State of Fear by Michael Crichton Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of State of Fear
Book Review: Entertaining Fiction but not Factually Accurate
Summary: 3 Stars
This book is successful and entertaining as a thriller, however the reader should beware of accepting as fact any scientific information included in this book. The author conveniently stacks the facts to support his own opinion: that global warming, if it exists at all, is a natural phenomenon not caused by human activity.
I actually agree with Crichton that the media and politicians do use fear to intimidate and to sell us ideas that benefit them. And I'm personally not completely convinced that global warming is caused by humans. However I think he's being a bit dishonest in that he presents a rather one-sided argument in favor of his own opinion delivered by characters who are decisive, heroic and intelligent and portrays the opposition as at best misguided dolts and at worst malicious eco terrorists.
While I enjoyed the book, and I understand that the plot was better served by the inclusion of some kind of villain, I don't see why he couldn't have included at least one character who had a more balanced approach to the global warming issue. The result is a contrived conflict of good vs. evil. In that aspect it's rather propaganda-ish.
Book Review: Entertaining at Best.
Summary: 3 Stars
If you are MATURE enough to separate yourself from the opinion of the author, I think you'll enjoy the read. If you can not read a WORK OF FICTION from an AUTHOR who has a viewpoint that you may disagree with - don't buy the book and stick to reading fiction from authors whose opinions YOU KNOW are in line with your own.
It's a NOVEL folks, a work of fiction and a matter of opinion. What amazes me is that in this day and age, people can not separate one's opinion from the work of "art". Michael Moore is a bad documentarian because he makes movies that many people vehemently disagree with. Michael Crichton is a bad author because he wrote a book that many people vehemently disagree with. Dan Brown is a bad author because he wrote a book many people vehemently disagree with.
My take: quick easy read. Page turner. While the story is disconnected at times from a chronological standpoint (at times he uses 3 chapters to cover 15 minutes, at other times 3 chapters cover a period of 2 weeks or even 3 months), it's a quick read. A page turned not so much from the perspective of great writing but moreso from the perspective of "hurry up, I want to know what happens next so I can put this down and pick up a better piece of literature".
As far as some people's comments that Crichton is an inconsistent author, this I must agree with. Hence, the 3 stars. The book was "ok". I read it, all of it, in about 2 days. I enjoyed the read, but I'm ready for some better quality literature.
Book Review: Environmental Thriller
Summary: 5 Stars
Finally got around to reading this book, State of Fear by Michael Crichton. First, it was interesting how Michael wrote a book of fiction, but footnoted a lot of references. Next, people that you thought were the good guys, were actually the bad guys. And finally, you may not look at the environmentalists in the same way after reading this book.
Basically, this book has to do with environmentalists suing the EPA over global warming. However, there are curious murders, interesting purchases of machinery, and travels to Antarctica, the American Southwest, and some islands in the south Pacific. It took me a couple of chapters to figure out who the "hero" was, which made it very good reading. Crichton does a really good job of explaining the science of global warming, as well as some other environmental issues. Especially interesting is the sketch he gives of early Yellowstone Park and the redwood forests in California. A very good read, and one of Crichton's better books. My favorite of his is Timeline (crappy movie, though).
There has already been fallout from this book. People are disputing the science that is shown in the book, much like what has occured with The DaVinci Code. It has been quoted on Capital Hill and has endured the wrath of environmentalists. I don't agree with the idea that everything will be fine if we do nothing, but he does make some very good points:
1. We have to change the way science is funded. It reminded me of the way analysts get their reports funded but don't report the funding. Science, in some cases, works the same way. The money creates an automatic prejudice of your opinion and findings, based on who is funding your research.
2. The way to keep the citizens in line is to create fear. Fear of crime, safety, the environment, whatever. And the media loves fear because it sells magazines, newspapers, and television time.
3. Scientists that have opposing viewpoints to the status quo are, sometimes, shouted down. They stand to lose grant money. So, they follow along. The people that don't follow along are usually retired professors or scientists that are no longer tied to grant money.
4. According to Crichton, the environmental mantra is pretty much the same as it was in the 60's and 70's. But the world has changed. Our understanding of the world has changed.
All in all, it was a good read. I even read the Appendix and the bibliography. There are a couple of books that I have jotted down to do some more reading on global warming, Yellowstone, and the forests of North America. Get ready for the next big event, the dissection of the science of State of Fear, by reading the book.
Book Review: Excellent Book...a Must Read!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book should be required reading in every high school in America...at least as an alternative to watching al gore's global warming scam film (although the language is harsh at times in the book for H.S. reading). I found the book enjoyable and enlightening. They'll never make a movie out of it because they probably couldn't find any actors in hollywood willing to portray anti-global warming characters...they'll do murderers and rapists, but to possibly portray someone who exposes the global warming sham? THAT would be against their environmentalist religion. I wonder if Leonardo DiCaprio would be available for the lead role? He might could finally learn something.Book Review: Excellent blend of fact and fiction
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an excellent book by an excellent author. An exciting story blended with one of today's most talked about topics (global warmning) makes for great reading. The fact that the author questions some "common knowledge" regarding global warming makes the book all the more interesting.