Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park
by Michael Crichton

I am going to deviate from the wonderland that was the 2012 National Book Festival and tell you about one of my 6th grade book clubs.  We met over lunch today to discuss Jurassic Park.  It never fails that this group wants to fill me in on the gore first, and this book has plenty.  It is also full of action, imagination and surprise.  The conversation was lively.  I started with this question, "What was the grossest death scene?"  This got us rolling, and it was nearly impossible to stop-they were all late getting back to class.  My apologies to all of their teachers.

It is likely that you are familiar with the story of Jurassic Park.  My first introduction to it was the movie.  My parents did not have the "you must read it first" rule, so this is the first time I have read it.  I have to say I am glad I did.  The plot is imaginative and creative.  It is strangely believable. And, the scientific methods addressed are advanced and interesting.  The action kept these kids reading, with not one of them complaining of the length.  For me, I spent a bit of time skimming the constant action/violence sections.  If I were watching the film again, I would likely fast-forward through the same scenes.  The kids, on the other hand, hung on every word and enjoyed the entire ride.

They would want me to give you one ALERT!  There is bad language.  Our rule is you might read it, but if you say it, you will pay the price.  If you are concerned about this for your own reader(s), you may want to wait until you are more comfortable with their filters.  Lastly, this book does have a sequel, The Lost World. For this generation, a second book has great appeal.

We are going to have a movie night this weekend and watch the movie.  My son happens to be in this book club, so my "read first" rule is still alive and well.  Let me know if you and yours take on this book.  I would love to hear what you think.