I don't remember the year but I do remember having a 1200bps modem and I used to dial into various stand-alone bulletin boards for content, downloading content and emailing member of the board.

Stand alone bulletin board software was all the rage, I even designed my own board. There was the fledgling internet with its email but no one I knew was on it. Of course there were a few universities with content. A few of us were members on some bulletin boards and we played at connecting that way.

Just before the internet could manage a lot of traffic with graphics, I actually had time to play video games on computers. I used to play pretty primitive versions of Ultima, Space Quest, Kings Quest and Leisure Suit Larry.

Now, with all the content on the internet, I never play games, just no time.

I read eight Michener books prior to Iberia and enjoyed each one immensely! I picked up Iberia on a recommendation from someone who visited Spain about 20 years after this was written. What I didn't realize was that this book was more of a travelogue than a typical Michener fiction piece.

I read and struggled, waiting for that Michener magic of blending fictional characters into historical moments and then about 1/3 through the book I finally gave up. I came to the realization that this book really was for someone who has visited Spain, probably more than once! I still have the book and I used to think, if I visited Spain, I might find some affinity for the book and finally finish it.

But, this book was written in 1968 and I expect that most of Michener's observations would not be recognizable in 2009.

So now, after answering this question and realizing the folly of my earlier thoughts, I'll donate my copy of Iberia to the local hospital auxiliary thrift store!