Ohhh Stoner! I actually read that. Loved it.

As for Irving I do agree with your assessment. It can feel like reading the same book over and over with the same motifs. I think that all writing in fiction is in someway and in varying levels inherently autobiographical, however, I think he may lean into his experience is too much if that makes sense?

All that said, I found Owen Meany to be one of my favorite pieces of fiction, but after reading that I felt overwhelmed by the rest. I imagine it may be a similar experience, regardless, of which work of his you start with. Like you said, he has a very distinct style that he rarely deviates from.