State of Fear by Michael Crichton Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of State of Fear
Book Review: At last, a realistic perspective on global warming!
Summary: 5 Stars
As a scientist, this was a joy to read! I am a specialist in mosquito-borne diseases. I worked for the CDC in the US for 22 years. Now I work for the Pasteur Institute in France.
For more than 12 years I have been battling the mis-information on my speciality that is doled out by global warming alarmists. I believe I am winning: predictions of the "spread" of malaria, dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases were once top of the list of dangers predicted by these ignorant, uninformed people.
Sadly, the alarmists have now switched to sea-level rise and other dangers, despite the protests of professional scientists. Crighton's book reveals the disgraceful way that this mis-information is peddled. Let me summarize in my own words:
More than a million articles are published in peer-reviewed scientific journals every year. The lay-public is unaware of this colossal output; popular information on research findings is limited to "newsworthy" articles, selected, described and interpreted by the media.
Professional scientists rarely draw firm conclusions from a single article, but consider its contribution in the context of other publications and their own experience, knowledge, and speculations. The complexity of this process, and the uncertainties involved, are a major obstacle to meaningful understanding of scientific issues by non-scientists.
In the age of information, popular knowledge of scientific issues-particularly on issues of health and the environment-is awash in a tide of misinformation, much of it presented in the 'big talk' of professional scientists. Alarmist activists operating in well-funded advocacy groups have a lead role in creating and promoting this misinformation. In many cases, they blatantly manipulate public perceptions with emotive and fiercely judgmental 'scientific' pronouncements, adding a tone of danger and urgency to attract media coverage. Their skill in promoting notions of scientific 'fact' sidesteps the complexities of the issues involved, and is a potent influence in education, public opinion and the political process. These notions are often re-enforced by attention to peer-reviewed scientific articles that appear to support their pronouncements, regardless of whether these articles are widely endorsed by the relevant scientific community. Scientists who challenge these alarmists are rarely given priority by the media, and are often presented as 'skeptics'.
The democratic process requires elected representatives to respond to the concerns and fears generated in this process. Denial is rarely an effective strategy, even in the face of preposterous claims. The pragmatic option is to express concern, create new regulations, and increase funding for research. Lawmakers may also endorse the advocacy groups, giving positive feedback to their cause. Whatever the response, political activists-not scientists-are often the most influential cohort in science-based political issues, including the public funding of scientific research.
In reality, a genuine concern for mankind and the environment demands the inquiry, accuracy and skepticism that are intrinsic to authentic science. A public that is unaware of this is vulnerable to abuse.
In a totally unexpected manner, Crichton has succeeded where we scientists have failed: he has communicated with the lay-public. He deserves a medal for his service to humanity.
Book Review: It's very simple really.....
Summary: 4 Stars
A novel about global warming. Either you believe in global warming or you don't. If you do believe in global warming then don't waste your time reading this book - it will make you very cross and you probably won't bother finishing it.
If you don't believe in global warming then read it, you won't find it offensive as so many others clearly have, and you will probably enjoy it.
Book Review: Page-turning read
Summary: 5 Stars
I picked up the book at the airport-I had never read a Crichton novel before. I found it incredibly good-I couldn't put it down and stayed up really late at night reading it.As an earth scientist it is refreshing to finally find somebody who will challenge the status quo set out by unscrupulous so-called scientists who twist the trust just to make money. The facts are there and before this, no-one "out there" was being told about them.
The plot is a bit far-fetched, with terrorists trying to cause tsunamis ( a bit unfortunate)and change the weather but hey, it's a novel, not a true story-it's just based on science!
Book Review: Great book, still reading it and cant put it down
Summary: 5 Stars
I have picked up many a book in my life time and for one reason or another, I drop it and move on. As a consumer, I obviously dont want to buy rubbish and I refuse to buy a book simply because it is renowned as a classic. Crichton is one of the few authors that can hold my attention long enough to the finale. I guess it has something to do with the subject matter always being unique (Airframe, Andromeda strain, Jurassic park, to name a few),interesting and as always thoroughly researched. This book is yet another example of Crichton's writing prowess and I find the inclusion of scientific fact with accurate references (that check out) compelling and gives the book an added depth. I am still yet to finish it although i am close to the end and I simply cannot put it down. I would also like to add that at the beginning of each book MC states that you are reading fiction. You can choose to dismiss the information in the text or condemn it but there is no point complaining as it is.... fiction. I like to keep an open mind and I enjoy books that lead me to question the information I have been pre fed. Anything that stimualtes the mind has got to be a good thing. Oh and yes I also liked the Da Vinci code..... ;)
Book Review: State of Fear
Summary: 4 Stars
As usual with Crichtons books there is a social message woven into a well written, well researched and extremely entertaining novel. The message is one of manipulation of public opinion to create a 'State of Fear' that serves the manipulators agenda. The manipulators in this case happen to be environmentalists.
The enabling mechanism for the manipulation is the way that political, legal and media hype can persuade people to accept the linkage of discrete events in a way that presumes a causality between them even when there is no supporting evidence.
If the book has a downside it is the authors tendency to sermonize. However it's a riveting and thought provoking read and I would highly recommend it.