The Source

Rating:
Summary: An extremely well written and interesting historical account
Review: I have read this book recently and as a result, I have found that my interest in it's topic has been heightened immensely. I'm seventeen years old, and I consider this to be the "best" book I've ever read. It has heightened my interest in history more than every history course I've taken in school (I'm now in my final year of high school). Even though the stories are fictional, my interest in and knowlege of the history of the Jewish religion have both been extended. I would recommend that anyone who wishes to read an interesting book that will also extend a reader's interest in history pick this one up and, hey, if you don't trust me, consider the fact that every other review at this site gave it five stars.

Rating:
Summary: Eternally awesome!
Review: I've read this book three times - once as a teenager, once while in my mid-20's, and I've just finished it for the third time - aged 37. Each time I've come away with something new, and this time it's a keen awareness of the similarities of the world's three major religions and a growing awareness and appreciation of the historical struggle of the Jewish people. This book will forever be a classic and a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of the Holy Land - even though it's fiction!

Rating:
Summary: life changing
Review: I was given this book by a misguided doctor who mistakenly diagnosed me with deppression(it was hyperthyroidism) But it was the best thing he could have done for me. I am forever amazed at the intense and deep dive into religious and man's history. The way this book was wriiten not only mesmerized me but it made me want to know more. I had never known the common threads that intertwine Judaism, Christianity and Islam. I had only known what was taught in my catholic schools. I had never conceived of one woman or man grasping the concept of cultivating wheat and thus creating towns and cities. I had never known the intense struggle of the Jewish people except what I learned in school about the 20th century holocaust. Suddenly I found myself going to every book store and buying everything I could find on the history of these three dynamic religions. I found myself watching every documentary on ancient life and the early Christians, Jews and Muslms. I found myself studying each one and trying to understand their complexities. I found a great respect for the Jewish tenacity in their belief and perseverance. James Michener's incredible journey through time captivated me like nothing else ever has and now I am going to pursue a career in Bilical Archeaology and anthropology and basic ancient history of all these diverse people. My wish right now would be to travel to Jeruselam and all the middle east to touch and see this magical center of these magical people. I would like to see and touch all the holy landmarks of all three religions becaue there you are in the presence of all this book refers to. I only wish I could have thanked Mr. Michener before he died for writng such a remarkable story and changing my life. No matter what your beliefs read this book. You won't change those beliefs, you will enlighten and enhance them.

Rating:
Summary: Insight into sameness of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Review: Mitchener's trick of interweaving short stories from eras of history and prehistory with a contemporary story kept the pace snappy while educating the reader in the contextual settings that formed three of the big religions of our time. One was left wondering what the real differences are between each set of faiths.

Rating:
Summary: History comming to life!
Review: Colorful insights of an ethnic groups'"struggle for existance" throughout its' history. A must for other striving (evolving) groups in our contemporary societies!

Rating:
Summary: Profound and insightful
Review: This book changed the way I look at religion and gave me the courage to examine the sources of my own beliefs. I am grateful that a friend recommended the book to me some years ago. I am much more aware and tolerant of all people and views that diverge from my own. Historically accurate. The only author that could prompt me to dive into Antiquities by Josephus!

Rating:
Summary: Classic Michener: Follow one place & many people thru time
Review: Never have I seen, by any author contemporary or classic, such perfect description. The book traces one geographic place, Makor, Israel, from the dawn of man through 1966. Fascinating fictionalized study of Judaism, and terribly interesting when read in the light of Middle Eastern conflict. Michener makes real characters from the present intertwine BEAUTIFULLY with the ghosts from the past. READ IT!!

Rating:
Summary: The most powerful, insightful book I ever read.
Review: This book had a profound impact on me. Not only did Michener masterfully trace a history, but he made a powerful point. Each group holds a piece to a The Puzzle. If everyone put their pieces together, the face of God would be revealed. In our cowardliness, we refuse. In our arrogance, we each say that ours is the only piece to the puzzle. What an insight.

Rating:
Summary: As good a read as you'll find
Review: This book was one of my all time favorites. A complete history of Judaism. Great history, great story and I could not put it down.

Rating:
Summary: Essential to understanding of the Middle East
Review: The cassette version gutted this book. Michener's textual masterpiece clothes history in fictional but indelible garb. The structure of the book forms around the artifacts uncovered in an archaeological dig of Makor. Each object become a chapter telescoping an entire era in the sequence of Galilee's history, starting with the first cultivation of land through 1964.