In this remarkable novel, Pulitzer Prize–winning author James A. Michener draws on his unparalleled gift for storytelling, his deep understanding of American society, and his own life experiences to illuminate the challenges of aging and the folly of youth. As the new director of a Florida retirement home known as the Palms, Andy Zorn suffers no shortage of loving support from his “elders,” a … group of five passionate, outspoken residents. Still, Andy’s shortcomings tear him apart. But when he meets an extraordinary young woman who has been forced to rebuild her life after suffering crippling injuries, he finds himself falling in love. And with a few gentle jabs from his more mature friends, he discovers a wonderful new purpose in life.
BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from James A. Michener’s Hawaii.
Praise for Recessional
“The best moments in the novel occur when the characters disclose what’s in their hearts and minds with rueful, snappy humor.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Michener hooks you with wonderfully humorous scenes. These are then interwoven between the moments of pain and heartache brought about by life choices we all must make.”—Tulsa World
“Engaging . . . One will be drawn into the novelist’s world. . . . The lush natural setting provides James Michener plenty to show and tell.”—The Washington Times
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An Obstetrician quits his practice because of frivolous malpractice claims and begins a new life as a Continuing Care Facility manager. This is the book that every employee of a continuing care facility wishes they had written. The characters are rich and personable. The occurrences both humorous and humbling. The story of the Palms Retirement …
This isn’t normally the kind of book I would pick to read, but I’m glad I did. There are a ton of little stories made into one big one. All the little stories/adventures at The Palms are very entertaining and thought-provoking.
certainly doesn’t live up to other Michener’s. but good enough. Quite a bit more interesting if you’re in the health care field.
Holy cow, what a disappointment. I have loved other Michener novels (e.g., The Source, Alaska, Caravans) and had high hopes, but this was a stinker. Maybe because he wrote it when he was of advanced age? The copyright is 1994, but the attitudes and style are of another era. It all takes place in an age-in-place retirement center that features …
Informative but outdated and very shallow, unrealistic chatacters for assisted living elderly.
Maybe Michener had a great experience in “mature care,” but seemed too unrealistic.
Not the exceptional language I expect from Michener. Interesting story, but at times, too convenient a story line, or too dated.
Michener is one of my favorite authors. This book is a bit different than his others, but I really liked it.
Not his best. Characters kinda wooden.
What’s not to like in a Michener? The art of a great writer is developing great characters and blending them together in a believable and compelling story line. Had never heard of this book but glad Book Bub featured it. Totally worthwhile read.
Terrible book! Like watching the Hallmark Channel.
I have read many Michener books and I know they can be slow at first, but this one never really grabbed me and I just couldn’t finish it. I really can’t recommend it.
The book is a series of stories about characters living in a deluxe senior living estate in Florida. The central character is the manager, a disgraced doctor from Chicago. His story is woven through the lives of the residents. The book moves slow at first. However, as the reader gets to know the characters, their stories draw one to keep reading.
With our own parents in retirement home and in their 90s, this book struck home. Food for thought as well.
I enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and likeable.
I loved this book! I felt like I knew and loved each character. The humans were wonderful as was the flora and fauna! I could easily see myself going to live there when get old enough!
Not the quality one would expect from Michener.
Like the title, Andy Zorn(A-Z) as he deals with life from A to Z…characters and retirement community are entertaining and realistic enough
BEST of his BOOKS: The Source; and Hawaii
Introduced to James Michner as an author when quite young. The first of his books I read was Tales of the South Pacific. These 3 are my favorites. By far the best is THE SOURCE [much can be learned from this book; did a lot of cross referencing-he stayed with facts concerning history; the story was ok …
This book is great! I would recommend it to book groups, lots of things to discuss and especially should be read by people 50 and older. It is amazing the things they touch on in this book that are relevant to today’s living for the “older” generations. The characters are perfectly defined and true in the story and it has a tender love story …