Michael Crichton - Next

Pros: Genetic research is a fascinating topic

Cons: The book fails to capitalize on that fascinating topic

The Bottom Line: The Bottom Line is half monkey, half mongoose.

Review: Like most of the rest of the world, I don't understand the intricacies of high level genetic research. With Michael Crichton at the helm, however, I'm usually able to go with the flow. Even if the subject is completely foreign to me (I'm looking at...

Pros: good first 10 pages, enough to suck you in.

Cons: it was bad. pass on this book

Review: Michael Crichton, who has always prided himself on being hip to the next big issue, has now found himself hopeless behind the times in this dull thud of a book. It is a pedantic and hopelessly unbelievable product from a once prolific author who is...

Pros: Excellent characterization, magical storytelling, fascinating sub plots.

Cons: Too many characters were introduced, no discernible plot.

The Bottom Line: Despite some elements of the tale, namely the lack of a definite plot, this is still a worthy addition to any one?s library. Highly recommended.

Review: Throughout the later years, many have become interested in the developing science of the human genome and what commercial benefits might arise through this new and infinitely dangerous scientific triumph. In Next, Crichton address the myriad far...

Pros: Intriguing and well written science, nice blending of fact and fiction, packed with information

Cons: No sense of pacing or plotting, bland cardboard characters, ineffably dull

The Bottom Line: Stay clear of this underwhelming mess unless genetic science really boils your beaker.

Review: Next is the last novel by acclaimed Jurassic Park writer Michael Crichton, and blends real genetic science with fictional what-ifs to show the outcomes and possible dangers of the fast moving world of genetic engineering.

I...

Pros: Interesting ideas on the future (or present) of genetic research and application

Cons: This set of stories is too jumbled.

The Bottom Line: This book disappointed me. I expected better from Michael Crichton.

Review: I borrowed NEXT Michael Crichtons new novel as a Book on CD at my local library and listened to it this past week.
I like books on tape or CD, because it lets me enjoy more books than I have time to read.

Next is about...

Pros: Talking Animals! Frightening Genetic Science!

Cons: The Writing is Objectionable!

The Bottom Line: asdfasdf

Review: "Next" focuses on genetic engineering.

Speaks about patenting, manipulation, and lack of conscience, in the administration of genetic material and human tissues.

It reveals scientific inaccuracies with popular beliefs, and...

Pros: Current information about the state of transgenesis; cute transgenic characters.

Cons: Underdeveloped story line and too much padding with newspaper articles.

The Bottom Line: Skip this one unless you are really interested in the state of gene transplantation.

Review: Michael Crichton has fallen into the Stephen King trap of trying to mass-produce novels. His earlier novels were well-crafted with a nice balance of science and story-telling. However, the later novels have emphasized the science (or perhaps...

Pros: Worthwhile look at an unknown subject. Some fun moments.

Cons: Busy plot. Un-compelling characters.

The Bottom Line:

Good, not great, look at the Great Genetic Future.

Review: Everybody knows Micheal Crichton. You've seen Jurassic Park or read "Andromeda...

Pros: Vaguely reminiscent of "Gattaca"

Cons: Transgenic animals are the most sympathetic characters

The Bottom Line: With "Next," Crichton joins the elite club of authors five of whose books thewasp has deigned to read -- but that doesn't necessarily mean you should.

Review: "Next" is the first Michael Crichton book I have read since Timeline at Christmas 2000, and the fifth overall (when I was eight years old, "Andromeda Strain"...