en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 23 May 2013 05:51:44 GMT 15

By Kathleen Davey Michael Crichton, who has a Harvard medical degree, uses his expertise to write such well-known medical thrillers as Jurassic Park and Prey. Since 1969 he has been called the father of the techno-thriller. His books are often on the cutting edge of technology, and Next is no exception. After reading the back flap in a bookstore before Christmas, I put the book at number one on my Christmas wish list. My begging and hinting paid off when I received the book from my sister on Christmas morning. They had to confiscate it from me and withhold it until that evening so I would participate in family activities. But when I finally got to it, I was engrossed for the next 48 hours as I read about genetic experiments successful beyond expectations. Crichton's book details the present and immediate future of genetic engineering. Genes become valuable commodities to possess, even if they are not part of one's own genetic code. The contents of one's genetic code become a foundation for various lawsuits and medical cures. Next exploits every fear and hope of genetic research to its full extent. The speculation and rumors that surround genetic engineering are also addressed in this book. Are blondes really going extinct? Do people own their own DNA? How far should animal testing go? Do scientists really follow rules and regulations? Can chimpanzees talk? But the most resounding question is about ethics. Do the ends justify the means? Crichton suggests humanity is not aware and not prepared for the drastic changes genetic engineering and experimentation are bringing to the world. Knowing Crichton's extensive research about the subject can terrify the reader. Thoughts that are considered science fiction are brought to everyday life and reinforced with scientific fact in this book. Next can be jumpy and confusing. It seems as if 20 different story lines are being pursued at once, each rapidly approaching some sort of crisis or climax. Many of the individual plots begin and end without ever being tied to any other plots. The significance of a characters is often a mystery until halfway through the book. Next is hair-raising and heartstopping. I found myself actually exclaiming out loud while reading it. Although there are many story lines, each one, however short, pulls the reader in with exciting realistic characters and startling scientific secrets. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading thrillers and enjoys feeling a shiver of excitement at the thought of cloning, genetically engineered apes, or medicines that cure genetic diseases. (4 stars) ]]> Sat, 10 Mar 2007 00:36:00 GMT