Favorite James Michener Novel?

[Chichiri]

Poll question: Favorite James Michener Novel?

I'm currently devouring "Hawaii" like there's no tomorrow. What's your favorite book from this storyteller?

[Silverhair]

1. TEXAS. But then, I'm a Texan. NT

[Chichiri]

2. Fair enough.

I got a whole bunch of Michener novels for REALLY cheap on eBay, and "Texas" was included, but I'm avoiding it. Mostly cause of Bush.

[Silverhair]

11. It was written during for the Texas 150th Anniversary. (1986) NT

[Quakerfriend]

3. "Caravan" was by far the best.

Oh, how I loved this book. If I remember correctly, it was written in 1958.

I also like "Bridge at Andau".

[democracyindanger]

4. I like the one

that's a sweeping historical epic filled with lush detail.

[Chichiri]

5. Oh, you mean . . .

"Frog And Toad Are Friends?"

[democracyindanger]

9. Is that the one that's about 1000 pages long?

[Chichiri]

10. Yeah, it's the one about John Galt.

:eyes:

[KamaAina]

6. Yeah, right. Like you thought I was gonna vote for "Chesapeake".

"Hawaii" basically defined the genre of historical fiction. In fact, it's too damn good for its own good; there are clueless haoles out there who think every word in it is literally true, with only the names changed. :eyes:

Basically, Michener spent the rest of his career rewriting "Hawaii" in different places, with (obviously) less source material to offer; it is a testament to his greatness that he was actually able to make most of them work.

[Chichiri]

7. You gotta admit, he writes convincingly.

There is a big ol' disclaimer in the front of "Hawaii" that all persons and events are fictional. Nevertheless, when I'm actually reading the book, I tend to forget that.

[bridgit]

8. Centennial...

[Cathyclysmic]

13. Agreed Centennial is the best one

[jaysunb]

12. Texas

I've given it as a gift over the years, mostly to my Mexican American friends. They have all been very happy to have found another side of their history, albeit fictional.

[greatauntoftriplets]

14. Caravans....

And The Drifters.

Not among his blockbusters, but excellent reads.