J

John Irving

Bestselling Author • 5 Series • 20 Books

5
Series
20
Books
5
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Cider House Rules Books
Start with: The Cider House Rules (1985)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Setting Free the Bears (1968)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
Start with: Trying to Save Piggy Sneed (1993)

About John Irving

John Irving is a well known author and an Academy Award winning screenwriter from The United States who has written a number of novels based on the Literature & Fiction and Biographies & Memoirs genres. He was born on March 2, 1942 in New Hampshire, The United States. The first novel published by John Irving was the Setting Free Bears in the year 1968. His fourth novel won a National Award in the year 1980 and also went on to become an international bestseller. The novel was later made into a movie by George Roy Hill. The next novel written by John was also made into a movie which was written and directed by Tony Richardson in the year 1984. In all, Irving has written hundreds of novels, which have been translated into more than 35 foreign languages. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Cider House Rules Books series, John Irving has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by John Irving

Publication Order of Cider House Rules Books
2 books 1985–2025
1

The Cider House Rules

The Cider House Rules is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Cider House Rules Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Irving have come to expect.

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1985
2

Queen Esther

Queen Esther is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Cider House Rules Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Irving have come to expect.

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2025
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
14 books 1968–2022
1

Setting Free the Bears

Setting Free the Bears continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Irving's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1968
2

The Water-Method Man

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Water-Method Man, another outstanding contribution from John Irving.

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1972
3

The 158-Pound Marriage

The 158-Pound Marriage is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Irving have come to expect.

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1974
4

The World According to Garp

The World According to Garp continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Irving's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1978
5

The Hotel New Hampshire

The Hotel New Hampshire is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Irving have come to expect.

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1981
6

A Prayer for Owen Meany

A Prayer for Owen Meany continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Irving's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
7

A Son of the Circus

A Son of the Circus is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Irving have come to expect.

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1994
8

A Widow for One Year

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with A Widow for One Year, another outstanding contribution from John Irving.

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1998
9

The Fourth Hand

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Fourth Hand, another outstanding contribution from John Irving.

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2001
10

Until I Find You

Until I Find You continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Irving's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
11

Last Night in Twisted River

Last Night in Twisted River is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Irving have come to expect.

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2009
12

In One Person

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with In One Person, another outstanding contribution from John Irving.

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2012
13

Avenue of Mysteries

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Avenue of Mysteries, another outstanding contribution from John Irving.

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2015
14

The Last Chairlift

The Last Chairlift is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Irving have come to expect.

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2022
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
1 books 1993–1993
1

Trying to Save Piggy Sneed

Trying to Save Piggy Sneed is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Irving have come to expect.

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1993
Publication Order of Picture Books
1 books 2003–2003
1

A Sound Like Someone Trying Not to Make a Sound

A Sound Like Someone Trying Not to Make a Sound continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with John Irving's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 1996–1999
1

The Imaginary Girlfriend

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Imaginary Girlfriend, another outstanding contribution from John Irving.

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1996
2

My Movie Business

My Movie Business is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Irving have come to expect.

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1999

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is John Irving?

John Irving is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 20 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Cider House Rules Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Story Collections. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best John Irving series to start with?

For readers new to John Irving's work, the Publication Order of Cider House Rules Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 2 books. Begin with The Cider House Rules to start from the very beginning.

How many books has John Irving written?

John Irving has written over 20 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read John Irving books in order?

Yes, reading John Irving's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does John Irving write in?

John Irving writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 20 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are John Irving's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of John Irving's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is John Irving's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, John Irving's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Cider House Rules Books series. The first book, The Cider House Rules, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.