Thoughts of Michael Crichton

[GarratyVStebbins]

I'd like to hear your thoughts on the late Michael Crichton's books.

I want to start reading him as well. I have "Prey"and "Jurassic Park"
Which should I read first, do you have any favorites, any you don't like?
Thanks guys!

[Terry B]

Crichton was a master in his own right and will be missed. I haven't read Prey yet (maybe next) but I know you can't go wrong with any of his novels.

[sam peebles]

I love me some Michael Crichton. I was pretty upset when he died. Besides having excellent ideas that are presented with simple and logical science (at least to me it seems logical, but I'm no biologist or physicist), the thing I think Crichton did the best was pacing. As soon as I pick up one of his books I know I'll be done with it in two days, as I just can't put them down.

I've read both Prey and Jurassic Park, both of them are excellent, but I'd say go with Jurassic Park. I love dinosaurs (why are we not cloning these things yet? It seems so plausible!) and when you're done with it, you've still got Lost World to start in on (my all-time favorite Crichton book, even superior to Jurassic Park). Also, both Park and World are a bit different from the movies, so they will hold surprises for you.

[Haunted]

Michael was a really great guy. Went to med school 'cause that was what his parents wanted, wrote Armageddon , his first book, while finishing up school. It was originally published under another name because he did not want his parents to know.

He was one of the initial creators of ER, the television show, and his last book blasted the global warming theorists.

I guess you would say he was a real renaissance man.

If you want a light read....

[Bev Vincent]

Andromeda Strain is terrific, as is Terminal Man. I also like his early medical thrillers published under pen names.

[JohnDalglish]

Crichton was a master in his own right and will be missed. I haven't read Prey yet (maybe next) but I know you can't go wrong with any of his novels.

Hi,

AWTS (And What Terry Said).

Michael Crichton

Long days and pleasant nights

[maddy]

As stated above, Michael Crichton has done some amazing work. I've only read Jurassic Park, Lost World, Prey, Next, Congo and Sphere. I've loved all of them but Next. Crichton certainly did some serious research for his books, so be prepared for occasional eye-glazing pages of techno speak. Which, while sometimes tough to plough through, is still impressive in its own way.

[more]

Crichton is one of my all time fav's. He has the ability to present the science, or pseudo-science behind what would other wise be considered the paranormal and take it to a level of realism unmatched for me, as in
Sphere (*****)

He presents emerging technologies (usually with a statement about the pitfalls of relying too heavily on them, though not always) imbedded in gripping, fast-paced action as in
Congo (****)
Jurassic (***)

Stark social commentary about real current issues as in
A Case of Need (**** abortion and the untouchable old boy network of academia) written as Jeffrey Hudson (though rereleased as Crichton)
Rising Sun (**** Japanese presence in American business world)

And one of my favorite books ever (got to add it to the non-fiction thread)
The Great Train Robbery (***** amazing story of incredible characters who heisted a shipment of gold in Victorian England)

BTW, our man Mr. King has been quoted as saying that Crichton's early medical Thrillers are among his favorite books (in the blurbs for A Case of Need, I think) Andromeda is next on my list, Bev

Thanks for Reading (and starting this thread)
Moe

[Bryan James]

This is a waste of a post, 'cause I'm not opining about any particular work, but Crichton was one of my generation's great Storyslingers, and he went to the clearing too soon.

BJS

[Speedygi81]

And not to mention, he wrote under the name of John Lange. And his John Lange books are something special.