When I relocated to the community of Poquoson, Va., which borders the Chesapeake, it was an outstanding introduction to the area and its culture.

I had the opportunity to encounter the Bull Islanders. These individuals could very well have been the prototypes that were utilized to develop some of the cast.

The charm of Poquoson lies not only in its geographical location but also in the unique people who inhabit it. The Bull Islanders, with their distinct ways and characteristics, added an extra layer of authenticity and interest to the place.

Their presence made me feel as if I had stepped into a world that was rich in history and tradition. It was fascinating to observe and interact with them, and it gave me a deeper understanding and appreciation for the local culture.

Overall, my experience in Poquoson has been nothing short of remarkable, and I look forward to exploring more of what this wonderful place has to offer.

What is Michener's best book? That's truly a tough question. It's similar to asking 'what was Shakespeare's masterpiece?' or even 'what's your favorite Baskin & Robbins flavor of ice-cream'?

To me, based on the books I have read so far, it's a close call between Alaska, Hawaii, and this wonderful page-turner, Chesapeake.

I'll admit I really had doubts that a story limited to the history and area surrounding Chesapeake Bay would hold my attention for the 700+ pages in which Michener likes to let his narrative flow.

But my fears were soon alleviated.

Within each Michener book, you quickly discover, there are numerous great mini-stories and tales of various peoples and their struggles, and this is no different. Here, there are captivating stories about local Native American tribes who lived in the area (I vaguely remember some great story about a guy and his coat of feathers...), as well as the white explorers who came to settle there later. This all demonstrates that not only was Michener a great writer and storyteller, but he must also have been an excellent researcher to uncover so much detail.

Personally, my favorite parts of the book were the stories about the African-American slaves (I can't remember their names as I read this about 7 years ago) who were ultimately freed by their master.

My mother had always praised this book when I was growing up. Now I understand why. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Michener is truly a remarkable author.

This is yet another Michener novel that I read a long time ago.

I vividly remember having a strong desire to take a stroll along the Maryland shoreline and sample some of those shell-less crabs that he so descriptively talked about, or perhaps indulge in a delicious feast of oysters.

The book delves deep into the complex issues of slavery and poverty, presenting them in all their intricacies without resorting to being overly melodramatic or overbearing.

While the characters may not be as fully developed as those one encounters in Faulkner's works, the scope of the story is significantly broader. It spans from the Indian settlements that existed prior to the arrival of white men all the way until the 1970s when Michener penned this remarkable piece.

I distinctly recall thoroughly enjoying this book and I think it would be a great idea to read it again sometime in the future.

It has the potential to offer new insights and a deeper appreciation of the historical and social themes it explores.

There is a significant amount of good writing within this work.

However, it is marred by numerous historical tragic instances of discrimination.

Real slavery and the associated horrors are vividly described, along with white supremacy and outright hatred towards blacks.

These aspects are deeply disturbing and have a profound impact on the overall tone and message of the piece.

As a result, I have decided to permanently delete this from my library.

While the writing may have certain merits, the weight of these historical atrocities is simply too great to overlook.

I cannot in good conscience continue to keep this work in my collection.

It serves as a reminder of a dark and painful chapter in history that we must never forget, but also one that I do not wish to engage with further.

Overall, I rate this work 4 out of 10 stars, taking into account both its literary qualities and the difficult subject matter it presents.

Don't be afraid of Michener!

I've heard the rule is that you can put the book down if you're not finished in 6 months. Ha! I think I am 2 months in.

I like to drink tea and read little by little.

"Chesapeake" follows a bunch of families living on the Choptank River on Maryland's Eastern shore from before pre-colonial times through.... well, I'm still reading.

About halfway through, I was tickled to read about a GOOSE FAMILY. Hahaha. HONK!

This book seems to be a captivating journey through time and the lives of these families. The description of the area and the events that unfold are quite engaging.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the story progresses and what other interesting things I'll discover as I continue reading.

Despite the length of the book, I'm determined to stick with it and fully immerse myself in the world that Michener has created.

Who knows what other surprises await me in the remaining pages?

This is the very first work of Michener's that I have had the opportunity to read.

To be honest, if it were possible, I would have given it a rating of 4.5 stars. The reason for this is that a significant portion of the book, specifically the part set in the 70's era, was rather tediously boring.

However, despite this drawback, I must admit that I learned an enormous amount about the history and environment of the Eastern Shore. Michener manages to convey this knowledge through the fictional families that he so vividly depicts.

I have actually explored small sections of the Eastern Shore myself, and I can attest to the fact that it is indeed a truly special place.

Thanks to reading this book, I now have a better understanding of what makes the Eastern Shore so unique and captivating.

I am truly glad that I took the time to read this work and gain this newfound knowledge.

What a memorable reading!

It's an infinite journey in time, among characters connected to each other and united by a'magical' place.

Found by chance in a bookcrossing, I didn't even know the author.

Engaging, at times verbose, but well-written and involving.

Certainly, I will read more of Michener.

This article beautifully describes the experience of reading a particular book. The author emphasizes how the reading felt like an endless adventure through time, with characters intricately linked and brought together by a special place. The discovery of the book in a bookcrossing was a pleasant surprise, as the author was initially unknown. Despite some parts being a bit wordy, the overall writing was of high quality and managed to keep the reader engaged. The conclusion expresses the author's intention to explore more of Michener's works, indicating a positive impression of the book and anticipation for future readings.

Another winner from Michener.

I think this was the most narrow geographical range of his novels that I’ve read so far. Nominally, it was the Maryland portion of the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. But practically, it was a small section of the Eastern Shore containing a fictional island and a nearby fictional town. I can’t tell if that strengthened or weakened the overall story.

It was also the narrowest in terms of time, covering about 400 years. Despite these limitations, the novel had a profound impact on me. It made me nostalgic for a place that isn’t actually home. It made me love the land and animals there even more.

Michener’s vivid descriptions brought the fictional world to life. I could almost see the rolling hills, the sparkling waters of the bay, and the diverse wildlife that inhabited the area. His characters were well-developed and relatable, and their stories added depth and complexity to the narrative.

Overall, this novel was a captivating read that left a lasting impression on me. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or novels that explore the relationship between humans and nature.

James Michener possesses an extraordinary talent for presenting a setting and guiding his readers on a captivating journey. Through this journey, one can gain a profound understanding of the area by delving into its history and the lives of its people. In "Chesapeake," he crafts a novel centered around the region in Maryland that borders the Choptank River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay.

Michener commences his narrative with the natives just before the arrival of the colonial English. Through the eyes of the natives (and later the colonials), the reader acquires a vivid sense of the abundant resources available in this area. He描绘s a breathtaking natural setting, teeming with fish and fowl, berries and trees - everything necessary to sustain life. His descriptions of the land render it a precious treasure not only to his characters but also to his readers. This becomes even more poignant in the later chapters of the book, as environmental concerns start to surface.

Like all of Michener's books, "Chesapeake" is rich in history. From the 16th-century Native American tribes to the immigrants arriving from across the vast ocean, we witness how each group impacts the land and how the land, in turn, influences them. I was particularly intrigued to learn about the different religious sects that arrived in this new land only to face persecution. We are often led to believe that the early settlers came to escape religious persecution, but in "Chesapeake," we discover that early Quakers were flogged, stripped, and sometimes chased naked out of various colonies.

Slavery and the racist attitudes that persist even after its abolition also play a significant role in this over 1,000-page novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of the African Cudjo, his leadership in the mutiny of his slave ship, and his ultimate path to freedom. Michener does an excellent job of portraying those who directly or indirectly profited from the slave trade. Their internal struggle between conscience and the uncertainty of economic livelihood is vividly presented. Additionally, the feisty Quaker matriarch, who firmly believed that slavery was an evil that must be eradicated, provides a wonderful counterbalance to the slaves and those who allowed slavery to continue.

Michener also employs anthropomorphism to bring the world of geese and crabs to life, enabling the reader to better understand the changes occurring in nature. I greatly appreciated this approach, which I found more engaging than the straightforward methods he used in some of his other novels.

Another storyline towards the end of the book involves the Watergate crimes. Since the novel was first published in 1978, Michener, like the rest of us during that time, was inundated with news of the break-in and the subsequent hearings. With limited options for television or radio, Watergate dominated every channel. It was impossible to escape. Therefore, I have an even deeper appreciation for Michener's inclusion of this event in the book. Somehow, it feels fitting as it would have been a significant part of the history of this area, especially considering its proximity to the nation's capital.

I have yet to encounter a Michener novel that I did not thoroughly enjoy, and "Chesapeake" undoubtedly ranks among the best of those I have read. It is a truly fabulous book!

I absolutely adored this book. It holds a special place in my heart as it is my all-time favorite by Michener.

I first read it during a trip to the beautiful Eastern Shore of Virginia. That place was already enchanting, but having this book with me made the experience even more extraordinary.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit this region, I highly recommend taking this book along. It has the power to transform your trip into a truly magical and spiritual adventure.

Several years ago, I decided to reread this wonderful book. As I turned the pages, it effortlessly brought back all those precious memories. I could vividly recall the tastes of the local delicacies, the sounds of the ocean waves crashing, the sights of the charming landscapes, and even the smells of the salty air.

Just thinking about it now makes me long for a delicious soft-shell crab sandwich. This book truly has the ability to transport you back in time and make you relive those unforgettable moments.

This has to be one of the best books I have ever read.

It has a strong storyline that keeps you hooked from the very beginning. The plot is so gripping that you find it hard to put the book down. But what makes this book truly special is that it also has moments of great gentleness.

I have read this book twice already, and I do not rule out the possibility of reading it a third time. This is a rare thing for me, as I usually don't re-read books. But there is something about this book that keeps drawing me back.

I loved every page of it. The characters are well-developed and the writing is beautiful. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

Michener is truly remarkable in his ability to bring history to life, and I have always held his books in high regard. This specific book was given to me by a friend who knew that I had recently embarked on a trip that led me to several Civil Rights sites. Chesapeake does an excellent job of guiding the reader through US history on the east coast, starting from the time of the Indians, progressing through slavery, and extending into the 1970s. The treatment of those regarded as "others" by white Europeans is presented without any sugarcoating. However, Michener manages to tell the story from multiple perspectives, allowing us to step into their shoes, even if we may not necessarily agree with them. He even tells one section from the perspective of a family of geese, an animal that I don't particularly care for, yet it still managed to move me. His talent for making the reader experience and see the world through the eyes of his characters never fails to astonish me.