"Next" By Michael Crichton

Title: Next
Author: Michael Crichton
Published Year: 2006
Pages:547 pages

Genetics is a complex industry and this work of fiction brings those complexities to the attention of the everyday reader. One problem with what I consider abstract sciences like genetics is that it is hard for the common lay person to understand all the terms and procedures that are part of the science. Crichton takes these terms and spins a web of mystery and action to showcase these ideas and some of the problems that result from genetics research. Hear me out, I think that there is some use for the genetic research that can do the world harm, but some of the research and the legal think tanks behind protecting this research can be hazardous to the world as this book will present.

The storyline does not follow just one issue, but multiples and if you have read some of Crichton's other works, you'll understand how he knows how to make it all come together. Getting to that together point is part of the fun of the book and a reason that I kept pushing myself to finish it and figure out how everything came together.

Here are a few of the issues that are brought up in this book:

• Splicing cells to genetically alter the code of an animal such as introducing human cells into members of the ape families
• Using genetic alterations to change the look of animals for the purpose of advertising
• Licensing issues when new genetic cells are discovered and who is the proper owner of these.

But its not as simple as it seems. Crichton takes you all around the world to show you that this is not just happening here in the United States but that other countries are in a race to patent genes that are found. After reading this, and despite it being a work of fiction I have developed some of my own opinions on whether or not genes should be patented and who really owns them. Crichton presents his own thoughts after the book as well as all of his research on the subject.

If you like any of his other works, don't pass this one up, I wasn't disappointed and I bet you won't be either.