Michener works his usual magic, which you can either love or hate (we actually find them a hoot, and a great way to learn about a place), this time on the Chesapeake Bay. Its history is told through the family of a British landowner who settles on the bay in the 17th century. Michener follows this colorful family, and tells much history while doing it, up to the mid-20th century.  (USS15, $15.95)