In no particular order:
Chesapeake - James A. Michener
If you have never read on his books the basics of just about most of his novels are most will do with a specific area. Titles like Alaska, Texas, The Source (about Israel)...etc. Generally these books start out way back in time, some as far back as millions of years. They'll generally progress through the ages for a few chapters to maybe the 1600's or so and they'll progress more slowly from their hitting on major events in time. The characters will be realted through time as well. The Chesapeake is of course about the Chesapeake Bay and it's major tributary the Susquehanna which is of particular interest to me because I live a block from it. Was very weird during the book when they actually in areas right by where I live, many familiar names etc.
It's been a while but if I remember correctly the first chapter covers a Native American way up the river in captivity, he escapes and makes his way to the Chesapeake. During the final part of the chapter after establishing himself he spots a ship in the Bay.
It progresses from there with major emphasis on the sea, Pirates, Slavery, The Revolution, Civil War up to about the early 70's. Quite interesting and you get a education along the way, Michener is noted for his extensive research into his books. Spending years writing and reserching specific events and gathering stories. It is fiction with some real characters and real events in some parts based on some facts. It is noted where people and events were made up. Most of these very long epic novels were released in the later years in very short time.
Journey - James A. Michener
This would be ideal book for those of you that don't like long books. It was originally a few chapters written for Alaska that were removed. Quite short and possibly his short novel. This is a story about the Klondike gold rush and follows a few people as they travel across Canada to get to the gold.
Stephen King - The Dark Tower Series
I have still not finished this series, the reading of this series has been journey by itself fo me. I was originally given the first three of these books back in the early 90's for Christmas. The second and third book in this series could possibly be the best books written by SK with maybe the exception of The Shining. The significant part about reading this series for me is after ripping through all three books in a few weeks the third book has what amounts THE cliffhanger.. You really need to read these books to understand you get so engrossed and then BAM! no more story. It's been done before I know but he didn't release part 4 for like 6 or 7 years after that.
In any event the next few books were not nearly as good as the first three, SK has lost the edge that many of his early books had. I will finish it eventually so if you read it don't tell me.
There are a few others I' have enjoyed but I won't bore you with them now.
