Travels by Michael Crichton
|
List Price: Our Price: $5.98 You Save: $9.01 (60%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Travels
Book Review: Surprise -- Crichton Is A Philosopher!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read a few of Michael Crichton's books over the years, beginning with the Andromeda Strain, and have always found them entertaining. But I never thought of him as a deep thinker. Travels makes it clear that I was wrong.
This book is an extremely intelligent and self-aware exploration of how Crichton personally interacts with his world, and what is actually going on in that world. Much of the book is about the reality (or not) of spiritual phenomena like psychics, auras, out of body experiences, etc. Particularly for those of us who are basically connected to reality but convinced that "more is going on", this is a really insightful book -- more open to unusual phenomena than typical books on meditation and similar activities, yet much more grounded than books like The Celestine Prophecy.
Crichton's descriptions of his travels and experiences at medical school are also interesting and well-written (and probably the best way to promote popular sales of the book), but this book is much more than just a travelogue -- and there are better books for those primarily interested in travel writing. The important part is about spirituality and psychology, and for that this is one of the best books I have ever read.
Book Review: My Favorite Book of All TImes!
Summary: 5 Stars
When I was young I was an avid reader of Michael Crichton, I constantly admired his way as a writer to draw the reader in so conclusively and to keep them there.Travels is a WHOLE different story. This is a semi-autobiographical tale of the years after medical school and beyond. Now, this is not the usual autobiography, about how he fell in love or how he loves his job, this is a story of self discovery and search for himself. Much of the first half of the book covers travels around the world and different instances in his life that he wants to share. The second half discovers the paranormal, psychics, astral travel, and seeing auras. These are true tales of how he searches out the meanings and explanations for unexplainable things.
This is by far my favorite book of all times. I cannot recommend this more. It has the same form of drawing the reader into the story, but also takes a more objective perspective on life, citing stories without holding back even when it makes him looks bad. You will find yourself within this book.
Book Review: a memoir of the mystical and extraordinary
Summary: 5 Stars
I was a little skeptical about this book before I read it, but it turned out to be very entertaining, thought provoking, and satisfying. Every Crichton fan should probably read it just to get the inside scoop on the man himself, perhaps to see what has driven him to write so many fascinating books, and also to see what fuels some of his philosophy that comes through in his writing. "Travels" certainly isn't all about philosophy, as much of it consists of some very entertaining anecdotes, though there's a philosophical vein that runs through it. It's not preachy, though Crichton seems to be trying to stimulate thinking in the reader. I found myself wishing at times that there wasn't a metaphysical bent to this book, though in the end I suppose it's for the better. Overall, a very engaging read. Avery Z. Conner, author of "Fevers of the Mind".Book Review: Changed my life
Summary: 5 Stars
Didn't think I would like a non-fiction book. This novel was just as gripping (maybe more) as his fictional works, for me. A life lived as an adventurer into areas of the earth usually unexplored, was just indescribable. Yet he described these places, people and his insights, both personal and and his perceptions of those people around him, in such vivid detail that I felt as though I was there. How can one live such a life, bravely and uniquely following personal curiousities and challenges? Most of us (including me) have lived a "safe" life. I believe most truly talented artists in all fields have followed "the road less taken." For me, this is "food for deep thought" which enables examination of one's life. Maybe it will have a profound affect on you, too. The only other book which has affected my life so deeply is "The Drifters" by James A. Michener.Book Review: A Journey of its Own
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is as much about being a seeker of experiences, as it is about being a traveler. It is in my opinion, an indispensable `how to' guide. It teaches the reader to use outward places and experiences to enhance inward journeys. If you dream of new vistas, this book is unique in its approach to taking you there. I have given this book as gifts to several other special people along my path.
Travels is like a trinket you pick up on a stray beach in Bali, or a memory too dear to risk forgetting. Yes, it can be a bit indulgent. For example, some may not want to read about having fast-induced conversations with succulents or reading auras. But developing 'openness' to the unknown is critical to living or traveling, isn't it?
Overall, I think it's an education in understanding what travel is at it core, its essence.