Affiliate Disclosure: Links on this page may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate policy
John Irving Books in Order
John Irving is a renowned American writer and novelist, born in Exeter, New Hampshire, in 1942. He made his literary debut with the publication of Setting Free the Bears in 1968, at the age of twenty-six. A lifelong wrestling enthusiast, Irving competed for twenty years and went on to coach wrestling until the age of forty-seven. Throughout his career, he has been nominated for a National Book Award three times, winning in 1980 for The World According to Garp. He has also received an O. Henry Award in 1981 for his short story "Interior Space" and an Oscar in 2000 for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Cider House Rules. Irving's novels have been translated into over thirty-five languages, cementing his status as an international writer.
Bibliography verified: April 2026
Quick Answer
What are all of John Irving's book series? John Irving has written 4 book series. The most notable is the Cider House Rules series.
Complete series list with all books in reading order below.
Book Series by John Irving
- #1
The Cider House Rules(1985) - #2
Queen Esther(2025)
- #1
The Imaginary Girlfriend(1996) - #2
My Movie Business(1999)
- #1A Sound Like Someone Trying Not to Make a Sound(2003)
- #1
Setting Free the Bears(1968) - #2
The Water-Method Man(1972) - #3
The 158-Pound Marriage(1974) - #4
The World According to Garp(1978) - #5
The Hotel New Hampshire(1981) - #6
A Prayer for Owen Meany(1989) - #7
A Son of the Circus(1994) - #8
A Widow for One Year(1998) - #9The Fourth Hand(2001)
- #10Until I Find You(2005)
- #11
Last Night in Twisted River(2009) - #12
In One Person(2012) - #13
Avenue of Mysteries(2015) - #14
The Last Chairlift(2022) - #15Trying to Save Piggy Sneed(1993)
About John Irving
John Irving is a renowned American writer and novelist, born in Exeter, New Hampshire, in 1942. He made his literary debut with the publication of Setting Free the Bears in 1968, at the age of twenty-six. A lifelong wrestling enthusiast, Irving competed for twenty years and went on to coach wrestling until the age of forty-seven. Throughout his career, he has been nominated for a National Book Award three times, winning in 1980 for The World According to Garp. He has also received an O. Henry Award in 1981 for his short story "Interior Space" and an Oscar in 2000 for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Cider House Rules. Irving's novels have been translated into over thirty-five languages, cementing his status as an international writer.
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, Reading Order Books earns from qualifying purchases. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. This helps us maintain the site and continue providing reading order guides. Read our full disclosure