Congo was one of the first Michael Crichton books I read. I remember thinking - Killer monkeys are cool. Congo was much more than cool killer monkeys though. Evolution, nature vs. nurture, animal intelligence and rampant greed are all important themes covered in the novel. Don't let the movie deter you. Congo is a highly entertaining read bursting with the authentic science Crichton was always known for. ( )

Crichton is usually fun, but this is one of his weaker efforts. ( )

I'm almost tempted to call this "Jurassic Park, with monkeys." But it's too good to mock. Crichton's writing is never tighter or cleaner than in Congo. Like always, he shows his unparalleled ability to demonstrate just how powerful, wise, intelligent and yet also silly our science really is. ( )

At the beginning Michael Crichton's Congo, a research team looking for blue diamonds deep withing the Congo region has been mysteriously killed - the prime suspect: a possibly new species of gorilla. A new team, including a university professor and his research subject Amy, a gorilla who communicates using American sign language, is quickly dispatched to find answers (and diamonds). Unfortunately for them, they seem to be no match for the cunning and ruthless killing machines they discover.

I recently read and really enjoyed Jurassic Park. Having said that, Congo failed to entertain me in the same way. It's not that it wasn't a good story. The premise is incredibly clever, and the natural history of primates and language development are subjects that I find fascinating. The thing that bogged things down for me in Congo was really all of the technology crud. It was simply too over-the-top for me and didn't really add anything to the story.

It is obvious that Micheal Crichton was a talented and creative writer. Technology plays a big part in both of the books I've read by him, but in Congo the sheer magnitude of scientific data completely overwhelms what could have been a truly fascinating story. I can't say I'd recommend Congo, but if you're interested in trying Crichton on for size, try Jurassic Park. I'll be picking up The Lost World next week and I expect it to be wonderful. ( )

I really loved the concept behind this novel. One of his best. ( )