The New Michael Crichton
I'm presently reading (well, "listening to on Audio CD" -- the modern version of "reading") Michael Crichton's new novel, 'State of Fear'. I've never been a Michael Crichton fan, and generally avoid fiction altogether any longer, having had enough of examining the inside of a liberal's mind while studying for my B.A. in English. But the idea of Michael Crichton, Mr. Hollywood-friendly novelist, writing a novel that criticizes the hysteria behind Hollywood's favorite religious causes (environmentalism and global warming) was an entertainment package I couldn't resist.
So now, as I'm huffing away on the elliptical at the gym, I listen to 'State of Fear', and its portrayal of environmentalists and their celebrity patsies is hilarious, while also underscoring the significant battle being waged between the self-righteousness of the greenies vs. those researchers who put their faith in the facts instead of their feelings.
Crichton has a reputation for including a wealth of meticulously researched and well-documented information into his fictional settings. 'State of Fear' is no exception. I'm only about half-way through the Audio Book as of this posting (it's all downloaded on my iPod Mini for easy portability), but I highly recommend the experience. For those who are following the climate-change debate, it makes for especially interesting reading.
It is, of course, getting predictably overwrought reviews from the left.