Rating: 
Summary: Kept waiting for it to get better....
Review: "Recessional" was alot like the salad bar served nightly at "The Palms" - lots of choices with very little quality. I got the distinct impression that the story line of this shallow novel was only a vehicle for Michener's pontifications on subjects as diverse as Aids, Race Relations and Aging. There was very little character development, so it was difficult to care about any one in particular. But the biggest problem I had was the inattention to detail; detail which has made earlier Michener novels so captivating and entertaining. There are few Michener books I haven't read, so it it hard for me to suggest, but perhaps it is time for Mr. Michener to pack up his typewriter and enjoy the company of his peers in a "Palms"
Rating: 
Summary: Pretend like you've never read a Michener book before
Review: "Recessional" was my introduction into James Michener's writing. This novel is the work of a fine craftsman. Upon reading, you feel that there are no wasted characters or scenes; all are important and work towards making a beautiful canvas for you to enjoy. In this story a young doctor, Dr. Andy Zorn, is driven from his practice in Chicago by a frivolous lawsuit against him and by his divorce. Mr. Taggert, the owner of a chain of retirement communities, hires Dr. Zorn to manage of his properties, The Palms in Tampa, which is not making a profit. It is at this location that Zorn must rebuild the community and his life. Of the characters Zorn meets, you feel that you have met them before, but never took the time to know them. For instance, there is Mr. Bixby who seems like just another retiree. One day, someone notices that he is "the" Buzz Bixby of World Series fame many years ago. All the characters, and for the matter all retirees, have had a wealth of experiences which get overlooked when we do not try to understand. Michener also discusses many issues (as an aside, this was written in the early nineties) such as Alzheimer's, AIDS, euthanasia, and living wills. There are other topics, but these seem to be the most poignant. Throughout these issues, you will never feel that Michener is preaching to you, but you will know how he feels. I would recommend this book. It is an enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: A fitting title
Review: "Recessional" was my introduction into James Michener's writing. This novel is the work of a fine craftsman. Upon reading, you feel that there are no wasted characters or scenes; all are important and work towards making a beautiful canvas for you to enjoy. In this story a young doctor, Dr. Andy Zorn, is driven from his practice in Chicago by a frivolous lawsuit against him and by his divorce. Mr. Taggert, the owner of a chain of retirement communities, hires Dr. Zorn to manage of his properties, The Palms in Tampa, which is not making a profit. It is at this location that Zorn must rebuild the community and his life. Of the characters Zorn meets, you feel that you have met them before, but never took the time to know them. For instance, there is Mr. Bixby who seems like just another retiree. One day, someone notices that he is "the" Buzz Bixby of World Series fame many years ago. All the characters, and for the matter all retirees, have had a wealth of experiences which get overlooked when we do not try to understand. Michener also discusses many issues (as an aside, this was written in the early nineties) such as Alzheimer's, AIDS, euthanasia, and living wills. There are other topics, but these seem to be the most poignant. Throughout these issues, you will never feel that Michener is preaching to you, but you will know how he feels. I would recommend this book. It is an enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: Kept waiting for it to get better....
Review: "Recessional" was alot like the salad bar served nightly at "The Palms" - lots of choices with very little quality. I got the distinct impression that the story line of this shallow novel was only a vehicle for Michener's pontifications on subjects as diverse as Aids, Race Relations and Aging. There was very little character development, so it was difficult to care about any one in particular. But the biggest problem I had was the inattention to detail; detail which has made earlier Michener novels so captivating and entertaining. There are few Michener books I haven't read, so it it hard for me to suggest, but perhaps it is time for Mr. Michener to pack up his typewriter and enjoy the company of his peers in a "Palms"
Rating:
Summary: God's Waiting Room!
Review: A very good description of the options faced by those in the twilight of their life. The plot was really secondary to what I considered the main point of the story, which is the lives of the residents, and the activities of the caretakers. In all, it is a depressing story, but I guess that's the point.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointed Michener Fan
Review: I have read and enjoyed nearly all James Michener's books so when I found "Recesional" at a flea market I thought I was in for yet another good read. I finished this book only because I felt compelled to say I read it through. The book is way below Michener's usual attention to detail, has a sappy storyline, several blatant inaccuracies and a reference to a "retard" I found disturbing for an author of this caliber. Definitely one for the recycle bin.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointed Michener Fan
Review: I have read and enjoyed nearly all James Michener's books so when I found "Recesional" at a flea market I thought I was in for yet another good read. I finished this book only because I felt compelled to say I read it through. The book is way below Michener's usual attention to detail, has a sappy storyline, several blatant inaccuracies and a reference to a "retard" I found disturbing for an author of this caliber. Definitely one for the recycle bin.
Rating:
Summary: not your typical Michener saga
Review: i liked this book very much, but if you are a regular fan of Michener, you may be dissapointed. I would suggest this book to anyone that has the time to read it.
Rating:
Summary: Pretend like you've never read a Michener book before
Review: I really love this book - but it's not really anything like other things the author has written. It's just a good story about a topic that many of us are uncomfortable with - growing old. Give this book a try. You may be surpised. I know the I was.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Read
Review: I was assigned to read this book for one of my college courses and I really ended up liking it. It's my understanding that Michener himself actually lived at the retirement center he based the book on and that many of the characters were based very closely on residents there. My teacher describes it as more of an ethnography than a novel, which made it that much more interesting to me.
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