and her parents are estranged; next in the fall of 1990 when Ruth, unmarried, has a thriving literary career but no personal success; and finally in the autumn of 1995 when she falls in love for the first time.

A commemorative hardcover edition of the only collection ever published of the celebrated novelist's shorter works. Here is a treat for devoted fans of John Irving. First published twenty years ago, Trying to Save Piggy Sneed contains a dozen short works by the author, beginning with three memoirs. The longest of the memoirs is "The Imaginary Girlfriend," his candid account of his twin careers in writing and wrestling, which, as the Denver Post observed,...

For teachers We know that the Common Core State Standards are encouraging you to reevaluate the books that you assign to your students. To help you decide which books are right for your classroom, each free ebook in this series contains a Common Core–aligned teaching guide and a sample chapter. This free teaching guide for A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving is designed to help you put the new Common Core State Standards into practice. "Among...

A tale inspired by the U.S. AIDS epidemic in the 1980s follows the experiences of individuals torn by devastating losses and political upheavals whose perspectives on tolerance and love are also irrevocably shaped by awareness of what might have been.

Homer Wells has lived nearly his entire life within the walls of St. Cloud's Orphanage in rural Maine. Though groomed by its proprietor, Dr. Larch, to be his successor, Homer feels the need to strike out on his own and experience the world outside. While working at an apple orchard, Homer falls for the beautiful Candy and learns some powerfully indelible lessons about life, love, and home.