June Meeting: A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

Hi all, this book was scheduled near the end of 2024, but it was clear that a lot of folks had conflicts. Hopefully this date is more workable, especially for those who read the book at that point!
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Published in 1989, John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany tells the story of John Wheelwright and his best friend Owen Meany growing up together in a small New Hampshire town during the 1950s and 1960s. According to John's narration, Owen is a remarkable boy in many ways; he believes himself to be God's instrument and sets out to fulfill the fate he has prophesied for himself.

Reasons for challenges:
* #76 on Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books: 2000-2009
* Banned and censored around the United States for its stance on religion and criticism of the US government regarding the Vietnam War and Iran-Contra.
* 1992 - Pennsylvania - Carlisle's Boiling Springs High School pulled the book from high school literature classes after parents complained of language and content
* 2000 - West Virginia - Challenged at Kanawha County high school's reading lists for being "pornographic, offensive, and vulgar."
* 2009 - New Hampshire - Pelham school district removed the book from recommended summer reading after a parent complained about language and sexuality.

Hope to see you there!