The Andromeda Strain

Short one today.

The Andromeda Strain is a book about an unknown virus/microbe/illness that crashes onto Earth, and the scientists who must isolate it, find out what it does, and a way to cure it. It is essentially a very high stakes medical drama, but with national security implications. It’s been a few weeks since I listened/read this book, and I have mixed feelings about it, but only because I think some of Crichton’s other books are more memorable.

There are things I can appreciate about Crichton’s writing. It makes extremely smart topics accessible to the general public, while also making them feel smart. The problem with the Andromeda Strain is that that information is delivered to the audience through very bland characters. All I remember about them is one is very successful and lobbies to Congress for funding, and one has epilepsy. Otherwise - especially compared to Jurassic Park - totally forgettable. The plot itself is interesting, but overloaded with these overly-scientific, boring characters. I don’t want to go too much into it because the story is legit, and stands on its own, but to be a truly great read I think you need both plot and characters, and this only has one of the two.

Basically: plot good, characters boring. I would only recommend this if you’ve already read Jurassic Park (and The Lost World), and really want another Crichton book. It will definitely fulfill that need if that’s what you’re looking for. Otherwise read Jurassic Park.