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The Book Peddler

Jurassic Park Book Review


Book Cover of Jurassic Park

Title: Jurassic Park

Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller

Audience: Adult

Page Count: 480

Author: Michael Crichton

ISBN: 978-1784752224

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Series: Jurassic Park Book One

Does this review contain spoilers: No


In Michael Crichton's gripping novel "Jurassic Park," the world is introduced to the ambitious vision of billionaire entrepreneur John Hammond. Hammond's dream? To create a revolutionary theme park populated by genetically engineered dinosaurs cloned from ancient DNA. Located on the remote Isla Nublar, off the coast of Costa Rica, Jurassic Park promises to be a marvel of modern science and a breathtaking attraction for visitors from around the globe. However, when a series of catastrophic events leads to a breakdown in security systems, chaos ensues, and the park's once-dormant inhabitants break free, turning Hammond's dream into a nightmare.


The story of "Jurassic Park" unfolds with a sense of awe and wonder as a team of scientists, including paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant, paleobotanist Dr. Ellie Sattler, and chaos theorist Dr. Ian Malcolm, are invited to tour the park before its grand opening. Alongside Hammond's grandchildren, Tim and Lex, they marvel at the sight of living, breathing dinosaurs, brought back from extinction through cutting-edge genetic engineering techniques.


However, as the tour progresses, it becomes apparent that all is not well on Isla Nublar. Technical glitches and security failures plague the park, hinting at deeper issues beneath the surface. When a tropical storm hits the island, chaos erupts, and the dinosaurs break free from their enclosures, turning the once-idyllic park into a battleground for survival.


As Dr. Grant, Dr. Sattler, and the others struggle to navigate the treacherous landscape of Jurassic Park, they must confront not only the dangers posed by the rampaging dinosaurs but also the ethical and moral implications of Hammond's grand experiment. With each thrilling encounter and narrow escape, they come face to face with the consequences of playing god and tampering with the natural order of the world.


As tensions escalate and the body count rises, the survivors must band together to outsmart the prehistoric predators and find a way off the island before it's too late. Along the way, they grapple with themes of hubris, greed, and the inherent dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, making "Jurassic Park" not only a pulse-pounding thriller but also a thought-provoking exploration of the perils of playing with forces beyond our control.


Crichton's meticulous attention to scientific detail adds a layer of authenticity and credibility to the story, elevating it from a mere adventure tale to a compelling exploration of the boundaries of human knowledge and the consequences of tampering with nature. With its precise portrayal of genetic engineering, chaos theory, and paleontology, "Jurassic Park" immerses readers in a world where the wonders of science collide with the dangers of unchecked ambition, making for a truly unforgettable reading experience.


Book Pros

You always get more from the book than the movie. In the movie, Dr. Grant just knows that they can't see you if you don't move...which doesn't make much sense as it's not a theory in paleontology. In the book, after encountering many different dinosaurs Dr. Grant deduces that the animals act differently when he's still. It becomes established as something specific to the genetically engineered creatures.


The book is more of a horror-science fiction-thriller, the movie is more thriller-action adventure. As I am a horror and science fiction lover, you may understand why I gravitate more towards the book. The book starts with the rediscovered dinosaur and then quickly turns into horror. Which includes adults, small children, and babies being attacked on and off the island. The set up for the novel was surprisingly great as most of the time, you're just waiting to get to the exciting parts.


Movie Pros

The best part of the movie is the T-rex. They sculpted a life-sized animatronic for the movie. The scene when it walks through the enclosure in the rain, will forever be one of the best cinematic moments of all time.


The casting of Laura Dern as Dr. Ellie Sattler. I only see Laura Dern as that character. She was strong, smart, and conveyed all of the things that made her character great. Perfect casting that absolutely reflected the character in the book.


I must admit that the movie Jurassic Park holds a special place in my heart as it's a childhood favorite. But after reading the book, there's no competition. Its blend of gripping suspense, thought-provoking themes, and vivid imagery make it a timeless classic that I return to again and again. While the movie adaptation certainly has its merits, it pales in comparison to the depth and complexity of Crichton's original work. The book's rich characterization, intricate plotting, and masterful storytelling set it apart as a masterpiece of modern literature, and it remains my favorite book of all time.




Jurassic Park Book Review Ratings and Recommendation

Rating: 5/5

Recommended: Yes


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The Graphic Grim Reader - Jennifer Swartwood-Walker illustration and signature

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