Next - Michael Crichton

This novel is reminiscient of some of crichtons best works (sphere) where he blended a lot of real science with good fiction. However as most of his later works there is a distinct tendency to make the reader aware of issues that face us. The novel is told with a multitud of characters who are loosely related to each other , and a lot of parallel stories unfold each touching on a different aspect of gene research. Should genes be patented? What forms of research are (un)ethical? Can the current laws cope with the science that exists today? Is the commercialization of universities harmful? these are only some of the questions which will get raised when you read the book. Crichton ofcourse has his own opinions and the best part is that he does write them down at the end and lists all his references. The fiction part of the book however suffers a little and is probably not crichtons best. But the book is still quite an engaging read.

State of Fear - Michael Crichton

Its nowhere near as good as Andromeda Strain or Sphere. In fact it has an unbelievable(As in bad) plot. It doesnt have the pace or the suspense of his earlier novels and most of the novel seems forced. And this is still money well spent. Do you like the environment? do you want to preserve it? do you think the industry-politico-underworld nexus are slowly destroying our environment?. Read the book some eyeopeners here. Not that I believe everything in the book is true but like the author says everyone has an agenda except me.
The problem with the book is similar to Da Vinci Code. The author had a statement to make and the the fictional part of the book is written around this statement. So while the statement may be an astonishing one, the fictional part of the book suffers. In this case its the whole Does Global warming really exist question with an impressive array of charts to prove that it may not. Other facts!? regarding the environmental issues that may cause people to reconsider their stand on some issues.
This book though is redeemed by The author's statement at the end which clearly states where he stands (like mike carey as opposed to a scott adams!)
Maybe crichton is right about the some of the issues he raises. But i remember reading about Carl Sagan and his arguments regarding the industries reaction to the ozone layer problem. The industries said it couldnt be proved, that the proof show no signficant impacts etc etc and they stalled for years. And his point was if you werent sure about something so important wouldnt you choose the safe option?