Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More


Hawaii by James A. Michener

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on April 29, 2008
Posted in Books Read 2008ClassicsHistorical FictionJames Michener  | 23 Comments


Wonderful Saga About Hawaii and it’s People!

I have never read a Michener book before this. I love historical fiction, but I somehow avoided this great author. Maybe because my father was such a fan, it turned me off for some reason, even unknown to myself.

Last year I mentioned to my father that I planned to read Hawaii. He told me that I would like it, but also advised me to skip the first chapter. He said it was so boring that he almost didn’t read the book. It turned out that my mother had read it first and when he complained she told him to skip the first chapter. He also told me that he looked forward to hearing what I thought. Unfortunately my dad passed away in September, but who knows, maybe he’s reading my review.

I didn’t follow my mom and dad’s advice; I started with the first chapter. I can see why they would have thought it was boring, but I really enjoyed it. You see Michener chose to start at the very beginning, with the formation of the land of Hawaii. I found both breath taking and informative.

Hawaii is a sprawling beautiful saga, both about it’s land and it’s people. The first inhabitants came over from Bora, Bora. Michener tells about their customs and their gods. From there, following a genealogical chart, the story grows and the years go by. Next the missionaries from America show up to bring their religion to Hawaiians that they see as heathens. Then the immigrants arrive. First the Chinese, then that Japanese and then the Filipinos. We learn about the harsh immigrant experience and how these cultures ultimately gained respect and intermingle to become the new race, Hawaiians.

I recently read an article about him, explaining that he normally moved to the places that he intended to write about. He immersed himself in the atmosphere and did his detailed research. It is apparent Michener really did his research on Hawaii.

There is not a boring moment in this long novel. Michener’s characters walk right off the page and absorb the reader into their world. I loved this novel and didn’t want it to end. Indeed, I was sad when it did. I highly recommend it, especially to historical fiction lovers.

5/5

I can hardly wait to read more James A. Michener. Hmm, which should I read next?
You decide (Disclaimer: I am not making any promises as to when I will read it):


Also reviewed at:

Book-a-rama

Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Weekly Geeks #1

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on April 27, 2008
Posted in Weekly Geeks  | 8 Comments

This week is Discover New Blogs Week!

Here are 5 blogs that I discovered through Weekly Geeks this week (not in any particular order):

1. In Spring it is the Dawn by Tanabata was an awesome find! Tanabata is a Canadian currently living in Japan. She has very well organized and fun, fun. fun blog, with a great sense of humor! This blog was a fantastic find and I am now subscribing to it through Google Reader. Stop by and see for yourself!

2. Everyday Reads by Lightheaded is a beautiful blog with gold fish. I just read one book review and had to add it to my TBR. I can tell Lightheaded is another book enabler! I’m adding this to Google Reader as well.

3. The Armenian Odar Reads by Myrthe. Myrthe introduced herself by saying, “I am a bookeater. These are the books that nurture my mind”. I love that! She’s a Dutch woman who moved to Armenia. I was quite suprised to see my blog on her blog roll, because I had never seen her lovely blog before today. I am adding her to Google reader and my blog roll.

4. Table Talk by Ann seems like a tranquil peace of heaven to visit lots. I added it to my subscriptions on Google Reader as well. I can’t wait to visit again!

5. Kay’s Bookshelf is another really nice blog. She wrote an excellent review for ‘Out of Africa’ by Isak Dinesen, which has been on my TBR. Another one added to my subscriptions on Google Reader.

Honourable Mention:

A Girl Walks Into a Bookstore by Katherine

This was a great exercise that introduced me to some more awesome blogs! Thanks Dewey, Weekly Geeks is great so far!

Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.

123 Meme, Round Two

Posted by Teddyrose@1 on April 27, 2008
Posted in Memes 

I’ve been tagged by Marg at ReadingAdventures

The rules remain the same as last time:

1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people, and acknowledge who tagged you.


The nearest book is Hawaii by James Michner:

“So the return trip was authorized, and the community began assembling it’s pitiful stores of spare food. This time there was no dried taro, no coconut, no breadfruit, no bamboo lengths to carry water. There were, fortunately, some bananas, but they did not dry and carry well.

Since this one has been going around for awhile I’m not going to tag specific people, but if you would like to do this fun meme, consider yourself tagged! Your it!

Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.