"State of Fear" by Michael Crichton (Science Fiction/Thriller, some spoilers)

This novel discusses a number of arguments related to the issue of global warming. In some ways, it is a departure for Crichton from his typical style. Novels like "Prey" and "Jurassic Park" tend to show how a new innovation in technology can go badly wrong, resulting in a plot in which a lot of people get killed and a few barely escape with their lives.

"State of Fear" has some similar elements, featuring a small group of people trying to avert a disaster. But, ultimately, "State of Fear" shows people who believe in global warming to be more dangerous than global warming itself. Indeed, this book tries to make the reader question global warming, and whether it really is the threat some people believe it to be.

I realize that some people feel very strongly about this isssue. Please remember, this is just a book review, I'm simply relating and commenting on what Crichton has written - I'm not saying he's right or wrong, or that you should agree or disagree.

Characters in the story include Nicholas Drake, head of an environmental organization trying to raise awareness about global warming. George Morton, a very wealthy man concerned about environmental issues, is prepared to donate a significant amount of money to Drake's organization. Peter Evans is a lawyer who works for Morton.

The plot shows how Morton disappears, and is presumed dead, shortly after announcing that he would be withdrawing some of his funding from Drake's organization.

Evans finds himself in the middle of something big when he realizes that Morton was onto something, and had evidence some people very much wanted to keep hidden. This turns out to be connected to ecoterrorism. Extreme environmentalists are planning something big, to convince the world of the dangers of global warming in a way that will be spectacular.

John Kenner, an international law enforcement officer, is investigating Drake's organization and eventually hooks up with Evans, and they, along with some supporting characters, travel to various locations, trying to get to the bottom of the mystery.

In some ways, the plot serves as a backdrop for the dialogue. Kenner questions the arguments about global warming, and can back up his arguments with many references. Some readers criticize this aspect of the novel, finding that it makes it seem very preachy or like a textbook more than a novel. That may be true to some extent, but I really didn't mind.

Whether you agree with Crichton or not, you have to give him credit for presenting a reasoned argument, backed up by references. There's a whole bibliography at the end of the book for those who want to find out more.

Some of the characterization seemed a little weak, a lot of the people arguing for global warming aren't nearly as well informed as Kenner. In reality, there are people who would give Kenner a much tougher time.

The book ends with an author's note in which he gives historical examples of ideas that have become widely excepted, despite questionable evidence. This emphasizes the importance of applying the scientific method properly.

And, despite all this, Kenner ultimately does say he believes in protecting the natural environment, and that it makes sense. Maybe focusing on the solutions is a more constructive use of everyone's energy than the ongoing debate about global warming and whether or not it's happening, or how severe it is?

I have my own thoughts on the subject, but this is a book review, not my personal soapbox, so I'll refrain from getting into that for now.

"See How They Run" by James Patterson(Thriller, spoiler warning)

This is an early Patterson thriller from the late seventies, published before his large successes with the Alex Cross series or Women's murder club series. It was originally published under the title "The Jericho Commandment."

The story follows a number of characters. One of the main characters is Doctor David Strauss. Strauss is propelled into danger when several members of his family are violently murdered. Investigation reveals a possible connection to neo-Nazis, and this is unfortunately a possibility since Strauss and his family are Jewish, as well as quite wealthy.

Strauss and his former sweetheart, Alix Rothchild, try to piece together what's happening, with help from the authorities and an experienced Nazi hunter.

But all is not as it seems.

Parts of the story follow the villains, showing them preparing their plot. This introduces an almost science fictional element to the plot, since it involves some hi-tech techniques that could be used to commit mass murder.

The trail eventually leads to the Olympic games in Moscow, 1980.

One thing I liked about this book was a twist that's revealed near the end, which I hadn't guessed at. Stories have been done before about neo-Nazism, and the idea of some attempt by former Nazis to rise again. When this book was written in the seventies, many high-ranking Nazis may well have still been alive.

But it turned out that it wasn't quite as straight-forward as that. I don't want to give away what actually happens, though, but I did find it to be a good twist and variation on this type of story.

As is usually the case with Patterson, the story is very intensely plot-driven. There is some characterization and development, and it works, but it's almost always within the context of the fast-moving plot.

Anyway, it's an enjoyable read, exciting and entertaining. I guess I wouldn't keep reading so many Patterson novels if I didn't like his style, would I? And if the bestseller lists are any indication, I guess a lot of people agree with me.