Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

After reading Crichton's last book State of Fear I wondered where he would point that inquisitive intellect. I should have known....genetics in Next. Writing in a typical Crichton manner, he takes the reader by the hand and leads us through almost every one of the major issues surrounding cloning and the exploitation of the human gene. That he does so in a manner that educates and challenges the reader shouldn't be surprising. I thought he did an admirable job in State of Fear and I disagree that he was heavy handed in that book. In Next he throws the reader in feet first and lets you sink or swim with the information he provides. You either make it through or you don't. Next is paced almost like a movie, switching from scene to scene with no apparent pattern. Crichton allows the story to move at its own pace but manages to bring up major issues. Do you own your own genes? If you don't should the owner be allowed to harvest genes from you anytime they want? Should you, as the originator of a gene with rare qualities be allowed to share in any profit raised from the use or exploitation of your genes. There are others, but these seem to me to be the big points. I have said this in my review of State of Fear and I'll say it again here. You have to love an author who includes a rather challenging bibliography as recommended reading at the end of a fiction book. How's that for intellectual honesty? I also like the fact that he includes an "Author's Note...At the end of my research for this book, I arrived at the following conclusions". He continues....1) Stop patenting genes. 2)Establish clear guidelines for the use of human tissues. 3)Pass laws to ensure that data about gene testing is made public. 4) Avoid bans on research. and 5) Rescind the Bayh-Dole Act. Crichton entertains and educates....or at least exposes his readers to new information. You have to admire the man for that. Peace