My Top 10 Michael Crichton Novels (Spoiler-Free)

[@ashleydoran8412]

I read Jurassic Park as a 5th grader (I was an advanced reader) and became a scientist because of that book. Crichton still ranks in my top 10 authors.

[@colburn0004]

I gotta read more Discworld, I gotta read more Crichton, I gotta start Malazan. Booktube is a detriment to my life lol

[@who_the_fuck_is_riley5813]

Man I've bought all of Abercrombie's books because of booktube (minus the Shattered Sea and Age of Madness), the first 4 books in the Dune saga, the first 3 Witcher novels, and I've added Sanderson and Malazan both onto my list of things to buy. The wallets of booktube fans are suffering

[@mck7646]

I actually just started Discworld. I like that most of the books are pretty short and have different themes and jumping on points. I also have the entire Malazan series in paperback.

[@sausthabbirsinghtuladhar1729]

@@mck7646 before u have read the first book u bought the entire series?

[@happyhollow4811]

@@mck7646 is Malazan as difficult to read as everyone preaches? I'm into Dune and I have some trouble with it but for the most part comprehension is on point.

[@siriusblack7714]

What is discworld? A series of fantasy?

[@EmperorSarco]

Michael Crichton was an incredible writer. I'm kind of disappointed that, aside from the Jurassic Park series, his other stories didn't receive as amazing adaptations. Personally The Lost World is my favorite novel of his.

[@Mrdestiny17]

I love Pirate Latitudes, cause it's so different than his other books. Great Train Robbery is like it in terms of it being a period piece more than a scientific novel. It would also be a great movie

[@davisphillips993]

It actually is a movie. In fact, Crichton himself wrote and directed it!

[@Ronin969]

​@davisphillips993 i turned it on a week ago thinking a 70s movie about the 19th century would be a snoozer. After grabbing my attention, i looked it up and realized he actually directed the movie! Set it aside for a full attention watcher

[@hometownhero2500]

It’s such a solid movie. That guy escaping from the prison scene is wild. The ending scene, insane bc Connery could’ve fell off that train. Those were the days

[@skeller61]

The Andromeda Strain had an amazing movie made from it, and later, a great limited series.

[@Henri79]

Fully agree with the importance of letting new readers know about Crichton and his amazing novels. Good work!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Can’t let him be forgotten

[@astrosquirrel5038]

Michael Crichton still remains my favorite author. His books curated a love of reading at an early age and inspired me to start writing. I've learned so much from him and regret never being able to shake his hand and thank him in person.

[@adamborst]

I recall reading Sphere, Congo, and Andromeda Strain around 7th grade and just being in awe of what happened in the books. It's a bit fuzzy now since I'm 40, but I recall having my mind blown by Sphere most of all. I feel like that book needs more recognition and definitely a re-read for me this year. Great video Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, Sphere was a mind kick.

[@CraftySouthpaw]

Sphere is one of the best books I've ever read.

[@587monster]

Prey is so underrated absolutly loved the science mixing with biology

[@mikesbookreviews]

It was a tough cut along with Terminal Man.

[@jebpleb1803]

Needs a good movie adaptation

[@jebpleb1803]

His best book

[@gunbacker9428]

You should check out Next by Michael Crichton.

[@doomraven0]

Prey was fantastic, definitely in my top 5 Crichtons.

[@JohanDjurholm96]

I definitely need to check out Michael Crichton!

[@GreatOldOne9866]

He was such an awesome writer! I recommend you start with Jurassic Park, the sequel novel The Lost World, Timeline, which is such a classic, Sphere is so interesting, Congo is very thrilling and scary. Amazing books, each one makes you really think too and have a blast doing it.

[@sapientia_et_virtus]

Indeed, start with Jurassic Park. I loved Sphere, as well. Just try to avoid watching the films beforehand.

[@austinwood7274]

@@GreatOldOne9866 two of my favorite ones are Andromeda Strain and Prey

[@justincase441]

I have read all of his books. Absolutely amazing!

[@justincase441]

@@GreatOldOne9866 micro was great as well. It was his last.

[@mck7646]

Crichton was an outside the box type of thinker and writer and I admire him for that. He offered up a different kind of viewpoint that really made you think.

[@keviness1067]

I saw his book “prey” on sale for five bucks at Books A Million a couple weeks ago and finally got around to opening it. I got about 20 pages left and I’m absolutely blown away. I can actually thank you for my picking it up. I remembered you saying that Dark Matter by Blake Crouch reminded you of Crichton’s style and I can totally see why. Definitely gonna pick up a copy of Jurassic Park and Andromeda Strain the next time I’m at the book store. I’m officially hooked.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Happy to hear it! Crichton was a master.

[@mfoo4246]

I was actually named after Marek from Timeline, though my parents changed the spelling because they thought it would be mispronounced. Funny enough, it’s now arguably my favorite book of all time

[@megandavis8098]

Jurassic Park still holds up! It’s so good! I’m also a huge fan of Timeline.

[@mileswakefield2298]

Just under a minute in and wanted to say Timeline is hands down my favorite. Read that enough times as a teen I had to get a second copy cause I was losing too many pages from wearing it out.

[@jarock-wh9lj]

Great list Mike. I love Crichton and grew up on his novels too.

[@TheHalby]

I remember enjoying 'Airframe' too. May have to reread it, especially since I work in aviation.

[@DanielGFreeman]

Right On! I have so much Michael Crichton on my TBR. So glad to see your top 10 and can't wait to dig in! I have been finding it terribly difficult to find good copies of many of his books, unfortunately. I would love to do a publication order read of them and am working on putting together a collection.

[@michaelgreen1055]

Per a recommendation from you on a previous video, I picked up Congo and Sphere. They're still a few books away on my TBR but I'm excited to get into them.

[@sixtofive]

I think getting into reading Crichton novels as a teen helped me develop a sense of patience to wait through a long and well developed introduction and setup knowing the payoff will be worth the effort in the end. A lot of his novels start slow, but by about midway through you can hardly put them down until you finish. I would also say they are like a clinic for aspiring writers on fantastic use of subtle foreshadowing.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Likewise.

[@mjk6335]

Loved the video. I had that exact same collection of Congo, sphere, and eaters of the dead. I loved all of them. Then I ripped through Jurassic Park and listened to Prey. Prey had me so riveted I would sit in the car after a drive because I couldn’t stop listening to the story. A reread would be awesome.

[@modernscholar02]

Dude the last year I have read jerassic Park, timeline, and am now reading Andromeda strain, I have fallen in love with his writing and would love to see a series on it by you.

[@ciarankelly6650]

I've only read Timeline [thought it was really good] but you have inspired me to read more Crichton!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Mission accomplished

[@guasiacosta5375]

Thanks to you, I discovered this man's other work besides Jurrasic Park and Iam loving his material so far.

[@sirbooksage]

Audible has Timeline and Sphere in their 3-for-2 sale right now so I remembered this video and came back to check to see if either were in your Top 10 Crichton. Both made it! So, I'm off to grab Timeline, Sphere, and John Gwynne's Malice. This is why videos like this from huge fans of an author are a really valuable resource for readers who have yet to really dive into an author's catalog. Thanks Mike!

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

Your videos are excellent. I have all of his books and he also wrote under the pen names: John Lange, Jeffery Hudson, & Michael Douglas. I read Jurassic Park in 2020 and loved it. Oh, and I read his book Travels. Wow! What a great non-fiction book.

[@jochemscheper2797]

Great shirt!

[@nevaidos]

Always in for more Michael Crichton content!

[@thomaswootress-reidt101]

I really appreciate how you tackled this video. Good job bro. Makes me want to read Michael Crichton.

[@danijelb.3384]

I read Sphere last week bc you talked about it in one of your videos. I really enjoyed it, especially that ending. Perfect ending imho.I put the the rest of your top 10 on my ridiculous long tbr. Timeline is next on my list.

[@amykibbey4210]

Oh man, now I want to read all those books again too. I was like you and read them as a teen in the 90s.

[@CharlieM99]

I'd love some MC content! I haven't read any of his books yet but I've got Jurassic Park on my shelf and want to get to it soon

[@puffymcfart7782]

I know you already have books to read, but I would recommend Shogun and the Sherlock Holmes story collection (can’t remember the authors). Great video btw

[@Michael-ee4uz]

James Clavel for Shogun. So good. I have my eyes peeled for his others at used book stores.

[@Patrick.__]

@@Michael-ee4uz King Rat is very good if you haven't read it.

[@peaceoutpeaches5227]

@@Michael-ee4uz King Rat is one of my all time favorite books. I read it as a teenager and it still sticks with me.

[@shawngillogly6873]

Shogun is definitely a fantastic read.

[@josie-thebubblybookreviewe8663]

Great video. I read The Andromeda Strain when I was younger too. I have read some others, but not Jurassic Park. I've only seen the movies and have been worried that the book would not keep my attention because of seeing the movies first. I did finally just get my hands on a second-hand copy and it's on my list to read this year and while I have been looking forward to it, you have made me want to read it even more. I for one would love you doing a Crichton series.

[@davisphillips993]

If Michael Crichton were still alive, he’d find a plethora of material for his books today. These past few years have been insane, from the pandemic to the political turmoil to the A.I. phenomenon. Just imagine what he could write about with that stuff.

[@sixtofive]

Sphere, in a large way due to the ending as you mentioned, is still one of my most influential novels I remember reading while a teenager. Really eye opening at that age. I read it again a few years ago and still really enjoyed it. It didn't come up in the list, but I'd definitely recommend trying to find the time for Dragon Teeth that was published posthumously a few years ago. It's fun and tied to some interesting real historical characters and events. Timeline is one I've never read, I'll have to look it up. I'd definitely be interested if you decide to start going through his novels on the channel.

[@tkinsey3]

Mike, I totally agree about Jurassic Park. It is an incredible read that I would suggest to absolutely anyone. The best part about it - like so many of Crichton's stories - is that it feels REAL! I haven't read it in ages; need to rectify that soon!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It has aged wonderfully

[@tamarabrouwer342]

I was waiting for this one. Many great concepts! Let's say that if you did something similar for Crichton, like you do now for King, I hereby sign up to read along. And since I've never read a single Crichton book, it'll be an interesting, but predictably, great ride for me.

[@KFoxtheGreat]

Man, Sphere is one of my favorite books period. I also read it in high school and I tried to get everyone to read it for years afterwards 😂

[@txmatt2112]

Big fan of Chrichton here. Good list Mike! Have not read State of Fear but will pick it up immediately.

[@alex93561]

Last night I finished Dragon Teeth, which ends my read and reread of all of his novels this year. I hadn’t read any of the pseudonymous early stuff, but really enjoyed going through everything in (almost) chronological order. My brother from another mother sent me this video this morning, and it’s the first I’ve ever seen of yours - strong work, and happy to subscribe! For truly awful movie adaptations of great books, though, it’s hard to beat almost every Dean Koontz movie ever made. Sheesh. Congo was definitely up there with the greatest Hollywood travesties, though, for sure!

[@ilovemyhomefries]

It wasn't great but at least it had Tim Curry!

[@whutzat]

This is PERFECT TIMING, as I have been on the cusp of diving into Michael Crichton! PLEASE tell us if you have read John Grisham, and what your opinions are. I have "The Client" and "The Firm" in my back list.

[@Jonpat]

My wife read Timeline for the first time last year and really enjoyed it. It made me look forward to a reread later this year.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I gotta do it again soon

[@asfaloth12]

This certainly brings back memories, especially from high school. I devoured his books, especially during the summers. I definitely agree with your #1 choice, but the whole list was great. Thanks for sharing this :)

[@justinb2824]

Thanks, I just bought the same omnibus as the one you have, Congo Sphere and Eaters of the Dead. Good to know they'll all be worth the time.

[@raireads]

As someone who hasn't read any Crichton, I'd love to see a video series about his books. I have been tempted to read Sphere, Jurassic Park and Andromeda Strain before but can never decide what to pick up first!

[@bmoneybby]

I didn't really care for Andromeda Strain. If think it was his first book if I recall.

[@joseph_b319]

Please do so!!! If you like the movie Jurassic Park, the book will blow your mind.

[@mileswakefield2298]

@@bmoneybby It was the first under his own name. He had written several under a pen name before it though :)

[@YourBrainonBooks]

I remember being on a road trip with my dad and he popped in the cassettes for Prey. I loved it. The Chrichton nostalgia is certainly a thing lol

[@mikesbookreviews]

💯

[@elizabaum]

You're reminding me that I really need to get back to Crichton. I've read quite a few, but definitely not all. The Andromeda Strain was my first, too. I got to read it for high school required reading (picked from a list of options). Timeline is my favorite (that isn't Jurassic Park - no shade for that, because it's definitely #1, practically its own category), because I love that it's got both the modern and historical settings, and I'm a sucker for a fish-out-of-water type story. I'm overdue for a reread of it. I'd love to see you talk about them all more.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah I really need to revisit some of them.

[@anthonydimarco766]

I’d love for you to do some Crichton book review videos. I’ve read most of his stuff, but it was also in my late teens and early 20s and Sphere would probably be my favorite.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It’ll most likely happen.

[@patsmythos]

The Great Train Robbery was my first Crichton book and I really loved it. It’s a great, quick read and pretty awesome historical fiction as well.

[@jamesmhango2619]

The Great Train Robbery did happen on 1855. How fictitious is that novel?

[@daveedmunds1109]

Great to get your opinion on State of Fear... definitely going to read that one!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I get the criticisms of it under today’s microscope but there’s so much in that book other than just his opinions on climate change. Makes it easy to see who actually read it and who is just going off of what they heard.

[@daveedmunds1109]

@@mikesbookreviews you get that so much these days. People having an opinion without taking the time to read it. Needs to stop lol

[@fangs1972]

Thanks for doing this video! I added several of the books to my wish list.

[@alexanderrobles8712]

I need to check these books out. Only book I read was Dragon Teeth. I loved it.

[@jonathanfatigate]

Great video. Thanks so much. I’m gonna give Timeline a read as my next one.

[@danecobain]

I recently read Jurassic Park as my first Crichton, but I'm planning on getting to some more!

[@KurodaKyousuke]

Great video! I got really heavy into Crichton last year and read most of his books. (Hoping to finish them all this year!) Some top shelf stuff on this, and I'll definitely have to check out Disclosure and Rising Sun soon!

[@MilesWilliams88]

I picked up Timeline for $1 at Goodwill a while back. I've heard great things about it for years. I'll definitely give it a read one of these days.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Well worth that money.

[@MarkyB7]

Great video again Mike I've only read 2 Crichton books so far and now I'm hyped to read some more

[@MisterReltec]

Timeline is such a good book. I remember when they were looking around for the guard towers before they went back in time and I could “see” everything he was writing. It was so damn good. One of my favorites.

[@FIT2BREAD]

Great video. I have State of Fear on the shelf. I had it in a book haul and then was warned off it...but I really can't remember why or what they said, but it fell off my TBR... my 2 favorites from MC are the obvious ones, Jurassic and Andromeda. Great video

[@Buchertn]

I'm definitely interested in reading some of his works!

[@teksnotdead902]

I’m halfway thru rereading Sphere for the first time in 25 years. It basically feels like a new experience and I’m loving it.

[@ev3261]

Great list! I didn't read that many of his books, but I might just pick a few up now - you should definitely do a reread! :-) I read Sphere 25 years a go, it blew my teenage mind, and I still haven't found any other book that made me sit on the edge of my seat like that!

[@highburyful]

Great video once again, wonderful writer and had an interesting life also. My top 3 are: 1- Sphere, loved the ending and drawn out tension. 2- Congo, would love to see a more adult themed version. 3- Red Sun, hugely entertaining novel. An honourable mention to his novel Airframe, found this books analysis and information regarding an aircraft investigation riveting and lapped it up. Have u read it Mike? Thoughts? Brilliant output lately

[@flowaroundtherock]

Sphere sounds pretty interesting. Just added it to my TBR!

[@zachw755]

Haven't watched the video yet, and I haven't read a gigantic amount of Crichton (maybe 5 to 7?), but my personal favorite of the bunch so far is absolutely Sphere. Excited to see if you put it on this list.

[@BeardZerkker]

I just read Timeline for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and I think it holds up really well. It was an exciting page-turner for me and I couldn't put it down. Finished it in less than two days. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on it for a re-read. Thanks to your video, my never-ending TBR just got longer by 5 books or so! I appreciate what you do and always look forward to your videos.

[@sarahlivingstone8367]

Having read Timeline years and years ago bought that and Congo whilst shopping on holiday recently. I've since re-read Timeline and still think it's a fantastic story and it would make a cracking film - so long as they stuck to the story. Will be reading Congo soon.

[@MikoMoJo]

Fell in love with MC’s books in high school in the late 80s. Same with SK. Both are phenomenal and I still love their works.

[@alexandruteodor3585]

I have read The Andromeda Strain and I loved it :D. I would like more of your videos about his work.

[@alexkonoff2273]

Whenever you talk about Crichton I want to drop what I’m reading and pick up one of his books.

[@bhubb198]

Sphere was the first MC book i read. Sticks with me to this day. Was my first SciFi novel. Read it in my early teens after Jurassic Park came out in theaters. Then followed up with Eaters, Andromeda Strain, Congo, Timeline, and at some point down the road Prey. Never read Jurassic Park, since i saw the movie a million times. I will put JP on my to be read list.

[@laurenm2111]

I've only read Jurassic Park and Congo - but that was sooo long ago that I think I'm due a reread too! I loved the JP movies, also the Timeline movie. I don't realise that Rising Sun movie with Sean Connery and Wesley Snipe was originally a Crichton book! I recently found Pirate Latitiudes and Micro at my local second hand bookshop - any thoughts on them?

[@aden.e]

woah just today i decided i wanted to finally read one of his books from my shelves and didn’t know what was best and where to start and then this was posted

[@tripi7906]

Jurassic park, families story and not tooooo long

[@hucklebuck411]

I'm older than you but have the same nostalgic feelings about reading Michael Crichton. I also read Andromeda Strain as my first introduction to Crichton. I can remember as a teenager reading that book back in the late 60s at the same time as the original Planet of the Apes movie was playing in the theaters (The French author behind that story, Pierre Boulle, also wrote The Bridge Over the River Kwai). It was a paperback that I picked up at a local bookstore when such small businesses still existed in every city or small town (Aah, the wonderful store smell of all that reading material). Like you I have always been a Science Fiction fan and that book stays in my memory. I've read all the books on your list but couldn't get through State of Fear. I will probably revisit it at some time, since I was in a period when I had dropped off reading anything when I attempted to rekindle my interest in reading. Michael Crichton was one of the greats.

[@elizaearhart4533]

I’ve got a few Michael Crichton books I picked up used and so far I’ve been liking them for the most part. Dragon Teeth was my favorite so far, but I’m a history and geology nerd so that’s to be expected. Pirate Latitudes was meh, I didn’t get past the first act but I’d be willing to give it another chance. I found a nice hardback copy of Jurassic Park so that’s next, but I’ll be picking up State of Fear next week and I’m very excited for it. I’m hoping to get into climate research after graduation so it’ll be fun to read I’m sure! Great video once again!

[@elizaearhart4533]

Also if you did that Michael Crichton ITMV type thing I would totally follow along

[@turtleanton6539]

Nice list man. I wanna get into more of his books✌✌

[@johnjokela7513]

Thanks for the list. I will check out Sphere and Eaters of the Dead. I had the exact same experience with reading Jurassic Park when the movie came out, then realizing it was not my first Crichton book because I had read The Andromeda Strain when I was 14 or so.

[@jojoh6436]

Michael Crichton is easily in my top 3 favorite authors. I would love to watch you go way more in depth with his books

[@Tannerlund45]

Awesome video!! Definitely my favorite author and look forward to more content about him!!

[@michaelfeeney6108]

Michael Myers from Halloween was styled after Yul Brynner in Westworld, so thanks for my favorite horror movie, Mr. Crichton!

[@Emet.V]

11:08 sphere is a good one

[@HiddenOne1221]

Just finished it the other day. Actually was very very good. I loved how the novel begins right away with Norman flying into the site. No time wasted with the story.

[@marathonrunner89]

I've never read any Michael Crichton but we seem to have a similar taste in books so I will definitely check him out. Already got Jurassic Park and Lost World on my kindle from my wife. Thanks for giving me another author to check out.

[@derrekingledue3138]

Timeline has been a book i've read numerous times. I've read it once, listened to the audiobook numerous times. It definitely holds up. I'd go for that reread, if you haven't since this video

[@legendaryfatcat]

I also put Timeline pretty high up there. It was a blast.

[@chickenman7252]

I bought my dad The Great Train Robbery for Christmas per your recommendation and he liked it! I'm going to read it soon!

[@PnutButtaJllyMan]

Jurassic Park and the dragons teeth are my favorites. I would love it if you went through and reviewed his books. I've read a handful and would be curious to hear your thoughts.

[@Freakgirl1985]

I am glad I found The Andromeda Strain in there :D I was hoping for it, because I got it for Christmas and it will be my first Crichton book :D

[@rosarioaltomare2324]

Grazie Mike! Ottimo video..

[@bmoneybby]

Crichton was my favorite author growing up.

[@FeebleBricks]

I have to admit I admire Jurassic park book even a year after I read it however I feel whilst I read the lost world that it wasn't so much a better book I mean I prefer JP OG book but it was more unexpected cauce most of it hasn't been adapted into one movie just aspects.👍🏻

[@drewro541]

Mike, I would love to see you cover Michael Crichton books. You'd be a great person to review them.

[@evanb6862]

Like you, I spent much of late middle school/high school reading all of Chrichton's works. I'm surprised you didn't discuss the connection between Eaters of the Dead and Beowulf. I need to do some re-read to see if these hold up. I think my top 3 would be Sphere, Jurassic Park, and Congo. I also recall being incredibly upset with the Congo movie.

[@Emet.V]

8:21 Timeline is one of my favorites of his.

[@mandietyree5394]

I was with you until Sphere. I am in the group that was incredibly disappointed by the ending. One you didn’t mention was Prey. I remember that one freaking me out a little. You are right. I definitely want to revisit these though. It has been years since I read any of them. Great video! Thanks!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Prey was a very tough cut.

[@AutomailUser]

I've read some Michael Crichton before and own most of his works. Maybe I'll pick up Eaters of the Dead or Timeline after the series I'm currently on. Need a standalone between trilogies. Afterwards is most likely going to be Suneater.

[@bananahpolkadot]

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts and opinions on Crichton’s Eruption (James Patterson collab)!! I’m subscribing and turning on notifications in hopes for a video on that book in the future!

[@AmeiWasHere]

I read State of Fear back in high school and I actually really liked it. Confusing for me for the most part but in time I slowly understood what was going on and yeah, pretty interesting for sure!

[@huntersteed2880]

Yes! Please do a multiverse series for Crichton! One of my all time favorite authors. Jurassic Park is one of my favorite books ever.

[@MKTraxel]

Yes please to a Crichton "multiverse", especially with a schedule. I'd love to read along because he was also key reading in my High School years too!

[@jdsantibanez]

I have read almost all his books. But not the postumus ones. Are they good? I loved his books. Even Airframe, which wasn't that great. As a director, his movies were interesting but lacked something. Coma was ok.

[@rosierumsey]

Ive been keeping an eye out for chriton at the used book store because of your videos. But they only ever have Next and Prey and i dont think that's where I want to start. 🤔

[@tommoore6356]

Prey is a good read, almost like Jurassic park but with nano sized machines instead of dinosaurs.