John Irving

Date of Birth: March 2, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: *Not applicable (as of the latest update in 2023)*

Biography

John Irving, born John Wallace Blunt Jr., is an American novelist and screenwriter known for his complex characters and intricate storylines. Born on March 2, 1942, in Exeter, New Hampshire, Irving is best known for his novels “The World According to Garp,” “A Prayer for Owen Meany,” and “The Cider House Rules.” His work often explores themes of sexual identity, the complexities of human relationships, and the impact of history on individual lives. Irving’s career took off with the publication of “The World According to Garp” in 1978, which won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1980. He later adapted “The Cider House Rules” into a screenplay, winning an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2000. Irving’s writing is known for its vivid characters, intricate plots, and a blend of tragedy and comedy. He has published over a dozen novels and continues to be an influential figure in contemporary literature.

5 Interesting Facts about John Irving

1. John Irving wrestled competitively in high school and college, and his experiences with the sport frequently appear in his novels.

2. He was diagnosed with dyslexia as a teenager, which made his achievements in literature even more remarkable.

3. Irving’s novel “A Prayer for Owen Meany” inspired the 1998 film “Simon Birch.”

4. He studied at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where he was mentored by Kurt Vonnegut.

5. Irving has a keen interest in history and often incorporates historical events and settings into his novels.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Irving

1. “Good habits are worth being fanatical about.”

2. “If you care about something you have to protect it – If you’re lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.”

3. “Half my life is an act of revision.”

4. “Keep passing the open windows.”

5. “Writing a novel is actually searching for victims. As I write, I keep looking for casualties. The stories uncover the casualties.”