I'm finally reviewing a current book, so new that it's still only in hardback! Michael Crichton's latest novel, a "techno-thriller", ponders the idea of eco-terrorists and environmental terrorism. Crichton, one of my favorite authors, once again researches incessantly to establish a science-based book. If you've never read a Crichton book, I suggest you do, for it's always a learning experience, not to mention exciting! Jeff & I are fans. The ELF (Environmental Liberation Front) is a terrorist organization seeking to prove a point that Global Warming is actually happening. There's a method to their madness and they take no prisoners, sacrificing humans for the sake of proving their point. But as the author opines, I agree: "I have more respect for people who change their views after acquiring new info than those who cling to views they held 30 yrs ago. The world changes. Ideologues & zealots don't"; this sums up the premise of this story. I bought the book for Jeff (who also reads Crichton). Until I read this book, I was a firm believer in the THEORY of global warming, hoping the U.S. would sign the Kyoto treaty. But in reading this, Crichton (hereonafter referred to as "C") gives a different perspective, that environmental terrorists (i.e., remember the college kid who, last year, vandalized an SUV lot?) are out there. The whole world, esp. the U.S., is in a "State of Fear", ranging from fear of environmental cancers to 'are your kids safe?' As usual, "C" has done extensive, thorough research (note the bibliography; it's huge! & the numerous footnotes and appendix). I question why this book hasn't sparked the controvery like Da Vinci Code has. The antagonists are evil, murderous environmental terrorists, pitted against science and fact-based, logical, reasonable people. And the kicker is the hero, a lawyer! How unique & ironic! Yes, it's good v. evil. It all comes together starting on pg. 450 (you'll just have to read it so see what I mean). It's not just an entertaining read, but thought-provoking; finally a viewpoint that all isn't just what the media wants us to see; maybe the planet isn't in such a bad state afterall. Paranoia will destroya! "C" gives 2 very strong, valid views, but 1 overwhelmingly wins (his). It's argumentative, the dialogue is almost like reading a debate. 1 view is research/fact-based; the other- based on only what people have heard (what media/government want us to believe). It all comes 2gether in high drama, spanning the globe. I especially liked the Antarctica chapters. Everything I was "programmed" to believe, that I thought was true, ingrained in my brain over the years, it's all wrong. It's eye-opening! Yes, it's slightly textbookish, but it's still a novel written in dramatic fashion w/plausible characters. I'm not saying one should take this as gospel, but it is refreshing to read something beyond the status quo. The ending is almost foretelling (though purely coincidental) as it covers a tsunami. How apropros (the book was published right before the tsunami in S/E Asia. This act of nature could've backfired on everything "C" is trying to say, but remember that the tsunami was caused by an earthquake and NOT global warming. "C" doesn't just entertain, he lays out a thoughful plan for all mankind to consider. I wish humanity would take heed of this very sensible, reasonable, logical plan!
Reviewed by K.R. Gerber
I rate this a 9+ (highly recommend). It's been on the market since Dec. & was on the LA Times bestseller since then; just dropped from the list last week.
