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From: waltt@tekecs.UUCP (Walt Tucker)
Newsgroups: net.books
Subject: Any Michener Fans Out There?
Message-ID: <5270@tekecs.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 23-Apr-85 12:16:23 EST
Article-I.D.: tekecs.5270
Posted: Tue Apr 23 12:16:23 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 25-Apr-85 07:47:35 EST
Distribution: net
Organization: Tektronix, Wilsonville OR
Lines: 38

For some reason, I seem to enjoy books by James A. Michener, even though 
reading one of his books is a major investment of time.   After completing
one of his novels, I usually take a few months to a year off before attempting
to read another.  Of the books I've completed so far, this is my personal
ranking (years are dates published):

                  1.  Chesapeake (1979)
                  2.  Hawaii (1956?)
                  3.  Centennial (1974)
                  4.  Space (1982)
                  5.  The Covenant (1980)


All of the above are good, with books 2, 3, and 4 being very close to
each other in rank.   In "Centennial" you could probably skip the second
and third chapter and not lose anything.  The remainder of the book is
excellent.

I've rated "The Covenant" last, not because it is extremely poor, but 
because (1) It is the thickest book so far (1240 pages) and is taking 
me forever to get through (2) It takes place in South Africa and I 
am having trouble relating to historical events, places, etc (in the
other books the ties to the U.S. are such that I have some background 
knowledge prior to reading the book), and (3) it is generally a little 
slower moving than the other four selections (possibly because of number
2 above.  Other than that, "The Covenant" has really given me some good
insight into what is happening in South Africa.  I find myself reading
and understanding more of the events that are taking place there.

I have "Poland" in my book drawer at home, but will probably take a break
with some science fiction after completing "The Covenant."

I'm also impressed by the research that goes into one of Michener's books.
In "The Covenant", there are five pages of research acknowledgements.
                  

                              -- Walt Tucker
                                 Tektronix, Inc.