Ron's Reviews > Sphere
Sphere
by
by
Crichton takes the reader down down down beneath the surface of the ocean to where an ancient ship, of a kind, has been found lying on the sea floor. Now I've not read much Crichton in my past, outside of the Jurassic Park novels, but there are at least two things I have learned about his work. He communicates the story by means of an intelligent and learned, yet personable (and that's key), main character. In this case, it's a psychologist Norman Johnson. What would be the need for a psychologist in an underwater exploration 1200 feet down? Just let him show you. Then he starts in with the rapid fire of scientific ideas, and the mystery of the current situation. With Jurassic Park, it was gene-splicing DNA to bring back the dinosaurs, and I remember wondering if that was even possible. Later, I heard some scientists say that it probably was. I didn't really care if it was or not. I just ate that shit up. Now, in Sphere, I found myself doing the same (by the way, Sphere was written before Jurassic Park). Most technology is likely very provable here, others ideas are simply “out there”, as they should be. Science and ideology would be lost without a story, so that's the third thing I know about a Crichton book. He moves it along by use of suspense. Not always perfectly believable, but I could not help but anticipate each coming chapter, continually guessing the answer to every puzzle presented. Can anyone not do the same?
Buddy read with my friend, Josen.
Buddy read with my friend, Josen.
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Reading Progress
August 1, 2021
–
Started Reading
August 1, 2021
– Shelved
August 11, 2021
–
46.09%
"Six-armed squid, lovely shrimp, killer baby jellyfish, and one open sphere."
page
171
September 5, 2021
–
Finished Reading
October 8, 2021
– Shelved as:
2021
October 8, 2021
– Shelved as:
buddy-read
October 8, 2021
– Shelved as:
sci-fi
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Supratim
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rated it 3 stars
Sep 05, 2021 06:06AM
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Interesting, but I gave up on him.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Are you planning on reading any more of his books?
Jim
Good to hear from you Supratim (sorry for the delay in responding - GR is doing a poor job with notifications). I liked this book, but it has some issues. Thrills were one of its high points, although I can't see everything working out as written.
Interesting, but I gave up on him.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Are you planning..."
Appreciate it, Jim! For the most part, I had fun with this story. Part of that includes not taking it all too seriously. At the same time, it never feels as if Crichton is simply writing from the hip (so to speak). I do have two of his other books on my shelf (Timeline & Eaters of the Dead), so will read those, and possibly others if I come across them in the used bookstore.
Thanks, Diana! I'd tell you to read Jurassic Park, but you've probably seen the film. I'm certain he has other good books to try.
Good! It may provide a whole new depth to the story.
Thank you, Wyndy. I'd have to look up the Crichton's career of choice, before entering into the one of writing. It had to do with a branch of science, and quite successful too, or so I've heard. Seems he had more than one natural talent up his sleeve. Glad for it.
Thank you Beata! He's published quite a few, but to date I've probably seen more of the movies (some great and some not) based on his books, than read. Funny thing though, I had not heard about the movie version of this one until just before starting the read.
I'm so pleased you enjoyed what I believe was Crighton's least work. Please read the one's you haven't and you will be truly astonished with his brilliance. Frankly, you review has made me ponder whether I should stop sift through the new and relive the one's that were great.
Well thank you Fran!
Thank you Ellie! Chrichton has a good premise and follow-through as to why the psychologist is brought in. He became the most interesting character as well, but I think most all of them were. He's not afraid of knocking of a character or two, I'll tell you that!
"Science and ideology would be lost without a story."
Nicely put.
"Science and ideology would be lost without a story."
Nicely put."
Thank you, Nika. The film version of Jurassic Park was spot-on terrific. Wish I could remember the pictures I had in mind as I originally read the book, because I doubt it compared to what Speilberg did.