Book Review: Next

Science has made drastic leaps in the past few decades, focusing primarily on genetics. Michael Crichton, author of famed novels such as “Jurassic Park,” “Congo” and “Sphere,” addresses modern-day issues dealing with genetics in his most recent work, “Next.”

The book follows the lives of numerous characters and how they interact with genetic engineering. In California, Frank Burnett, a construction worker with bone marrow cancer, is sentenced to die within a year of his diagnosis. Four years later, he’s still alive and has discovered his cells were sold to and patented by BioGen, a leading genetic company, to create cures for cancer. That same company is also developing a maturation gene that speeds up the aging process. On the other coast, a chimp equipped with human genes and the ability to talk is discovered living with a normal suburban family. And over the vast Atlantic Ocean is a transgenic Grey Parrot who is consciously aware of himself and the world around him. Oh, did I mention he could talk?

Though it may seem entirely fictional and almost fantastical at times, there is truth behind the ideas of “Next.” There are thefts of cadaver bones and body parts, cells are taken by the rule of eminent domain and there is a glowing transgenic rabbit created in a French lab. Throughout the novel there are a variety of different articles that relate to this elaborate book created by Crichton.

With all the different characters and storylines, one main theme stands out the most: gene patenting. There are pharmaceutical and bioengineering companies, universities and research labs that own a variety of different genes in our bodies. These corporations and scientists have laid claim to a part of you. Crichton is completely disgusted by this idea and his main focus is to show his readers how ridiculous the whole concept is and how narrow-sighted genetic scientists and previously mentioned companies can be.

At the back of the book is a list of five conclusions Crichton has amassed after researching the topic and writing the novel. The book may be hard to get through with the scientific jargon and the constant leaps from chapter to chapter between the many characters, but keep with it because it’s worth it, especially for the author’s note at the end. Once you’re hooked, you won’t be able to put the book down. You’ll become entwined with the main characters as you follow their journeys and watch how their lives are affected by genetic engineering. “Next” is a must-read for all.