Well, that was....epic.

I can finally tick this off my list and that will be the first and last James Michener book I read. It wasn't bad...just...a lot. There was so much detail and so many characters and storylines to keep track of. It felt a bit overwhelming at times.

Two takeaways from this book:

1) Native Americans really got screwed over. And still are. The treatment of Native Americans throughout history has been a travesty, and it's something that we as a society still need to come to terms with.

2) The problems that Michener was writing about in 1973 are sadly still present: racism, hostility toward immigrants, ecological disasters, etc. It's disheartening to think that we haven't made more progress in addressing these issues in the past nearly 50 years.

Overall, while "Centennial" was a bit of a slog to get through, it did have some important things to say. I'm glad I read it, but I don't think I'll be rushing to pick up another Michener book anytime soon.

For the readers who are passionate about historic details, the intricate interweaving of plots, and the vividly lifelike characters, this is truly an outstanding read.

It offers a captivating journey through time, allowing you to immerse yourself in a world filled with rich historical context. The detailed descriptions bring the past to life, making you feel as if you are a witness to the events unfolding.

The plots are masterfully crafted, with unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Each character is developed with great care, possessing unique personalities and motives that add depth and authenticity to the story.

Whether you are a history buff or simply enjoy a well-written novel, this book is sure to satisfy your literary cravings. It combines the best of both worlds, offering a thrilling adventure while also educating and enlightening you about the past.

So, if you are looking for a book that will transport you to another era and leave you with a lasting impression, look no further. This is an excellent read that you won't want to miss.

I'm going to review this tonight.

However, wow, this was an extremely good and big novel!

The story was so captivating that it held my attention from the very beginning.

The characters were well-developed and had their own unique personalities and backstories.

The plot was full of twists and turns, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout.

The author's writing style was engaging and easy to follow, making it a pleasure to read.

I can't wait to share my thoughts and opinions on this novel with others.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good read.

Real-time communication (RTC) has become an essential part of our modern lives.

It enables us to connect with people instantly, regardless of their geographical location.

With RTC, we can have face-to-face conversations, share files, and collaborate in real-time.

This technology has revolutionized the way we do business, communicate with friends and family, and access information.

For example, in the business world, RTC allows teams to work together more efficiently, even if they are in different parts of the world.

In education, it enables students to attend online classes and interact with their teachers and peers in real-time.

Overall, RTC has made our lives more convenient and connected.

It has opened up new opportunities for communication and collaboration, and it will continue to evolve and improve in the future.

3.5

RTC

Holy moly – where to begin…

This was required reading in my High School AP US History class. I’ll never forget touring the Southeast for colleges with my mother, knowing that this mammoth book had to be read before August. We alternated between listening to the audiobook version (my first real introduction to audiobooks) and cramming in some nighttime reading in various cities such as Richmond, Nashville, Winston-Salem, Raleigh - Durham, and so on.

Centennial is the kind of book that will make you want to gouge your eyes out at its tediousness. However, it is also the kind of book that will force your respect by its attention to detail and intricate (and subtle) plot developments. I have never read any other Michener, but nothing can possibly top this. You follow cowboys, fur trappers, Native Americans, etc., through time. Eventually, Michener’s story weaves together to form a fantastic and cohesive description of Americana. It’s beautiful and depressing, yet it’s a personification of all of us.

The book takes you on a journey through different eras and shows the struggles and triumphs of the people who lived during those times. It makes you realize how much America has changed over the years and how the past has shaped the present. Despite its length and at times tedious nature, Centennial is a must-read for anyone interested in American history and culture.

I absolutely loved this book.

I reside in the very area where this story unfolds, so it was truly fascinating to learn about its origins, going all the way back to the beginning of freaking time!!!

I have a tendency to narrate the long version of stories in my life, even the everyday stuff. I started referring to them as the "Centennial version" of my story.

Interestingly, a few of my friends have picked up on this habit and they enjoy highlighting it to me whenever I get started on one of my long-winded tales.

It's quite amusing really, and it adds a bit of fun to our conversations.

The book has not only provided me with an engaging read but also a new perspective on the place I call home.

I can't wait to share my "Centennial version" of the experience of reading this book with my friends.

Maybe they'll find it just as interesting as I did.

My dad recommended this book to me as I’m living and working in Aspen, Colorado for the summer.

Michener truly spares no expense in his exploration of Colorado's history. He delves into every possible tangent and diversion, taking the reader all the way back to the era of the dinosaurs.

Now, if you know me well, you are aware that I have a great affection for a good tangent and diversion. It's like a treasure hunt for me, uncovering all those hidden details and stories.

And that's exactly what made me enjoy this book so much. It wasn't just a straightforward account of Colorado's history; it was a rich and detailed tapestry that allowed me to immerse myself in the state's past.

From the early settlers to the modern-day development, Michener's writing brought it all to life. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, eager to discover what new tangent or diversion he would take me on next.

Overall, this book has been a wonderful addition to my summer in Aspen, giving me a deeper understanding and appreciation for the place where I'm living and working.

I have a deep affection for Micnener's writing style, and "Centennial" is no different. I have gained a wealth of knowledge from his books. This particular work could easily be regarded as a history of the settlement of the Great Plains. However, it is not merely a history book disguised as a novel; the characters within it are real individuals.

The book commences in the distant past and progresses through the eras of the Native Americans, the fur trappers, the settlers, the ranchers, and many others. I had anticipated that the book would be centered around the Rocky Mountains, as that is what comes to my mind when I think of Colorado. But here, the Rockies mostly serve as a backdrop.

The book is lengthy and, in some parts, a bit slow-paced - not for the faint of heart. But for those who persevere and stick with it, the time invested will be well worth it. It offers a detailed and immersive look into the rich tapestry of the settlement and development of the Great Plains, with its diverse cast of characters and their stories.

Historical novels often present a curious blend, sometimes of excellent historical content and rather poor writing. However, this is not the case with "Centennial" by James A. Michener. Right from the start, Michener invites the reader to embark on a journey that spans from the era of the first animals to that of the first humans and finally to the modern chaos of the American West. His characters are richly human, with their flaws and all, and most of them are fierce fighters, striving to survive in a land under intense pressures, both from within and without.

He commences the story with the Arapaho, Lame Beaver, and the courier Dubois-Pasquinel. Pasquinel leads a rather unconventional life, trading with the Indians while having two families and two sets of children. He is the embodiment of a bygone era, a free man who can travel and is very much an individual. Michener's characters come from all walks of life. There's Levi Zendt, a former Quaker, and Jake Pasquinel, the son of Pasquinel, along with his brother. Both are conflicted, being of both Indian and white heritage, which sets the stage for the entire novel.

In the end, this novel is about identity and change. It poses thought-provoking questions such as: Should one stay true to their culture? Should they embrace a new life? Should they embark on a journey or remain at home? "Centennial" is one of my absolute favorites. I read it in honor of my Dad, who instilled in me a deep love for the American West, its land, people, and evolving history. If you have a desire to get lost and discover the real West, then take the "Centennial Journey" with James A. Michener. You will surely be richly rewarded by this captivating journey.

I'm extremely glad that I had the opportunity to read this comprehensive historical novel that delves into the history of Colorado. What makes it even more special is that it is centered on the county where I have resided for the past 14 years. At first, it took me a bit of time to fully immerse myself in the story. However, as I continued reading, I found myself completely captivated by the land, the diverse characters, and the significant events that have played a crucial role in shaping my beloved great state.

The vivid descriptions of the Colorado landscape painted a beautiful picture in my mind, allowing me to envision the vast plains, majestic mountains, and flowing rivers. The characters came to life on the pages, each with their own unique personalities, dreams, and struggles. I was able to empathize with their joys and sorrows, and it made me feel a deeper connection to the place I call home.

This historical novel not only provided me with an entertaining read but also gave me a greater appreciation for the rich history and heritage of Colorado. It made me realize how much the state has evolved over the years and how the actions and decisions of those who came before us have had a lasting impact. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who has an interest in Colorado's history or simply enjoys a well-written story.

I had the opportunity to delve into some of the history of Colorado through this book, and in that regard, it was an interesting experience.

However, the reading process was far from pleasant. The book seemed to drag on and on, and it felt as if it was overly long. In fact, I would say that it should have been condensed by at least half.

The excessive length made it a chore to get through, and unfortunately, I didn't even manage to quite finish it. It's a shame because the content itself had potential, but the way it was presented really detracted from the overall experience.

I hope that future editions of this book, if any, will take into account the need for a more concise and engaging presentation to make it more accessible and enjoyable for readers.

My first Michener of the year, as I persist in delving through his extensive catalogue. I adored every single aspect of this book. His writing is astonishingly vivid, making me feel as if I had just witnessed an in-depth mini-series on the history of Colorado. And I'm not merely referring to the past 200 years. I was captivated by learning about the animals that migrated there and the reasons behind it, as well as how those animals evolved over time. The history of the Native Americans who resided there, the heartbreak that ensued as an increasing number of white settlers moved westward, the challenges of dry farming, and the range wars between cattle ranchers and sheep ranchers. You truly gain such a visceral understanding of how Colorado, and significant portions of this country, developed. It is well worth the time investment that comes with reading Michener.