to be released at this months meetup

I picked it up at the November meet-up last year and put it in the bag of books to read during my six-month stint in Malaysia. I know I can't never go wrong with John Irving and this book proved me right again. It's not the best one I've read by him, but still, it is good. Like in all the others I've read, in "The Hotel New Hampshire" there is tragedy and comedy and characters who despite all adversity are able to bounce back and get on with life - they have that kind of philosophy that I love and suspect the author himself must share. Besides being entertaining, I find Irving's books educational and inspiring. I finished reading it a week ago and I'm still thinking about it. The only thing that disappointed me a little was Lilly's death. I knew she had to die, but I was hoping it wouldn't be a suicide - I didn't think she could be that selfish. And what I liked most was the openness among the siblings, the close relationships (although I couldn't help cringing at John and Franny's incest). My favourite character was Father, the dreamer.

I have lent it to a friend who's never read Irving before. I warned her that she will either love him or hate him. When I get it back it will probably be released somewhere in JB, Malaysia, or Singapore.

My friend said she liked it and would like to read another book by John Irving. She especiall enjoyed the humour in it.

RELEASE NOTES:

At the IWA general annual meeting.