An intimate early novel from James A. Michener, now remembered as the beloved master of the historical epic, The Fires of Spring unfolds with the bittersweet drama of a boy’s perilous journey into manhood. David Harper is an orphan, seemingly doomed to loneliness and poverty. As an adolescent con artist and petty thief, David spends his days grifting at an amusement park, the place where he first learns about women and the mysteries of love. Soon he discovers that his longing to embrace the world is stronger than the harsh realities that constrain him. Featuring autobiographical touches from Michener’s own life story, The Fires of Spring is more than a novel: It’s a rich slice of American life, brimming with wisdom, longing, and compassion. Praise for The Fires of Spring “A warm-hearted, readable story, crammed with lively incident and remarkable characters.”—The Atlantic “Heartfelt . . . immensely readable . . . Michener is a born writer.”—The New York Times “Michener is a gifted storyteller.”—Kirkus Reviews “Brilliantly done.”—Library Journal
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"I've read this book several times before at various ages and times of my life, and each time, I learn something new about myself and others. I hope to read it again in another 10 years if I'm around. I believe it's ageless. "
— Terry Bez (5 out of 5 stars)
“Heartfelt…immensely readable…Michener is a born writer.”
— New York Times“A warm-hearted, readable story, crammed with lively incident and remarkable characters.”
— Atlantic“Brilliantly done.”
— Library Journal“Michener is a gifted storyteller.”
— Kirkus Reviews" I discovered this book in the 80s and have reread it about every 10 years and it NEVER fails to mesmerize me each and every time. Exquisite. "
— Terry , 9/9/2024James A. Michener (1907–1997) was one of the world’s most popular writers. He authored more than forty books of fiction and nonfiction, including the Pulitzer Prize–winning Tales of the South Pacific, the bestselling novels The Source, Hawaii, Alaska, Chesapeake, Centennial, Texas, Caribbean, and Caravans, and the memoir The World Is My Home. Michener served on the advisory council to NASA and the International Broadcast Board, which oversees the Voice of America. Among dozens of awards and honors, he received America’s highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 1977, and an award from the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities in 1983 for his commitment to art in America.
Larry McKeever has narrated a number of audiobooks, including several by James A. Michener and Isaac Asimov.