I first picked up this book in a second-hand store for twenty-five cents at nine years old. I went on to read this book twice a week, every week until I was sixteen, by which time both the back and front covers had fallen off my old paperback copy, and I most likely could have recited it to you chapter by chapter, word by word.

I picked it up again for the first time in what feels like a long time, and it is everything that I remember it being and more. Crichton writes an array of characters, some lovable, some relatable, some downright deplorable, through impossible situations. He brings to life the creatures that I was obsessed with as a child and, thanks somewhat to his influence, continue to love into adulthood. While the science is often sketchy and what we know about dinosaurs has advanced so much in the thirty years since publication, there are explanations sprinkled throughout to explain away many discrepancies.

I still see myself in Tim, Alan, and Ellie. Opening this book feels like visiting old friends. Jurassic Park helped mold me into the person I am, into the reader I am, and I will forever be grateful to Michael Crichton.

This book was a book club pick that turned into an obsession quickly. After reading this book I went down a rabbit hole of Michael Crichton books. Reading. This book will also make you want to rewatch all the Jurassic park movies to see what you missed. Every page is so well written and you'll leave this book feeling like the possibility of dinosaurs is real and a scary thought.

I obviously waited quite some time to read the book, but I’m glad I finally did. It offered a lot of detail not included in the film adaptation, filling in plot holes and providing deeper character development. It tells the story in ways the movie could not. It was a fun and engaging read. Definitely would recommend if you liked the movie or found the idea behind it interesting.

If you've never read the book, but liked the movies, or just simply Ike dinosaurs then this is an absolute must read. Its a little but more science fiction/horror than the movies and its quite different than the first movie in many ways that I won't spoil here. Do yourself a favor and read this masterpiece.