Warning (February book): The Cider House Rules

Even though we are only halfway through January, I thought I'd post a short synopsis of February's book. I chose this book because, for me, it was an extremely thought-provoking novel that created a lot of ambivalence in my mind about the "grey" areas in life, and it also taught me about the pure goodness that exists in every individual, in spite of perceived limitations and rejection by society at large.

Having said that, I have to warn you that I was almost thrown out of a book club 20 years ago when I recommended this book, so if you are uncomfortable with the subject matter then skip it. But I tell you it is a book worth reading if for no other reason than to think about all these very difficult issues that anyone could face at some p0int in his/her life, and how society marginalizes and tries to hide behind "righteousness." It says a lot about love and forgiveness and redemption even though its subject matter would not lead you to believe so. So anyway, keep an open mind as you delve into this book.

One last thing: I have never seen the movie (I think it was probably rated "R"), and I have heard that it was not very true to the book anyway, so read the book and don't see the movie! Here is the summary:

ABOUT THIS BOOK

First published in 1985, The Cider House Rules is John Irving's sixth novel. Set in rural Maine in the first half of this century, it tells the story of Dr. Wilbur Larch--saint and obstetrician, founder and director of the orphanage in the town of St. Cloud's, ether addict and abortionist. It is also the story of Dr. Larch's favorite orphan, Homer Wells, who is never adopted.