Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
I liked the zoological part of the story about how primates are smarter than people think and are able to learn language and be trained and discovering more about the gorillas in the lost city. However the lengthy technical descriptions and explanations about electronics, equipment etc. literally almost put me to sleep while listening to the audiobook and this level of detail wasn’t really necessary for understanding or moving the story forward.
An exciting story filled with suspense and mystery, but mostly filled with technical information written in an easy to understand way. The story itself is an adventure story, as the protagonists get closer and closer to their goal. One thing after the next stands in their way and hope for survival decreases. The inclusion of the gorilla makes it more interesting and at times lighthearted. Michael Crichton did a lot of research for this book. A massive amount of information about Africa's history, researchers, animal behavior, and technology fill the book. I personally enjoyed it, but I can see how it can be tedious and at times takes the immersion out of the story.
This is a fantastic book. Interesting from start to finish, and at a faster pace than the more famous Jurassic Park, written by the same author.
I found this adventure particularly interesting for its application of animal behavior science crossed with African geography, history and culture. It’s better to go into this story with the basics, and to experience it for yourself.
I highly recommend audible for this one. 5 stars.
I found this adventure particularly interesting for its application of animal behavior science crossed with African geography, history and culture. It’s better to go into this story with the basics, and to experience it for yourself.
I highly recommend audible for this one. 5 stars.
It's just not the same without Tim Curry and sesame cake.
This books is on of my ultimate favorites that I’ve ever read. I’ve always been a fan of the movie Congo (1995) and have considered it a cult classic for years. The movie stays pretty true to the book but it changed a few things. The whole concept of the story is truly fascinating to read and the relationship between Amy and Elliot is heartwarming. The grey gorillas that were encountered was an interesting spin on the gorillas and they kept you questioning what they were going to do next. Munro is by far one of my favorite characters and his bluntness kept me entertained. Crichton does a great job of describing the African jungle to his readers and to me it felt like I was right there with the characters. Overall, I totally recommend this book and the movie it was based of off.
The story was interesting enough and there were some good moments of tension. But the constant backstory and historical tie-ins were so boring. They pulled you out of the story instead of pushing you further into understanding. Most of them even wore on for a page or more. Pointless to the plot.
Liked Amy the gorilla. Liked the descriptions of the rainforest in the Congo. A so-so story.
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I love that Crichton’s books are action interspersed with a miniature scientific lecture every few pages. Congo is a great read- how can a book not be a winner when there are 4 main characters, and the best of them is a mountain gorilla named Amy?
I know if I want a good read I look to Crichton. Now going into this book I already knew the plot, the setting, literally everything since it was a childhood favorite movie. I DO love this book but at the same time I think watching the movie first killed the first half of the book for me. I LOVE the way Crichton writes, but I found myself bored in the beginning with all the small details of how and why they were going to the Congo. I do know it is essential to the story, so I don’t blame him. I blame me.
I will say sometimes reading for a bit confusing. Like where it would skip to past tense but also be in the moment. It would throw me off from time to time.
All together it’s a classic and I always enjoy a classic.
I will say sometimes reading for a bit confusing. Like where it would skip to past tense but also be in the moment. It would throw me off from time to time.
All together it’s a classic and I always enjoy a classic.