101 Books, Number 95

Favorite Books from Throughout My Life

95: The World According to Garp, 1982, by John Irving (1942–)

This book surprised me—so much more.

(That sound you hear? My jaw hits floor.)

This novel—funny, wild, and fat—

Had made me think: I can’t do that!

Some books, you know, I read and think:

I could do that (I take a drink).

But not with this one—much too wild.

I was enchanted, charmed, beguiled.

From then on? Well, all books by John

I read with speed till they were gone.

And I still read him—though I’m not

So flaming, flashing, burning hot

To burn them up with both my eyes—

And turn each page, find new surprise.

In Irving's work—much to admire—

I read and read and never tire.*

*one exception: Son of the Circus—just couldn’t get into it …