"This novel is fiction: Except for the parts that aren't."
-Author Michael Crichton on his book, "Next"
Book: Next, by Michael Crichton
Themes: the future and deception
Background: Michael Crichton, the creator of the television series "ER," as well as the author of new-age classics including "Jurassic Park," was born in Chicago Illinois in 1942. The author of bestsellers including "State of Fear" and "Prey" is a graduate of Harvard Medical School and a professor at MIT and Cambridge University. His first bestseller, "The Andromedia Stain," was published while he was a still in medical school. Thirteen of his books have been made into films.
Summary: "Next" offers an interpretive glance on the issues of genetic manipulation and engineering, as well as the possible legal ramifications tied to cutting edge science. Crichton inspires the reader to ask questions such as "is everyone at your dinner table the same species?" Both asking and answering the question of what's coming Next, Crichton presents both a terrifying and terribly lucid fictional representation of scientific developments during years to come. The future is closer than you think.
Our Take:
"A typical Michael Crichton tradition. Next is another trendsetting and advanced science fiction novel that applies to the issues of our time and engages its audience. It is one of the better books I have read in the last five years. I flew through it. He definitely did his research, as always."
Joe Colangelo, asst. sports editor
