Michener: A Writer’s Journey

Written by Stephen May
Review by Tess Allegra

Prolific author James Michener came from uncertain parentage and grew up in dire poverty to become a scholar, teacher, world traveler and—unknown until now—spy. Having known the poorhouse and where it led, he could not let himself slip up for a second, or “the gnawing fear that…one innocent afternoon of laziness would send him straight into the gutter.” This propelled him to succeed and remain completely focused, often unaware of offense given to those around him. He was an early pioneer of saving our planet and donated to charities even though he didn’t spend his money readily. This new biography expands on the caring, human side as well as the extensive writings of one of America’s admired contemporary writers.