Book Review: Prey

Author: Michael Crichton

My Rating: 3/5

What does humanity do, if the very technology that we developed for the betterment of the human race turns on its creators? Sounds familiar? Well, if it doesn’t, then you are not a fan of science fiction or you live on some other planet where mundane topics such as invasion attempts by machines are not part of your daily science fiction. For those familiar with this scenario, random words like Skynet and Matrix might pop up in some obscure corner of your mind.

Michael Crichton’s Prey deals with a similar concept. Except, instead of hulking T-800’s travelling back in time and Octopus-like sentinels trying to break into Zion, human race has to contend with nanotechnology and artificial intelligence. Now the problem about writing this review is that, I can’t really go in to details about the story here; because that would kill the suspense created by Crichton in the beginning, and render the first 20-30 % of the novel irrelevant.

The story deals with an imaging technology developed by Xymos, a nanotech company, which can scan the interior of the human body using nanobots. Except that the medical experiment is just a front for a much larger scheme. When things begin to go wrong, Xymos call in Jack Forman, an unemployed software engineer who specializes in distributed programming and agent-based computing. Jack was fired by his previous company (MediaTronics) for exposing an internal scandal. Incidentally, Xymos use the PredPrey product developed by Jack and his team for their new technology. Thus when Xymos need their problem solved, they turn to MediaTronics, who, in turn, approach Jack with the intention of rehiring him. Jack, on the other hand, is facing problems of his own. His youngest daughter Amanda develops a strange rash that proves incurable until she is put in an MRI machine, which, inexplicably, cures her. Jack’s wife Julia is the VP of Xymos; and Jack suspects, based on her erratic behavior during the previous few weeks, that she is having an affair. And the day that Jack gets the offer to rejoin MediaTronics, Julia is involved in a serious accident. Thus, Jack goes to the desert in Nevada, where the Xymos production facility is situated, looking to find answers. Once there, he discovers things which take him, and us, through a rollercoaster ride.

The book is written in typical Crichton style. A lot of new concepts such as distributed programming, agent-based computing, emergence, nanotechnology, artificial life, genetic algorithms, etc. are introduced. Yet, he has taken care to explain each and every concept in such a manner that it does not intrude with the flow of the story. At the same time, he tries to push through his message that one needs to keep human arrogance and shortsightedness aside while dealing with new technology or else it can produce dire consequences.

On the flipside, the story takes some time to develop. It does not get boring, but you feel initially that Crichton could have done away with a few details. And I was a bit disappointed with the end. It’s a little ambiguous, which worked in favor of Sphere, but somehow gave me a feeling of being let down after he had constructed such a great story. Another aspect of this story was that Crichton left a few questions unanswered. Most of these are questions pertaining to his children’s health (again, I can’t really disclose many details without giving away the main plot).

All in all, while the book is good, it’s not as good as Jurassic Park or Sphere. I would rate it 3 out of 5.

Book Review: To Kill a Mockingbird.

How would you rate a book that has a very simple story, no twists and turns and hero of the book is a lawyer by profession who teaches his kids the value of tolerance and cool-headedness rather than fighting back when provoked? Boring? Commonplace? Well, then I suggest that you read 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. Having read Mario Puzo, Khaled Hosseini, Arthur Conan Doyle, Jeffrey Archer, Sidney Sheldon and the likes my entire life, I had never thought that a simple story could be so powerfully written that it will keep you engrossed from the first page to the last. The story is based on a true incident which took place when the author was a kid living in Alabama. The best thing about this book is that the author hasn’t written it from an adult’s perspective – which would probably have made a book on moral instruction - but from the perspective of a child. It portrays the feelings that the young girl, Scout, felt when all the events taking place in the book were unfolding before her.

The events take place in the early 1900’s when racism was prevalent in America. Scout is a six-year-old girl who lives with her father, Atticus Finch and her brother Jem. The initial part of the story tells us about the neighbors surrounding the Finches, especially the Radleys. The rumors about Boo Radley - the boy whom none of the good citizens of Maycomb County have seen - and the intriguing behavior of his parents, both fascinate and terrify Scout and Jem (though Jem does not readily show his fear). The arrival of Dill, a nephew of one of their neighbors’ and their growing friendship with him, not only creates a lot of curiosity among the two kids (regarding Dill’s past and his father), but also brings forth a hitherto unknown sense of adventure inside the two kids. Together, the three of them hatch various plans to bring Boo Radley out in the open. Their misadventures and the eventual circumstances which finally bring Boo Radley out of his house are indeed heartening to read.

Meanwhile, another event takes place which grabs the attention of all the Maycomb County (except our little adventurers). An African-American, Tom Robinson is accused of raping a white girl. The County Attorney appoints Atticus Finch as the defense attorney for Tom. Atticus’ decision to take up the defense causes a great uproar. From here on the story revolves around how Atticus has to deal with criticism and ridicule not only from his community, but also from his relatives. As always, there are a few people supporting Atticus, but they are reluctant to show public support to Atticus. Needless to say, even the two kids are dragged into this mire as they are teased and taunted by the townspeople and their friends. This is where Lee is different compared to the authors. By common experience, most authors would have introduced a tinge of drama, people physically manhandling the kids, which would provoke Atticus to make a great speech in the town center with the townspeople watching all around him etc.(yes, these thing also happen in books, and not only in movies!). But, she has stuck to facts and portrayed how such a situation can be handled without losing one’s sense of pride and dignity. The situation becomes grimmer for Scout with the arrival of her aunt who is determined the turn Scout – who is a tomboy – into an elegant lady. Scout’s plight on being invited to numerous afternoon tea parties is quite funny to read.

Another powerful message that emerges from the book as it moves on is how the hatred prevalent amongst the society can effectively destroy innocence. The events that unfold during Tom’s trial (which they watch secretly), make a profound impact on Jem. His transformation from a carefree, and headstrong boy to a mature and thinking teen is beautifully portrayed and without any drama. Also, the exemplary behavior of Atticus goes a long way in influencing Jem. Indeed, the way in which Atticus treats the whole situation at hand should serve as a reminder to the society today, which at times takes the right decisions in the wrong manner thus having a wrong impact on the younger generation.

The characters are well sketched out. Atticus Finch as the morally upright lawyer, determined to imbibe in his children a sense of tolerance, and the sense to treat all human beings equally, is brilliantly written. The way he handles his kids, when Jem is rude to an elderly woman who calls Atticus ‘nigger-lover’ or when Scout asks him the meaning of ‘rape’ is brilliantly portrayed. I believe that he is one of the finest heroes crafted both in written literature and visual entertainment including our childhood heroes like Superman, Batman etc. Jem Finch as firstly the friendly and loving elder brother, then the secretive and slightly embarrassed elder brother to the protective and mature elder brother tends to remind us of ourselves during the same stages of life. Scout, with her inquisitiveness, stubbornness, and quarrelsome nature in endearing. The character of Dill, though he appears inconsequential at first, gains prominence later on. All the other minor characters are well sketched out with different quirks and human frailties.

Briefly put, the book is funny, touching and can leave a deep impact on the reader’s psyche without appearing to be preachy. I would definitely recommend it to all book lovers.