Review "Next" by Michael Crichton

"Next" is Michael Crichton's new book, and the topic of his lecture this time (see previous discussions of Crichton) is genetic engineering in modern America.

The involves several story lines about genetic engineering that eventually merge. It also features many 'vignettes' or side discussions, of different aspects of the genetic engineering debate. Some of these Crichton has displayed as newspaper articles or press releases.

Did you know that genes are patented in this country? Yes, some corporation or university owns a patent on the genes that cause certain diseases, and you cannot do research on those diseases or a cure without paying the patent owner.......

If the article below interested you at all then read this book. I recommend "Next." The scientific / policy / moral / aspects of genetic engineering were fascinating. And while the plot was scattered, the topics were so interesting that I could not put the book down.

"Next" (in typical Crichton style) contains a huge amount of complex scientific information. He does a good job breaking it down to layman's terms, but be prepared for it. The book is not for kids - it is complex and disturbing and contains a good bit of sex and violence.