Rating: 
Summary: Not As Popular Today As Hawaii But Good
Review: This book is among my favourites. I have read most or many of his books twice and always find them to be entertaining and educational. I keep a copy of Hawaii, Alaska, and Texas near at hand. This is a nice 1000 page historical novel that gives a very detailed picture of the evolution of the great state of Texas, now one of the most dynamic states in the USA.Michener's books use a common plot formula that starts out by telling a story that in some way reflects and utilizes accurately the actual or known historical developments and time lines and people of a region. In the present case it is about a group of people that came up from Mexico to settle in what is now Texas. It progresses through the development of the region adding in settlers, farmers, outlaws, lawmen, business people, adding in more characters and phasing out as time moves forward up to current times. When I decided to review this book I was not certain if people were still interested in buying this book but I was pleased to see that there is still interest at Amazon.com in buying and reading this great story but perhaps not quite as popular as some of his other works. Good read and a good gift. Jack in Toronto
Rating: 
Summary: AS GREAT AS THE STATE
Review: This has to be one of James Michener's greatest achievements. If this isn't his best book, it is one of his best. At 1322 pages you would think that would be enough, but with all of the topics JM touches I actually found myself wanting more. Mercifully this one does not start with the formation of the earth's crust. Instead, JM jumps into the action and begins a saga that lasts almost 500 years. From the Indians, to the Spanish Friars, to the Alamo, gunslingers, frontiersmen, immigrants, cattleman, entrepreneurs, Texas Rangers, real estate barons, King Cotton, oil men, and football. This only scratches the surface. JM follows the lives of several families from their immigration to Texas and the lives they cut out for themselves while there. Beyond fascinating. I highly recommend this book. Don't let the size of it scare you off because if is a fast read.
Rating:
Summary: ANOTHER GREAT NOVEL ABOUT PEOPLE........
Review: THIS IS AS INTERESTING AS CENTENNIAL, ALASKA, AND CHESAPEAKE. I
HAVE HAWAII TO READ NEXT. I LIKE THE WAY JAMES MICHENER WRITES MAKING HISTORY ENJOYABLE. AS A HISTORY MAJOR IN COLLEGE I AM ALWAYS GLAD WHEN SOMEONE WRITES IN SUCH A WAY THAT HISTORY IS INTERESTING TO THOSE WHO MIGHT NOT EXPOSE THEMSELVES TO IT. THIS
BOOK IS FULL OF BOTH FACT AND FICTION, BUT HE TELLS YOU UP FRONT
WHAT IS WHAT. ALSO IT IS JUST PLAIN INTERESTING AND VERY EASY TO
READ. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS AS WELL AS THE BOOKS ABOVE FOR ONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN HISTORY BUT NOT JUST FACTS.
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