Next

By: Michael Crichton

Narrated by: Dylan Baker

Length: 13 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Is a loved one missing some body parts? Are blondes becoming extinct? Is everyone at your dinner table of the same species? Humans and chimpanzees differ in only 400 genes; is that why an adult human being resembles a chimp fetus? And should that worry us? There's a new genetic cure for drug addiction - is it worse than the disease?

We live in a time of momentous scientific leaps; a time when it's possible to sell our eggs and sperm online for thousands of dollars or test our spouses for genetic maladies. We live in a time when one fifth of all our genes are owned by someone else, and an unsuspecting person and his family can be pursued cross-country because they happen to have certain valuable genes within their chromosomes.

Devilishly clever, Next blends fact and fiction into a breathless tale of a new world where nothing is what it seems, and a set of new possibilities can open at every turn. Next challenges our sense of reality and notions of morality. Balancing the comic and bizarre with the genuinely frightening and disturbing, Next shatters our assumptions and reveals shocking new choices where we least expect.

The future is closer than you think. Get used to it.

What's next:

The abridged version of Next,

the free interview with Michael Crichton, and

an exclusive sneak preview of Next.

Take your pick.

©2006 Michael Crichton (P)2006 HarperCollins Publishers

One of my my FAVORITE books with the WORST voice

One of the best books ever written ruined by a terrible reader? Or an awful voice only made tolerable because it's a good story?? YOU DECIDE! You know the guy who plays Allan on Two and a Half Men (sitcom)?? Pretty sure he reads this. I am only up to Chapter 3 and I'm sick of his voice. Ironically, between the two previews, this was the better of the two. *sigh*

love this

so much genetic info...story lines of what could happen w gene info...as a listener, I found myself caring about all the story lines

Very interesting and entertaining, not not for all

I found this book to be probably the most difficult Crichton book to get through, and that's coming from someone who has at least a mild interest and curiosity in the subject. I think that someone who may expect this novel to be another jurassic park will be very disappointed. Also, the way Crichton has jumped from story to story inside the book is sometimes difficult to keep track of, but very satisfying in the end when they all tie together. However, in the end I still enjoyed it very much, and am very saddened that this literary genius is no longer with us.

Fun Listen

While Crichton may have dumbed down genetics, I found this book to be a thoroughly enjoyable listen. The narrator was excellent, and the animal characters were very well done and even believable. My guess is that most of the negative reviews here are either pro-stem cell research or global warming fanatics upset that Chrichton dares to challenge the pet theories of liberal scientists and politicians. "Next" and "State of Fear" are not only entertaining...I"m afraid both are prophetic.

Interesting but not very compelling

Crichton writes topical stories that try to make you think about where we (mankind) are going. I really love most of his stories but this one left me a little bored. I kept waiting for the "now that's really cool" kicker but it just never came.

The narrator (Dylan Baker) was uninspired. Every young person character had a "Valley Girl" twang. After a while I couldn't tell them apart.

Great Story Telling, Very Thought Provoking

Michael Crichton has done a fantastic job telling a story that, while fictional, feels soon many aspects may not be. This book tackles many issues about the world of genetics from possibilities to morality of those possibilities, and how a changing, business oriented technology may impact everyday people, doctors, lawyers, etc. I love this book and recommend it even for those who may not be too interested or familiar with genetics. It is generally a good read.

Great Book

His books are always good and always a little scary because not only could it happen it is happening

Interesting and scary.

I enjoyed the audio book and found the topic very interesting. The book makes you think and question the notions of our ownership of our bodies/ genes while alive and once dead. We need to do our own due diligence when receiving medical care. Make sure you understand everything your signing 🤪.

Great book. Hope it becomes a movie.

Loved the characters of Dave and Gerard, very witty. I hope this book becomes a movie.

Good story genetics affects human life

Multiple storylines does make it a bit confusing at times. The end of the book is exciting and entertaining. It goes down both scientific and political consequences of genetics. Transgenetic animal characters were very enjoyable.