STATE OF FEAR : by Michael Crichton
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
United States
May 28, 2007 12:31pm CST
What is a review of a work of fiction doing in the Science interests section? Well, this is a work of fiction with a lot of real science in it.
Michael Crichton has really done his homework on global warming. Through out the novel are footnotes to actually published science articles and studies published in scientific journals. The footnotes are real. They are not fiction made up to support the story line. The story line is fiction, while the footnotes in support of one of the main character's remarks are authentic.
Particularily interesting are the author's remarks at the end of the novel. Here, Michael Crichton more closely exaimines how the global warming hysteria got so far out of hand.
Even still, putting the science aside, STATE OF FEAR is a thrilling action packed story, just like we usually get from Michael Crichton.
Have you read STATE OF FEAR ? Do you think you will ?
2 people like this
6 responses
@Destiny007 (5805)
• United States
28 May 07
I would like to read it but I have a real problem with print, and pretty much had to give up reading anything.
I can get through a catalog, but not a book without using a magnifier of some type.
Michael Crichton is a very good author and I am sure that he makes his case here well.
It is about time that someone who is not known for politics came out with something to counter the global warming hysteria.
That's a good word...hysteria is an apt description for what is occurring.
2 people like this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
28 May 07
The title of the book "STATE OF FEAR" does not contain the word hysteria, but certainly one of the themes of the book is that man made global warming proponents are trying to create a state of fear, which really is just another way of saying hysteria.
I remember when the book came out there was some little critisism about the anti man made global warming theme of this book, but that it dried up right away. Now, I know why. The book is very convincing and the critics did not want to draw attention to it.
1 person likes this
@estherlou (5015)
• United States
28 May 07
I've read several of his books and like him. This made me want to go get this book and read it. Think I'll go look at http://half.com Thanks for the review.
1 person likes this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
28 May 07
Pay particular attention to the remarks and observations of the character named Kenner. This character totally demolishes the concept of man made global warming or even the idea that natural global warming is going to be catastrophic.
Throughout the novel, Kenner's comments are backed up with footnoted real scientific articles.
Of course, it did not bother me one bit that Kenner's opinion on all this is identical to mine.
1 person likes this
@estherlou (5015)
• United States
28 May 07
You are too funny! Anyway, I DID find a used, like new copy of the book someone was selling for 75 cents plus the shipping so I ordered it. I'm looking forward to reading it.
1 person likes this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
29 May 07
I got my hard cover edition on sale, too. It is surprising to see Michael Crichton books on sale like this. There must be a lot of people who just do not want to hear anything about how man made global warming is a fraud and the natural global warming is not as bad as some are saying. For sure, someone has created, just like in the title, a "STATE OF FEAR".
@The_Eagle_1 (1121)
• Australia
3 Aug 10
Good day red....seeing as how you think it's worth it ....I may as well do it too.
There are many things that start as fiction and end up as reality or at least requiring a reality check!! Hahaha....hope you are all well out your way.
1 person likes this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
4 Aug 10
Howdy, Eagle_1 ! One just never knows when they will run into an old friend.
@unusualsuspect (2602)
• United States
29 May 07
I've read a good many discussions of the book, and the consensus among scientists is that it's nothing but a propaganda effort, using specious studies, and distorting much of the source material. Crichton doesn't believe in global warming, so he's written a book that seems to debunk it, but does nothing of the sort.
1 person likes this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
29 May 07
I certainly disagree. Have you checked any of the studies or read the book? Hardly specious studies. Nor do I find any consensus amoung scientists as I search the internet.
In the back of the book Michael Crichton clearly lays out his own personal views on the subject. Basically, he says there is not enough information to know for sure.
What Michael Crichton is mostly against is the attitude that it is foolish, stupid, or ridiculous to question global warming, especially that it is man made. It is unscientific to not question. That has been forgotten.
The fact of the matter is that there is plenty of reason to doubt the notion of man made global warming. Even global warming, which is happening, is occurring at a much slower rate than alarmists would have you believe.
If you care to quote a study or provide url's to any relevant studies, I'd be happy to look at them. :-)
@lisaneuc (56)
• United States
29 May 07
I did read it the book and enjoyed it. I think it has helped frame some of the skepticism about global warming.
I also read a lot of Crichton's speeches and interviews about the book - he is a very intelligent man and a rigorous thinker, IMHO.
1 person likes this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
29 May 07
I certainly agree that Michael Crichton is an exceptionally intelligent man. Not only does he agree with me about global warming, he figured out a way to take that knowledge and make a lot of money! All I did was make a few posts at myLot!
@jaypeesol (218)
• Philippines
29 Jul 10
I love Crichton's works, and I was also one of a few people who did not believe in the Global Warming THEORY. When I read this book, I was excited, because not only was the book exciting to read, it also gave me factual information on why we should not readily believe this theory. And look at the theory now, you don't hear anything about it lately. Yes, we have to take care of our environment, but to think that we can affect the global climate is preposterous.
1 person likes this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
29 Jul 10
Wow, thanks for the response on a 4 year old post. But, Michael Crighton is worth it.
@jaypeesol (218)
• Philippines
29 Jul 10
I found it through the search bar, and I thought it was worth replying. :)
