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adventurous
dark
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I have been watching the Spielberg film since I was two, but I've always wanted to sit and finally read the novel. I knew that it was vastly different from the film adaptation, but I was still curious to see how different it truly was.
Geranno, Hammond, and Nedry were exponentially more insufferable in the book. Even at the first meeting of Dr. Grant and Dr. Sattler,Geranno comments how Dr. Sattler is a woman which leads to Ellie immediately hating him due to the blatant "shock" of her status in the field + being a woman. Even more frustrating after his behavior towards her: Geranno is one of the few to actually leave the island alive. Granted, he didn't do anything to warrant needing a gory demise, but his general insufferable personality made me loathe him. Nedry's death, I had heard, is sanitized within the film - of course due to keeping the rating. His death within the novel was far more satisfying now compared to the film due to his behavior in the novel and how he did not genuinely give a damn about doing a good job of the park.
The treatment of the dinosaurs from the staff seems to have glimmers of hope, but it boils down to Hammond slowly not caring as much as he did in order to get the park in operation.
Another disappointment:Hammond's death was not as satisfying as I was led to believe due to his behavior through the novel. In the end, he just gives up as compys find him, and just lets them devour him without a fight because he's a tired, old man.
Overall, Crichton's research shines brilliantly in the science aspect of the novels and his deep understanding and explination for the chaos theory (that is heavily referenced through the book via Ian) was more enjoyable than what is shown in the film. Again, the film had not only a budget and time constraint, but also being mindful with ratings.
Tim and Lex are vastly different in the novel, but I found their book counterparts more enjoyable than the depiction in the film.
For Jurassic Park fans, I highly suggest reading the book that started it all, and I am eager to read what happens within Lost World compared to it's film counterpart!
Keep in mind: This novel was published in 1990 and the research is outdated compared to what we've learned since then. Despite this, it was the best of the science at the time, and as I said previously, Crichton's affection and heavy research for paleontology, genetics, and molecular genetics brings more life to the science behind the dinosaurs. His research made it believable that it could have been accomplished - if someone wanted to take the time, money, resources, and gamble of it.
Don't raise the dead, kids - even if it's an animal!
Geranno, Hammond, and Nedry were exponentially more insufferable in the book. Even at the first meeting of Dr. Grant and Dr. Sattler,
The treatment of the dinosaurs from the staff seems to have glimmers of hope, but it boils down to Hammond slowly not caring as much as he did in order to get the park in operation.
Another disappointment:
Overall, Crichton's research shines brilliantly in the science aspect of the novels and his deep understanding and explination for the chaos theory (that is heavily referenced through the book via Ian) was more enjoyable than what is shown in the film. Again, the film had not only a budget and time constraint, but also being mindful with ratings.
Tim and Lex are vastly different in the novel, but I found their book counterparts more enjoyable than the depiction in the film.
For Jurassic Park fans, I highly suggest reading the book that started it all, and I am eager to read what happens within Lost World compared to it's film counterpart!
Keep in mind: This novel was published in 1990 and the research is outdated compared to what we've learned since then. Despite this, it was the best of the science at the time, and as I said previously, Crichton's affection and heavy research for paleontology, genetics, and molecular genetics brings more life to the science behind the dinosaurs. His research made it believable that it could have been accomplished - if someone wanted to take the time, money, resources, and gamble of it.
Don't raise the dead, kids - even if it's an animal!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Blood
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Violence, Classism
Minor: Fatphobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Vomit
adventurous
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Medical content, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Sexism
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I don’t know why I waited so long to read this. What a wild ride.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death
Minor: Sexism
adventurous
dark
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Man, rereading this I feel so conflicted. It's absolutely worth being the classic It's become but I feel as if the film really took the concept to a higher level. Plus, I feel like Crichton's "the Earth will always be here so it's fine to destroy it (and us)" is a bizarre argument.
Not that this REALLY matters, but there were a *ton* of typos.
Not that this REALLY matters, but there were a *ton* of typos.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Gore
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park is a masterclass in blending science, suspense, and storytelling. From the very first page, Crichton grips the reader with an engaging narrative that seamlessly combines the thrill of a sci-fi adventure with the chilling consequences of playing God.
One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its detailed world-building and research. Crichton delves deeply into genetic engineering and chaos theory, presenting complex scientific concepts in a way that is both accessible and fascinating. The level of detail gives the story a sense of realism that elevates it far beyond a typical dinosaur tale, making the reader ponder the ethical implications of such advancements.
The character development is another standout aspect. Unlike the film, which focuses primarily on spectacle, the book offers a more nuanced look at its characters. Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler, Ian Malcolm, and even John Hammond feel more fleshed out, with distinct motivations and arcs that drive the story forward. Hammond, in particular, is portrayed with more depth—his hubris and idealism are both more apparent, making his eventual downfall even more compelling.
The novel also offers a richer and more complex storyline than its cinematic adaptation. Subplots and additional scenes provide further layers of tension and intrigue, from the internal corporate sabotage by Dennis Nedry to the harrowing moments of survival faced by Grant and the kids. The pacing is relentless, but Crichton balances action with moments of reflection, keeping the reader invested from start to finish.
While the film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg is undeniably iconic, it simplifies the story in favor of visual spectacle. Crichton’s book, however, provides a deeper and more thought-provoking experience, with a darker tone and a greater emphasis on the unpredictability of nature.
In summary, Jurassic Park is a must-read for fans of science fiction, thrillers, and thought-provoking narratives. It’s an engaging, well-researched novel with memorable characters and a gripping plot that leaves a lasting impact. For those who’ve only seen the movie, the book offers a richer, more detailed exploration of the themes and dangers of humanity’s hubris. Highly recommended!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, Violence
Moderate: Animal death
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved the book! As someone who saw the movies and loved them long before I read the original work, I was not at all disappointed. In fact, in terms of how things worked out in the book, the plot was more believable than the movie or at least well written enough that it just made sense in context of the story line. The fact that even knowing the movie didn’t at all prepare me for how the story went. It probably made it more shocking as I fully expected one thing, only to get something completely different, that was just as good or better, that put one’s heart in their throat and stilled your breathing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Death, Fatphobia, Gore, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Minor: Alcoholism, Torture, Violence, Vomit, Medical content, Medical trauma, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
In general it’s pretty moderate on the descriptors for the attacks. It’s when in a medical context that a little more info is shared that’s not exactly pleasant.
Religious bigotry is in the context of the fanaticism displayed by those with their firm beliefs in Science and Capitalism. Gaslighting is tied into that in a messy web, Malcom is no different even if he’s semi self-aware.
Toxic friendship is more like toxic work environment.
Is it torture if your man made and designed biology make it so?
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
As I was reading I kept telling everyone, "Jurassic Park is such a great book!" And I realize now, that this sounded like, "breathing air helps you live!"
Of course it's a good book! It's considered a classic sci-fi thriller and was adapted into one of the greatest blockbusters of all time.
Of course it's a good book! It's considered a classic sci-fi thriller and was adapted into one of the greatest blockbusters of all time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Blood
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Car accident