The Lost World

 By Solana Cortez


Since I did a review on Jurassic Park, I thought it would only be fitting to do a review on The Lost World. Now I'm not talking about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Lost World, rather Michael Crichton's book of the same title. And if you have seen the movie then you really don't know what the book is about. The movie plot and the book plot deviate quite a bit to a point where the story lines can't be adequately compared.

Summary

Jurassic Park ends with the island being distroyed. What isn't known is that there is a second island where all the dinosaurs were born before being brought to the park island. And that is where the adventure is. Like the first book there are hungry dinosaurs running around. The story takes place six years after the Jurassic Park incident. INGEN no longer exists, and those involved with Jurassic Park have been well compensated to avoid any publicity on the event.

Ian Malcolm is back after spending a long time recooperating from the injury he incurred while on a trip to Costa Rica. He now works at the Santa Fe Institute giving seminars. It is there, Malcolm finds himself unwilling recruited for a trip back to Costa Rica to look for dinosaurs.

The story turns into a rescue mission when an over zealous scientist rushes off to the island (Site B) to get the proof he needs. Malcolm and a team (predetermined by the scientist) go off to find him. On the island they uncover more of INGEN's dirty secrets.

Highlights

There is less mathematics and science involved and more action for those who found the first book overwhelming.

Sarah Harding is a kick butt type of female. She's intelligent and definitely doesn't play the damsel in distress. In one scene Harding is hiding under a car with a guy who had tried to kill her. She gives the guy a good shove making him tyranosaur fodder.

If you are into philisophical or indepth thinking, there are good portions of it throughout the book.

Recommendations

I would recommend this book to people ages teen through adult. There is violence throughout (dinosaurs eating people can be considered violent), so keep that in mind. This is a good book for those who want something entertaining to read and for those who want something thought provoking. Some of the words and ideas presented are college level, but it does not hinder the experience. If anything it encourages more research into ideas.

While I personally prefer the first book, The Lost World ranks among my top books for pleasure.

Rating

The Lost World rates A MUST READ

Until next time.  Happy Reading.