Next - Michael Crichton

Michael Crichton needs no introduction in the genre of science fiction thrillers. Jurassic Park took the world by storm in the 90s and Crichton became the master of mixing the possibilities of modern research with page-turning suspense. Next deals with genetic engineering on a more human level. In Next, Crichton brings up some provocative dilemmas dealing with the subversive topic of genetic testing and ownership. But when numerous sadly sketched characters and tangential storylines don’t resonate or connect, examining those dilemmas falls flat and Next leaves readers wanting.

Pros

• Crichton still knows how to write a page-turner, no matter how vapid the characters and sloppy the plot(s)
• Next’s critique that scientific research is becoming increasingly like a corrupt business is intriguing
• The faux science journal articles mixed throughout the novel are biting and fun

Cons

• The most memorable characters are a talking parrot and a chimpanzee mixed with a human
• The plot development is practically non-existent and the people or animals involved merely "exist" to serve a topic
• Crichton would have been better off forming a journal of his findings or writing a novella that dealt solely with Alex and her son being pursued cross-country because of their valuable genes