Hawaii

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Summary: The Michener's best book
Review: I have read various books from J. A. Michener, but Hawaii has the union of adventure, romance, history, and evrything more that makes a book unforgatable.

Rating:
Summary: Hawaii was my introduction To Michener.
Review: WOW! What a great book! Although the characters are fictional, I now feel that I know stuff about the Islands that I never would have known had I not read the book! After reading Hawaii I have since bought several of Michener's novels. I really like the fact that I am learning about a culture and place while being entertained at the same time. Michener entertains you then you realize you are much more knowledgable about the subject. The movie does not give the bok its dues.

Rating:
Summary: A great mix of history and fiction.
Review: It is typical Michener;history and fiction entertwined perfectly. The history is almost always more or as entertaining as the fiction. He puts you in the middle of an adventure novel, makes you love the characters, and then, voila!, you just learned something! He is simply the best contemporary author of our time.

Rating:
Summary: Long... but worth every page!
Review: If you've ever lived in or spent any length of time in Hawaii, then you must read this book. Though it took me a month and a half to get through it, I was sad for the book to end. My curiosity is certainly whetted now because I have no idea what real people the characters are supposed to represent. I'm sure the Hales, Hoxworths and Whipples, etc. are supposed to be Bishops and Blaisdales and Campbells, et al, but I'd like to know who specifically. I'm also sure that the Kees and Sakagawas are also probably about some specific people too, but who? I'd like to see a reprint of this book with a very frank forward by some scholar of the Islands who can break the code for the reader!

Rating:
Summary: A must-read for anyone from or interested in Hawaii!
Review: I could not put this book down! One of the best books I have read in a long time and especially meaningful for people for whom Hawaii holds a special place in their hearts.

Rating:
Summary: My favorite book
Review: There is no adjective to describe how good this book is. Michener even makes pre-historic volcano eruptions interesting. Every time Michener begins a new topic the reader must feel angry for they still want more tales of the last people, place, or time. The saving grace is that the next topic is always better. I am afraid to read Michener's other works for fear that I will like them less than this masterpiece.

Rating:
Summary: Best book I have ever read!
Review: As a huge fan of the islands, I often found myself wondering about the stories and history of Hawaii. This book, while fiction, chronicles the story of the islands from the first volcano to the demise of the Hawaiian culture. The fictional characters and events often have basis in reality, making one forget after the first few pages that this is not a history book but a true saga of a "fictional" people. If you're tired of reading throwaway paperbacks (i.e. the murder mysteries found at every airport), do yourself a favor and pick up this book. It is absolutely the best thing I have ever read.

Rating:
Summary: The best book I've read in a year!
Review: James Michener is a master story teller. Hawaii is a fabulous tale of the history of hawaii from it's geological origins to its settlement by Polynesians, Chinese, Japanese, Anglos and others. These groups clash with each other, but more often work together to build the islands socially and economically, ultimately enriching all. A great read!!!

Rating:
Summary: Three thumbs up!
Review: Last winter my boyfriend went to Hawaii, and I was left in Pennsylvania to only read and dream about being in such a beautiful place. Through Michener's colorful descriptions, excellent story-telling of the history, and intricate plot, I caught a glimpse of what my boyfriend was experiencing. When he talks about Hawaii I feel like I have some clue of what he means, yet I have never been there. "A must read!"

Rating:
Summary: a must read for Hawaii visitors
Review: I've read Hawaii by James Michener 4 or 5 times and am going to read it again. I like the facts and history intermixed with the stories of people. If you even think of visiting Hawaii, this book is a must read