Windsor Locks Library BookBuggs discussion

Our new author book club will meet for the first time (we will be meeting 4 times over 8 months) on Tuesday, September 17 at 2:00 p.m. and will feature John Irving. If you are interested in joining, please sign up at www.windsorlockslibrary.org so I have an idea of how many participants there will be.

I have to admit that I am not especially enjoying our first selection, The Water-Method Man, Irving's 2nd novel, but I don't hate it, either. I believe that it is important to start at the beginning to really get a good feel for how the author's work develops over time and how it relates to events in his life. If you are familiar with Irving's personal history you will notice references to his own young adult years interspersed through the life of Bogus, his main character.

Have you read it? Are you reading it? What do you think of The Water Method Man?

Man, do I wish I lived closer to attend these clubs. I love John Irving but have never read The Water-Method Man. I read Owen Meany, Garp, Cider House Rules, Widow for One year, the Fourth Hand, 158 pound marriage, the imaginary girlfriend and In One Person. I am thinking of trying the hotel new hampshire but not sure. He is wonderful. I also hear he's working on something new. have you read the twisted river one or the avenue of mysteries? HIs style is unique in that even the most minor of characters have a backstory that somehow if not necessary at least is interesting in the story.

This is actually my first John Irving book. I like his writing, but I don't like The Water Method Man as a story. Maybe I'll change my mind. Part of it may be that I never have time to sit down and read a good chunk at one time. Life has just been too busy this summer and the book isn't exactly relaxing!

Ive only read 1 Irving book and that was a long time ago. (Cider House Rules). I remember liking it, but also remember his writing to be real "work".

The subject matter of this one is too gross for me, but I only have 110 pages to go and it will certainly make for an interesting discussion at our first John Irving book club meeting!