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Author: Michael Crichton

Summary: This book concerns the many possible complications that could arise in the near future due to gene therapy research. The situations of the *many* plot lines center around issues like ownership of cells, gene patents, and the creation of transgenic (hybrid) animals.

Recommendation: This book was interesting, and eventually the story becomes somewhat gripping, but I don't feel that it's particularly strong as a novel. There are many separate story lines and characters, and it all feels very scattered. There's a lot of research apparent behind Crichton's writing, and he does a great job of blending the fiction with the fact in a believable, creative way. He also provides an extensive bibliography. Unfortunately, the several plot threads sort of fizzle at the end even as they try to tie themselves up, and it ends up seeming more of a heavy-handed dogmatic text than an exciting mystery thriller. I do agree with Mr. Crichton's conclusions regarding gene patents and the like, but hearing it once in the ending courtroom scene and again (almost verbatim) in the author's epilogue seemed a
bit much.

Hearts: 2