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novelesque_life's review against another edition
3.0
3 STARS
"This work combines a portrait of the world of wrestling with a memoir that portrays a father's dedication to his children. It is a tribute to the writers and wrestlers who played a mentor role in Irving's development as a novelist, a wrestler and a wrestling coach." (From Amazon)
An interesting memoir read but mostly for those who like Irving's writing.
"This work combines a portrait of the world of wrestling with a memoir that portrays a father's dedication to his children. It is a tribute to the writers and wrestlers who played a mentor role in Irving's development as a novelist, a wrestler and a wrestling coach." (From Amazon)
An interesting memoir read but mostly for those who like Irving's writing.
tfelmey's review
3.0
Beautiful memoir
I am a huge fan of John Irving. I hadn't read this and enjoyed learning more about him and his life. Wrestling is in most of his novels, and I shouldn't be surprised what a huge part of his life it was.
I must share that I learned more about his writing by reading "Last night on twisted river", which I highly recommend.
I am a huge fan of John Irving. I hadn't read this and enjoyed learning more about him and his life. Wrestling is in most of his novels, and I shouldn't be surprised what a huge part of his life it was.
I must share that I learned more about his writing by reading "Last night on twisted river", which I highly recommend.
bookhawk's review against another edition
4.0
A great thing about books is that the right subject or nexus of subjects can make a book fabulous to one person even if it hardly appeals to another reader. The Imaginary Girlfriend is really super for me as a University of Iowa graduate, an Iowa wrestling fan, an avid reader, and a person intrigued by the talent it takes to write successfully. The book is still a good quick read even if wrestling is not a core interest.
kayeness's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't think I wanted a run-down of the wrestling history of the high school/prep schools of New England in the late seventies, and I was right. I haven't read any John Irving in a long time, and this very flimsy memoir reminded me of all the stuff I enjoyed in his work. Unfortunately, it also reminded me of all the stuff I didn't enjoy.
dommdy's review against another edition
1.0
I should have gotten a clue from the cover. It was about wrestling. Kinda boring unless you're into wrestling.
crimsonmoon251's review against another edition
5.0
John Irving is one of my favourite authors. Can’t believe it took me so long to read this autobiography. Great insight into the author’s life, beautiful memoir of friendship and mentors.
venkyloquist's review against another edition
4.0
Too short a book for an autobiography and even shorter to qualify as a John Irving novel, "The Imaginary Girlfriend" is easily one of the most endearing books ever written by this marvelous author who has created a formidable niche for himself in the American literary landscape. Dedicated to two of his most beloved wrestling coaches and a close friend, this condensed memoir blends the bustling contact sport of wrestling with the more personal and imaginative art of Creative Writing.
A "half decent" wrestler (in his own words) on account of an inflexible athletic bent, and a more than good (as recognised by the world) author, John Irving started his academic career in a none too luminous manner. Afflicted by Dyslexia which made reading an enormous niggle, Irving overcame this hiccup to blossom into one of the most essential and celebrated authors of our time. His discomfort in academics was as prominent as his comfort on a wrestling mat. Under the able tutelage of his beloved coach Ted Seabrooke, Irving developed an incorrigible affection towards this sport. An affection that lasted for more than four decades as he served the sport in the capabilities of a competitor, referee and coach. Immersion in the gymnasium halls however did not detract from his literary aspirations as Irving went on to pen some of the most indelible works of fiction including the "The World According to Garp", and "A Prayer For Owen Meany".
What makes this condensed work worth reading is the boldness and candour employed by Irving. Not shying away from his own disabilities, he lays down with utter simplicity the trajectory which his life took crisscrossing between classrooms and competition venues. He also shares with the reader some invaluable lessons drilled into him by mentors of the likes of the inimitable Kurt Vonnegut. The book is an assortment of spontaneous wit and sedate wisdom. A perilous taxi ride costing $100 and involving a driver petrified of the dark (and who also turns out to be a suspected thief) is enough to have the reader in splits. Poignant and pertinent, this book by Irving is one which unlike the rest of his work will not leave the reader enervated, but instead will generate a feeling of insatiability for being over too soon!
"The Imaginary Girlfriend" - John Irving at his honest best!
A "half decent" wrestler (in his own words) on account of an inflexible athletic bent, and a more than good (as recognised by the world) author, John Irving started his academic career in a none too luminous manner. Afflicted by Dyslexia which made reading an enormous niggle, Irving overcame this hiccup to blossom into one of the most essential and celebrated authors of our time. His discomfort in academics was as prominent as his comfort on a wrestling mat. Under the able tutelage of his beloved coach Ted Seabrooke, Irving developed an incorrigible affection towards this sport. An affection that lasted for more than four decades as he served the sport in the capabilities of a competitor, referee and coach. Immersion in the gymnasium halls however did not detract from his literary aspirations as Irving went on to pen some of the most indelible works of fiction including the "The World According to Garp", and "A Prayer For Owen Meany".
What makes this condensed work worth reading is the boldness and candour employed by Irving. Not shying away from his own disabilities, he lays down with utter simplicity the trajectory which his life took crisscrossing between classrooms and competition venues. He also shares with the reader some invaluable lessons drilled into him by mentors of the likes of the inimitable Kurt Vonnegut. The book is an assortment of spontaneous wit and sedate wisdom. A perilous taxi ride costing $100 and involving a driver petrified of the dark (and who also turns out to be a suspected thief) is enough to have the reader in splits. Poignant and pertinent, this book by Irving is one which unlike the rest of his work will not leave the reader enervated, but instead will generate a feeling of insatiability for being over too soon!
"The Imaginary Girlfriend" - John Irving at his honest best!
esters's review against another edition
4.0
http://redlipstickcase.blogspot.cz/2015/01/the-imaginary-girlfriend-irving.html
rlambertdo's review against another edition
4.0
Love wrestling.
Love memoirs.
Love Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Love Andre Dubus.
Lukewarm about John Irving, usually.
Good book.
Four stars.
Love memoirs.
Love Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Love Andre Dubus.
Lukewarm about John Irving, usually.
Good book.
Four stars.