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With Sci Fi Studios all about inviting and nurturing new talent and feedback in entertainment, it reminds us just how the industry has been shaken up thanks to fandom. No longer is "the biz" such a remote mystery: As fanzines begat professional writers and editors, as CGI visual effects begat a whole generation of space battles and fantasy armies created on a laptop, so now are digital cameras, editing and Internet video channels opening up the booming "hobby" of genre fan films to nearly anyone who takes the leap.
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Home  Sci Fi Studios Magazine The Fan Film Revolution Michael Crichton's Next
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Written by Shari McVoy
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Tuesday, 19 June 2007 |
Most of us live in a place where we feel relatively safe, comfortable. We tend to trust people. We live by the same basic moral principles. But what happens to us and our familiar world when we cross paths with those who have differing moral values?
 In the intriguing novel, Next, Michael Crichton introduces us to the complicated world of genetics. Through the eyes of seemingly normal people, we discover that the rules of life are changing.
Undergoing treatment for Leukemia for four years, Frank Burnet discovers his doctor has been selling his tissues to BioGen without permission. Frank's nightmare begins when he dumps his doctor, only to be sued by BioGen because they still want his cells. That only scratches the surface of Frank's troubles. There is much more to his story and, trust me, you won't see the direction his story takes coming. I know I didn't.
Two genetic researchers find their lives turned upside down when some of their work comes back to haunt them. Involved in genetic tests on chimpanzee embryos several years before when a problem developed, Henry Kendall believed that research long since destroyed, until he receives an unusual call from his former employer, The National Institute of Health.
Working for BioGen, Josh Winkler conducts tests on the effects of a retrovirus that may help eliminate some brain diseases. Unfortunately, the retrovirus gets into the wrong hands and his story takes a scary turn.
Next is in my opinion a terrific book. When I first read the inside flap of this book, I had my doubts about whether or not I would like it. Genetics is a daunting subject for most. It seems complicated and difficult to understand. But I like Michael Crichton's work, so I gave it a chance. I'm glad I did. He is an intelligent writer who doesn't shy away from complicated issues, but thankfully, he explains things quite well. He makes it interesting.
I found myself holding my breath with anticipation several times while reading this novel. You know an author is a great storyteller when he can take a tough subject like genetics and create interesting storylines with characters that you find yourself caring for, or hating for the pain they have brought into people's lives. Michael gives his characters depth and emotion that makes them believable. Characters that you can feel sympathy for because you can just as easily see yourself in their shoes.
Similar to the concept of the movie Crash, everyone in this novel is somehow connected. One need only read the book to connect the dots. I found this book hard to put down, if you give it a chance, I think you will too.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 20 June 2007 )
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