The Cider House Rules

I picked up the tape (the narrator is excellent) after seeing the movie (I loved the movie). I wanted more discussion about the "rules"; more analysis about the issues of rules, rule breaking, rule following and the consequences. Abortion (which was quite illegal at the time, punishable by jail time, stiff fines and loss of the medical license)is only one of these issues treated in both the movie and the book, but the book does a much better job (to no surprise). Incest, infidelity, pre-marital sex, homosexuality, patricide, racisim - the "rules" relating to these subjects, as well as how the characters deal with facing and breaking these rules is what is the most powerful aspect of this novel to me. As to abortion, it was a different time and I wonder if Homer Wells would still be an abortionist in the post-Wade years? I felt horrible to read about women attempting their own abortions and dying in the process, but I felt un-sympathetic to the "I just give them what they want, an orphan or an abortion" attitude of Larch. That is too simple. Was Homer, Fuzzy, Mellinie or any of the others just "an orphan". While Homer was "converted" from a "pro-lifer" ala Mario Cuomo, to an abortionist, I doubt the book will change anyone's opinion on abortion.
The book will make you think deeply about other "rules" and how the characters break them and live with the consequenses. The relationship between Homer, Candy and Wally was unique and a bit unbelievable and I would have liked to hear more about how Wally and Angle "reacted" when they were told the whole story. Or did they already know? Probably.
It's also one of the few long books on tape (17 tapes) that holds your attention and would be a good book for adults as well as children 13 and older. Pick it up for those long summer car trips.
Apparently, the characters and the situations are related to real people and real procedures.

Without a doubt, the book is amazing, and if you ever have the chance to listen to Gardner Grover's reading of the unabridged audio version of Irving's masterpiece, do it.
Sometimes, the voice of the person relating a story is just as important as the story itself. That is certainly the case with "The Cider House Rules." Grover captures every nuance just right. His reading is flawless and there is NO sloppy transition between dialogue and narrative. He is a perfect Dr. Larch and wonderfully captures the innocence of Homer Wells as well.
I listen to books on tape when I walk my dog and I can assure you, I was always walking down the street with a perpetual smile on my face while listening to this one. This is a perfect companion to the novel itself (the movie was wonderful as well!) and I cannot recommend it enough. Though the running time is 25 hours, you will be amazed at how fast you fly through it...and you WILL want to listen to it again.
For another phenomenal (and epic) book on tape, look into Ann-Marie MacDonald's reading of her own novel, "The Way the Crow Flies." (also a 25 hour running time)