kfrig's review against another edition
4.0
Though I own every Michener book I’ve read, I greatly enjoy being read to by the magnificent audiobook narrator, Larry McKeever. Mr. McKeever is perfectly suited for the pace of a Michener novel. Looking at the FIFTY hour length was intimidating but before I knew it I was engrossed in the multi generational characters and rich history introduced through their stories. We visit Colorado for the outdoor lifestyle but these added historical dimensions around Native Americans, cattle, farming, emigration, water rights (still so relevant today!)will richen my love of and interest in the area.
seanml's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
James Michener does not miss. In Centennial he puts together a tapestry of Colorado, but as a greater whole the idea of the true frontier. Each individual story is simple enough on its own - an Arapaho man becomes well-renowned in his tribe, a group of men lead cattle across the country, a woman's sanity is eroded as the dustbowl bears down on her, it's all understandable enough. But when laced together from beginning to end it is a tragedy of the grandest scope - a picture of the folly of humanity driven by greed and lifespan. It's not pretty, and many times it's shameful. Most characters don't think about the greater whole, just their own visions and profits, but back then the world is never-ending. How could they know? Morality is tossed aside. It is human to the highest degree. 9/10.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Colonisation, Hate crime, Murder, Death, Racism, Religious bigotry, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Violence, Genocide, Animal death, Cultural appropriation, Panic attacks/disorders, Gaslighting, Gun violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Sexism, Slavery, Mental illness, Police brutality, Adult/minor relationship, Misogyny, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Infidelity, Child death, Grief, Suicide, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Classism, Racial slurs, War, and Pregnancy
Minor: Blood, Domestic abuse, Cannibalism, Incest, and Rape
draeprice's review against another edition
4.0
This is my favorite of the Michener books that I have read. He really illustrates prejudice and injustice, not by ranting, but just by telling the story.
davehershey's review against another edition
4.0
This was my third Michener book and I have enjoyed each of them! Centennial started off slow, the chapter on the land was a drag for me. But soon the story pulled me in. There were a few other places where I felt the story dragged, but overall it was great! I still liked The Source and Chesapeake better, but I will definitely read more Michener.
amblewithme's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
cayceosborne's review against another edition
2.0
Whew! 909 pages, done! There were moments of this book that I liked, but I just got tired of all the killing and desperation and more killing and land disputes and horrible things happening. I know it's reality, but it was just a total downer, man. It was hard to get through. I'd take his "Hawaii" over this any day.
shailendraahangama17's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
If you love stories that take time to meticulously craft and shape a subject with all the mortal passion a writer could pour, and thereby rendering the subject from the banal to the fascinating, 'Centennial' is for you! The volume may seem daunting initially, but once you are immersed in the sprawling family trees, the intricate details of the flora and fauna and the rich culture of the captivating state of Colorado, the page count is entirely forgotten.
nicnactack's review against another edition
4.0
As all Michener books i read so far; fantastic books that i adore but when about 100 pages remains i have a hard time keeping up my focus
firerosearien's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely fantastic. I forget who told me to read Michener because I love Edward Rutherford, but who ever it was knew me well. The history of the American west is so much more than we realize -- more romantic, more tragic, more...just everything. I'd be shocked if you read this and didn't learn something new.