State of Fear by Michael Crichton
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Book Reviews of State of Fear
Book Review: In hindsight an amazing discussion of environmental issues
Summary: 5 Stars
I waited almost 6 years to read this fascinating book. Although some of the commentators have frowned on the action elements of the story, the much more interesting aspects are the commentaries on environmental science. What we know and don't know.
Crichton is almost prescient in predicting the various problems with the global warming scientists who aren't specifically named (e.g. the East Anglia university research unit and the U.N. IPCC). He shows doctored science for political purposes.
He is clearly (in 2004) ahead of the curve in discussing problems with glaciers, Antarctica, temperatures, and sea levels as well as environmental litigation fraud. He has clearly done his homework. Reviewers shortly after the book was published had no inkling of these research deficiencies.
Near the end of the novel there is an interesting discussion about the political-legal-media complex. I would add "university". These "leaders" shape public opinion without acknowledging contra-facts and create a "State of Fear".
Book Review: More truth than fiction, and a glorious ride to boot!
Summary: 5 Stars
Crichton is not only a prolific and prestigious author, but also a Dr. Meaning he holds at least one PHD. His works are often based more on researchable fact than on fiction. Most of his works have lengthly Appendixes and Bibliographies, allowing you to read and or research the materials he himself used while creating his work.
State Of Fear is arguably one of the least fictional works of fiction he has produced, and covers an exceptionally broad range of social and political topics. Though mostly it centers around a fast paced suspense/mystery involving ecco-terrorism. In the process of transporting you along your journey he covers in some depth the evils and pitfalls that currently plague our world.
I'd strongly suggest this as very pertinent (and entertaining, if not enlightening) reading for anyone even remotely interested in current events, social and political trends, science, human nature, and art strongly reflecting the truth and reality of the current state of the world.
Book Review: Reading with Tequila
Summary: 5 Stars
Everyone knows about Global Warming. The Green House Effect. Our Carbon Footprint. How do we know about these things? The media. What if the media was giving us incorrect data? What if environmental agencies were tell us things were dangers when they really we the natural rhythms of our planet? That is what Michael Crichton is trying to get us to think about in The State of Fear. While a work of fiction, it is based in real data collected by scientists. It really made me think. It made me question what I have always believed about the environment. By the end of the book, I was left with the realization that I need to question the things I have always "known", the things that I have been told over and over again but never thought to research myself. Never thought that I wasn't getting the "real" story. This lesson is useful in every aspect of life and because of that, changed my life a little. It sis all this while being very entertaining. You can't ask a novel to be any better than that.Book Review: The master Of the Techno thriller!
Summary: 5 Stars
My favorite author is back at it again! In this book Mr. Crichton takes the reader on a thrill ride that never lets up but keeps you thinking throughout. I can't go far into the plot without spoiling but this is a fast read that kept me turning the pages. In this novel the author looks at how information is manipulated in the modern world and fed to us common folks! It was a real eye opener for me. As usual the research is top notch but how he combines it with his trademark thriller style is riveting. The reader is transported to the streets of Paris, to the frozen world of the Antarctic, to topical jungles of the Solomon Islands. This is Crichton at the top of his game, and will make a great Xmas gift for any thriller fan.
Book Review: A fictional way to make people stop and ask questions
Summary: 5 Stars
Doesn't matter where you sit on the man-made global warming theory, if this book does nothing else it should promote open honest and non-confrontational debate about the facts, fictions, and otherwise of global warming. The story is (hopefully) a flight of fancy (and did get a bit far fetched towards the end, but still acceptable) but some of the foot notes are cause for a raised eyebrow or two. This book will be treated with contempt by the "True Believers" but anyone with a questioning mind (and isn't that what real scientists should have?) will hopefully benefit, and maybe start asking questions.