Author Michael Crichton dies

[neglet]

Dead of cancer at age 66. (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/features/people/e3i2998df2f8111f6a8072275df15d2dd14)

This is the guy who gave us The Andromeda Strain (I just finished watching it today, weird), Jurassic Park, ER, and Westworld, to name just a view of the classic projects he wrote or directed or inspired.

I didn't always agree with his politics, or think his writing style was the best ever, but he was always entertaining and he always wrote provocatively about science. He will be missed.

[Jakester]

More often than not (Next, I enjoyed his work (anything not Next). The guy certainly had his opinions, but the great thing about his opinions is that he backed them up with solid research.

I'll miss his speeches, essays, and thoughtful contributions to the world of fiction.

[Strider]

I haven't read any of his more recent books, but I still love The Adromeda Strain, Sphere, Jurassic Park, and Congo. The Lost World was fairly enjoyable, and I also liked Timeline. I'd say that's a pretty good record. It's too bad he won't be writing any more.

[KingVoyeur]

I was pretty bummed when I saw this. He was pretty creative but always backed his fiction up with fact (I know Next wasn't fantastic, but the fact that a lot of the stuff he wrote about what biotech comapnies are doing is true is the scariest part). He'll definitely be missed. :goodbye:

[Trazalca]

The first book I ever read of his was Jurassic Park, and was astonished by how I was drawn into the story so quickly that time flew, and in less than 2 days the book was done. I've read quite a few books up till then, but none of them had me go through a novel that quickly, and with imagination enough to keep me rivetted throughout.
In my mind's eye, I can still recall several scenes from that one book, even though I hadn't read it in over 14 years.

I liked his second dino book a lot, though sad to see its story
was never fully realized onto film, with Steven opting for Vince Vaughn instead. :Dunno:

His philosophies were a tad too new age for my taste, but his writing,
IMHO, never failed to engage me in a strong and spirited way that
simultaneously educated me on things I hadn't given much thought to.

He will be missed. :goodbye: :(

[colmatrix]

From the ages of twelve-now this man has been my favorite author. His style may not be the best, but I always loved how his characters talked to each other using five-hundred word paragraphs without breaks. How science and technology were always at the forefront of his stories. If you haven't gone to his website to peruse his essays on various matters I'd do so. Like others said, you may not agree with M.C. but his research was always impeccable and his essays are enthralling. I've got other favorite authors, but this guy had a special place in my heart. I will miss him.

I read just now that his last novel that is completed will be realeased posthumously. One more treasure to look foward to.

[JuneGirl]

He was definitely a great author. He truly made his mark in the sci fi world.

[Jakester]

It takes Crichton dying to get you to post, Junie? Sheesh!

[The Tyrant Virus]

This news made me really sad. I actually think Jurassic Park is one of the first more "adult" novels I read growing up. I've been hooked ever since. I actually like The Lost World more than JP. To this day, Timeline and The Lost World are two of my favorite reads of all time. There are a few of his books I haven't read yet, like Disclosure, and I couldn't get into Airframe after reading 1/4 of it. Even his recent stuff has been fun. Whether you agree with the message behind State of Fear, it was a good read. Prey was another decent one. I liked a lot of Next, but I think the biggest problem was it didn't really have a coherent overall story, it was just a bunch of randomly pieced together ideas. Congo, Sphere, and even Rising Sun (which I actually forgot I read until recently) are great.

I'm really going to miss his stories. RIP Mr. Crichton. :( :(

:upyours: to the Grim Reaper.