This is a tribute to another author who had a profound effect on me. Admittedly his books were very distracting for me. One of my favorite concepts is that "everything is connected".
As I plunge through his books one appreciates he has lived a full life and learned something everywhere he went. One surprising detail is that although liberal in his thinking he often listened to right wing radio programs to sharpen his thinking.
Reading his memoir it is interesting to learn of his many travels and experiences. He spent a lot of years as a journalist Once an established writer he became able to decide where he wanted to research. His beginnings are a mystery. His parents are unknown as he was dumped at the door of a woman known for taking in orphans. He took his last name from her. He grew up during the Depression when jobs were hard to find.
After you read one of his long books you started hoping he will write another long book. You might find an announcement that he was moving to another country or state for research. He has written introductory chapters over one hundred pages detailing the geology and evolution of animals and plants that he does relate to the story narrative. He likes to depict diverse ethnic groups that were important to develop a nation or a city.
I discovered James A Michener after I saw the movie, "South Pacific" and then read "Hawaii," the first of a few dozen reads. Michener played an uncredited missionary in the movie. One of the themes of this writing is that everything is inter- connected. Without exactly verbalizing the concept he demonstrated it. The connections are what fascinated me.
A highlight of my life was attending a book signing where he customized his autograph for buyers. Don't remember much conversation as I was awe-struck and conscious of the long line behind me .
He is most known for long multi generational books. including many boring details, but interesting once you realize the connection. Looking back I find much of his writing stiff and formal, but it must also be admitted I felt compelled to read his books even his long introductions. Some of his books contain geology and the beginnings of life. When we stop to ponder how we got to wherever we are these details are more important than we realize.
He feels deserving writers often struggle through poverty before achieving best sellers. He has taken his royalties and bought painting donated to museums and has also supported writing schools. During the Depression he got a teaching job traveling in Europe and later served in WWII. Michener had been involved with NASA.
Some of his books I have enjoyed and learned from include Hawaii, The Source, Centennial, Space, Chesapeake, Bridges of Toko-ri (for which he had participated in some of the raids),Texas, Poland, Alaska, Bridge at Andau, Return to Paradise and The Covenant.
A recently read book, "The Novel" explores the relationship between a writer and publisher.editor, critic and reader. the odds of getting published are monumental and require a lot of hard work and certainly luck. As in several books of his he comes across as a bit of a snob. Lots of references to art and music. He is entitled as he has made an effort to learn and understand. My conversion took place separately, but his love of opera was a positive background. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/06/why-i-love-opera-wayne-gretzky.html
"Recessional" now that I am retired seems appropriate; somewhat like the
Arthur Hailey books about airlines and hotels; this time about a retirement
home getting into geriatric decisions including cancer and Alzheimer's. I
suspect he has many such conversation. The residents represent many
viewpoints--discussion re women in different religions, medical
bureaucracy. Other topics include death from a variety of angles, human genome
project, eugenics; giving up driver license--living wills,and euthanasia
As in most of his books he explores philosophical questions from different perspectives.
I miss his books. They were very engaging.
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