James Michener is a great author, pairing facts with fiction in a generally likable manner in this book. If you read his books you will be educated. I'm on page 95 where the investigator is trying to discern whether Christopher Columbus, also know as Colo'n, acted appropriately. As in the book Hawaii, the reader may feel there is too much detail or indepth study of the subject. If you can bear with it you'll find it gets more interesting. I'm handing it in before finishing as a person is waiting, I've read it before, and I'll reorder it another time when I have more time for reading-my garden awaits my arrival. Have a good read...