Michael Crichton’s NEXT
Although the book has been out for quite a while, I recently finished reading Michael Crichton’s latest book titled NEXT.
It focuses on a number of subjects ranging from genetic testing, biotechnology, gene patenting and gene ownership.
Although it was an interesting read, I found it to be sort of a rush job. About 80% of the book is composed of small stories based on different areas of the biotech industry and the remaining 20% is a quick story to make it look like you were actually reading a novel of some sort.
I was expecting the stories to crossover and intertwine but no such luck. It was sort of like a textbook of biotech facts and oddities.
I did enjoy the fact that the stories are based on true facts or almost, like Crichton claims in the following way:
“This novel is fiction, except for the parts that aren’t”
Overall, it’s a quick read that keeps the reader interested and goes into some subjects that have a controversial component, be it ethical, legal, financial or all of the above.
I’m not sure if it is just my (hardcover) copy of the book but I noticed the pages seemed to be roughly cut and sort of unaligned. Is your copy like that?
If you want to watch an hour long interview of Michael Crichton on Charlie Rose’s show, you can watch it here. (via Genetics & Health)
Is it just me, or is Crichton’s voice rather irritating? And while I’m at it, is it just me or is Charlie Rose a not-so-good interviewer?
Related posts:
- No related posts
I’ve noticed a lot of books nowadays are printed on poor quality paper. I guess publishers are feeling the crunch. Really turns me off. Blech.
Although it seems like thick recycled paper, that’s not the problem. It’s the edges of the paper. They seem ripped and not cut, making it look rather scruffy. Not sure it was intentional or not.