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Summary: Great historical timeline, full of interesting stories
Review: This is my favorite book! Michener takes you from the very beginning of mankind to the present, but weaves the stories of the various generations in such an interesting manner that you're not aware you are learning a great deal of the history of man
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Summary: A great insight on the background of the jewish people
Review: James Michener has taken on one of the hardest subjects to write about...Religion.
With "The Source" he has writen a book that you can not put down. It is a book that you will remember and cherrish forever. Not only is it a very interesting subject, but also an enchanting writing style that captures your atention from the beginning. I believe this is his finest work.
Through an archaeological dig an american scientist unravels the history of the (jewish) people in a vilage in Israel. The caracters in this story capture your hart forever.
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Summary: A GRAND HISTORY OF RELIGION, THE JEWS AND THE MIDDLE EAST.
Review: HISTORICAL FICTION AT ITS BEST. THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE JEWS AS TOLD THROUGH AN ARCHAELOGICAL DIG. EACH CHAPTER TAKES YOU THROUGH A SIGNIFICANT PERIOD IN TIME, FROM 12,000 B.C. TO THE PRESENT. THIS MAY NOT BE A BOOK THAT YOU CAN'T PUT DOWN, BUT IT IS CERTAINLY A BOOK THAT YOU WILL NEVER FORGET. LEARN HOW THE EACH GREAT CIVILIZATION OVER TIME CONTROLLED THE MIDDLE EAST, LEARN HOW THEY TREATED THE JEWS AND THEIR LASTING IMPACT ON A GREAT LAND. IF YOU ARE A FAN OF HISTORICAL FICTION, THE SOURCE IS A MUST
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Summary: "The Source" of my Middle East fascination
Review: When I was in my early teens, back in the days of disco, fat ties, oil crises, and gaudy leisure suits (aka, the 1970s), I remember looking through my parents' book collection for the book with the most pages. At the time, I thought that the length of a book somehow corresponded to its difficulty level, and that if I could read a 1,000+ page book, then I must be REALLY smart and also grown up! Anyway, one of the first books I decided to read, based on these sophisticated criteria, was "The Source," by James Michener. Surprisingly, I found out that the book was actually easy to read, fascinating, and highly entertaining, and I whizzed right through it (boy, did I think I was smart afte that)! I remember being completely engrossed as the centuries flew past, as conquering armies marched, as cities rose and fell, as blood flowed through the streets of Jerusalem, and as the Jews wandered through the Middle East and Europe. I also remember thinking that the Middle East had an incredible history that I needed to learn a lot more about. Well, almost 30 years later, with a Masters Degree in Middle East Studies, with a couple of trips to the region under my belt, and with a job dealing with the Middle East, I can blame it all, at least in part, on reading "The Source" at age 12 or 13. Seriously, though, I do believe that the seed of my life-long fascination with history, international relations, politics, and the Middle East was planted when I read "The Source" as a young teenager. Actually, come to think of it, another Michener book -- Centennial -- got me fascinated in the history of the West and the American Indian, while several others made me want to learn more about South Africa, Hawaii, the South Pacific, the Chesapeake region, and even outer space. So, definitely read James Michener, but be warned: you could become addicted to a lifetime of learning, travel, and adventure.
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Summary: A Brilliant Piece of Fiction
Review: The Source is about some archeoalogists who, over the first hundred pages, search and find numerous artifacts. Then the next part of the book deals with the history of these artifacts and the story with each item. These artifacts range from cavemen tools to idols to a bullet.
This ingenius book shows history in a whole different perspaective. And it allows one to think like the story is happening as you read.
A wonderful book that won't allow you to p[ut it down.
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Summary: His Best!
Review: From what I've read of his, this is Mitchener's best. He develops his stories through artifacts found on a dig of a mound in Israel that represents the detritus of thousands of years of human activity. Very well written, and he makes each of his stories credible. Perhaps most important, all of his stories are very, very interesting and hold the reader, at least this reader.
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Summary: My new #1 book
Review: This book bumps out 'The selfish Gene' as my new favorite of all time.
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Summary: Pretty good.
Review: This book is pretty good. There is a good piece of advice about learning Judaism, to read Deuteronomy five times. There is some insight into Judaism. As literature the book is not very good; it has a definite feel of having been put togethere by a committee. I would recommend it to those interested in Judaism, as a source of ideas and insight.
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Summary: Superlative story
Review: And long, as others have noted. But it's one I have read more than once over the years, and still find enjoyable. And it's one of the few Michner books I have actually been able to finish.
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Summary: Best Book I have ever read!
Review: I read this book as part of a seminar course I took as a senior in high school. It has shaped the way I think in such a great way. I love so many parts of the book. When man first contemplates religion and associates a rock to worship. When the people face the Exodus. Oh my there are too many great parts to recount. If you have heard about this book READ IT! You won't be able to put it down after it starts the first account of history.
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