Michael Crichton - Congo

Pros: Some decent plot development and use of differing narrative styles...
Cons: ... poorly developed characters, irritating writing style

Congo by Michael Crichton inspired what many believe to be one of the worst films of all time. I can't comment on that as I haven't seen it. But how does the book fare? I've liked movies based on Crichton novels (particularly The ...

Pros: The setting of the tale, somewhat interesting.
Cons: Too technical, lack of proper characterization, plot & conclusion, mystery enveloping the Gorilla's,etc.

I somewhat enjoyed this novel. It had some interesting segments that were entertaining, however, this work contained too many flaws to be considered a great read; it was simply a moderately good novel. It begins with an amazing and horrifying prologue ...

Pros: some interesting reflections on where technology has gone
Cons: *yawn* pretty dull stuff and characters you can't care about

The English school at which I work has a library of books that others have left behind. Since the books were not purchased systematically or with particular purpose, often some former employee's favorite author is heavily represented. Thus is the case...

Pros: Crichton's writing style, story
Cons: today's readers might find this story laughable because it's outdated

I am drawn to this book. I've had it in my possession since late 1995, or early 1996- I know that it was just months before I graduated from high school, but am unsure of the date. It was around that time that I went on a Michael Crichton reading frenzy-...

Pros: Good story with solid grounding in several scientific disciplines.
Cons: "Cutting edge" computer science is way out of date.

If you've been unhappy, or at least not overawed, by Michael Crichton's recent novels and movies, then you owe it to yourself to try one of his earlier efforts, like Congo. If you find favor with it, then I'd also recommend some of his...

Pros: Section of the volcano
Cons: Everything else

This is a confusing mix of primate research, communication wars, tech- jargon, and death. It took me three full readings to understand the direction of the novel.

In the late 70s, Crichton depicts that a tech race is on for the fastest, most...

Pros: Has some suspenseful parts.
Cons: Very slow.

Michael Crichton's Congo is a rather uneven work that he wrote in his earlier days. There is less character development than most of his novels. At some points the book is exciting, then you go into a 2 chapter discussion on medical history, ape ...

Pros: Crichton has done it agian!!!
Cons: What cons?

This book has to be one of my personal favorites. Crichton has done it again with this book. Unlike ...

Pros: The excellent imagery
Cons: Some parts are rather disturbing, could be a pro too I guess.

When I first received the book Congo as a gift I was skeptical. I personally didn't care much for the movie and found it rather boring and very vague plot wise. However, as soon as I picked up this book, I couldn't drop it for the life of me. The...

Pros: Keeps you guessing
Cons: Jargon gets in the way of story

When I read this book for the first time, I was enthralled. I was kept on the edge for the first 90% of the book. Now, maybe I'm slow to get the point, but I was surprised at the climax of the book. The author did a wonderful job of writing the book,...

Pros: Very entertaining
Cons: Some parts of it are a bit improbable

Congo was the first book of Crichton's I had ever read. Needless to say it was not the last. The story (which is way better than the movie's one by the way) is a little slow in starting out ,but that doesn't last for long.
A research team for a...

Pros: Suspenseful...
Cons: ...near the last 100 pages

If you've seen the god-awful movie, someone owes you an apology. Lets not even go there. The book, on the other hand, is way better than the movie, but still is fairly boring. If you can get through the first 1/3 of the book (it's a great feat, believe...

Pros: suspence and danger
Cons: the action will come in bits and pieces and all the good stuff is crmmed into the last 50 pages

when I first picked up the book I expected what I saw in the movie. a cheap stupid trying to act cool but ended up being stupid ending. a monkey with a talking glove. a mecenarie that acts more like a pimp. and that one guy who can't get in any real...

Pros: A true Science Fiction, Great character developement, great plot
Cons: none

As in most cases the book Congo by Michael Crichton was better than the movie. This book is a great book to read and even young children would probably enjoy it. Michael really makes it seem so real. It is about a company that is looking for a special...

Pros: At times fairly exciting and well-written.
Cons: Virtually no character development, characters uninteresting, dialog disposable.

The film version of this book is, of course, utterly horrendous. Still, Crichton's books often translate into bad films, and his books are usually enthralling, fast reads. "Congo" is one of the few I seriously dislike. The characters are boring, the story isn't compelling, and ultimately, the ending is hugely disappointing.

Not worth reading at all.