Die Arbeit behandelt vier Romane des 1942 geborenen Amerikaners John Irving: The World According to Garp, The Hotel New Hampshire, The Cider House Rules und A Prayer for Owen Meany. Im Mittelpunkt stehen dabei die Fragen, inwieweit die Erzahlkunst Irvings der Tradition des Fabulierens verpflichtet ist und welche innovatorischen Elemente aufzufinden sind, die spezifisch zeitgenoessisches Fabulieren hervorbringen. Dabei wird insbesondere Irvings tragikomische literarische Welterfassung untersucht. Die Eroerterung der daraus resultierenden Rezeptionsvielfalt erfolgt im Ruckgriff auf Aspekte wirkungsasthetischer Theoriebildung.

The international bestseller that will sharpen your mind, broaden your perspective and transform your relationships. _____________________________________________________ WHY ARE WE SO BAD AT ASKING GOOD QUESTIONS? In an increasingly polarized world, asking better questions in our daily and working lives is a radical shortcut to personal and professional success. It can create space for us to rethink our positions, find answers together, and even change our minds for the better. Drawing on the lessons of Socrates and other great thinkers, practical philosopher Elke Wiss lays out an essential toolkit to help you: * Transform debates into dialogues * Embrace your doubts like a true philosopher * Ditch your ego and become an active listener * Discover an open and curious Socratic attitude * Learn Sherlock Holmes's powers of observation * Open conversations up or dig down deeper with key question types * Explore thorny issues and avoid classic question pitfalls * Face your fear of asking and start connecting The right questions can unlock the answers to anything - and help you know everything, without being a know-it-all. _____________________________ WHAT READERS ARE SAYING: 'Read this book, it will enrich your life!' 'A disarming and urgent book in today's world!' 'A great book for anyone who wants to better understand themselves and others!' 'Everyone should read this. What fascinating conversations we would have then!' 'A clear and practical book for brave thinkers who want to start having better, deeper conversations.' 'I found this book so valuable! A real enrichment to my daily life.' 'What a gem this book is!' 'Highly recommended for anyone who usually gets bogged down in discussions, quarrels, disagreements that lead to nothing.' 'A ray of hope in a time of dispute and polarization.' 'Elke Wiss makes practical philosophy manageable for everyone. A must read!' 'A cheerful, unconventional book.' 'An inspiring, easy-to-read book, full of practical exercises to get yourself started right away. For me it's a must read!' 'Its powerful message urges us to connect more with each other and with ourselves.' 'Some books can actually change your worldview or your daily actions, and as far as I'm concerned this is one of them. I recommend it to everyone.'