Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

I read this for: Week 48. A book that was a finalist or winner for the National Book Award for any year.

This book won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1980. I think with this book I've finally cleared John Irving of my tbr. I've now read 4 of his books and 3 out of 4 I rated 2 stars, with A Prayer for Owen Meany getting the highest rating at 3 stars. His books just feel too long and aren't really about anything.