[.ca] The Source: A Novel (ISBN 0375760385)

"The Source" of my Middle East fascination:
When I was in my early teens, back in the days of disco, fat ties, oil crises, and gaudy leisure suits (aka, the 1970s), I remember looking through my parents' book collection for the book with the most pages. At the time, I thought that the length of a book somehow corresponded to its difficulty level, and that if I could read a 1,000+ page book, then I must be REALLY smart and also grown up! Anyway, one of the first books I decided to read, based on these sophisticated criteria, was "The Source," by James Michener. Surprisingly, I found out that the book was actually easy to read, fascinating, and highly entertaining, and I whizzed right through it (boy, did I think I was smart afte that)! I remember being completely engrossed as the centuries flew past, as conquering armies marched, as cities rose and fell, as blood flowed through the streets of Jerusalem, and as the Jews wandered through the Middle East and Europe. I also remember thinking that the Middle East had an incredible history that I needed to learn a lot more about. Well, almost 30 years later, with a Masters Degree in Middle East Studies, with a couple of trips to the region under my belt, and with a job dealing with the Middle East, I can blame it all, at least in part, on reading "The Source" at age 12 or 13. Seriously, though, I do believe that the seed of my life-long fascination with history, international relations, politics, and the Middle East was planted when I read "The Source" as a young teenager. Actually, come to think of it, another Michener book -- Centennial -- got me fascinated in the history of the West and the American Indian, while several others made me want to learn more about South Africa, Hawaii, the South Pacific, the Chesapeake region, and even outer space. So, definitely read James Michener, but be warned: you could become addicted to a lifetime of learning, travel, and adventure.

I Throw Very Few Books in the Garbage:
I am a fan of Edward Rutherford. Having read all of his novels I was looking for another good historical novelist. I ran across James A Michener and knew he was popular so I bought Mexico, Poland and The Source. I was very excited about The Source. I am a Christian and have studied both the Old and New Testaments as well as reading Josephus and other Old Testament histories. So I was really looking forward to Michener's history of the Jewish people told in a novel. The writing wasn't too bad, I didn't get into the whole idea of the dig. It makes archeology sound far easier and faster than it is but I was letting that go - I mean it is a novel. The chapter on how the gods started being worshipped was slightly interesting although the huge leap from worshipping a god that wants wheat sacrifices to one who demands babies is summed up in a paragraph and deserves a little more space than that as an explanation. Then we got to El-Shaddai, the Jewish God. Some of the things that El-Shaddai says in the book seemed a little odd and not quite Biblical but I was still going along for the ride until page 225: "Will you forgive my son his arrogance?" (this being asked by the Hebrew character) "He is to lead my people in battle, and such men require arrogance." (spoken by El Shaddai) That was it for me. If you are going to speak for God at least say what He would say. Did Michener not read Proverbs 16:5 - " The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished." Besides Michener paints God as a deity who grows and changes, the Bible is clear that God never changes. It's a pity I would have liked to read the rest of the book and I hate not finishing a book but I also won't read a book where God is represented falesly.

Almost a religious experience....:
I cannot vouch for the absolute historical authenticity of this magnificent book. Even biblical scholars can't do that. I have read many religious texts that were supposed to inspire me, save my soul, help me approach God. They didn't quite measure up. Michener did not intend to write a spiritual text, but his convincing romp through the "evolution of religion" came close to turning my agnostic beliefs into those of a near-believer. Much more than the "Holy" Bible ever did. Fascinating, layered characterizations, riveting plots, and truly educational exploration of the meaning of mankind's place in the cosmos give The Source a top-ten ranking among my favorite books of all time. I was thrilled to see so many glowing reviews of this book, and so few negatives.

The Source of all Evil:
James Michner's the Source is without a doubt one of the worst books I have ever been forced to read in my entire lifetime. Not only is it boring and confusing, it is also very graphic and repulsive. One of Michner's main characters, John Cullinane is confused as to which religion he is a part of. He is also a chauvenistic pig (which could only reflect upon Michner himself). I would not recommend it to anyone, unless they were alive in the time period (9834 B.C.) that the Source began in.

Nobody Does it Better Than Michener!:
This is probably the best epic account of the history of the Jewish people in Israel. The story focuses on an archeological dig at a Tel in Israel. As new things are discovered at the Tel, Michener then goes on to give the story of what happened at the spot. The stories are so rich and told in such interesting fashion. A good starting point for those who no notheing about the history of the region.