Rating: 
Summary: Pandering to the Movie Makers
Review: I have liked some of Mr. Crichton's books. When he writes a book, he is very good. When he writes a screenplay, he is not. Some of his books are obviously written so that they can be turned into movies. This is one of them, which is why the plot is predictable, the characters stereotyped, and the action so unending. Don't get me wrong, I like action, but it seemed that it was being added just to keep the book going, and to satisfy possible movie makers and not because it was needed in the story. OK...parts of this were good, like when he described the way people and things were in the Middle Ages. However, that wonder went away when the book descended into a screenplay. Get this book from a library if you must, but spend your money elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: Among The Best!
Review: I found this novel very interesting. In interesting, I mean I couldn't wait to get back to it when I had to close its pages to do something else. Time travel was given a fictional explanation which, as far as I'm concerned, is as lucid as any fictional theory can be. I've had college level physics and chemistry and I went for all except the pits in the glass filter walls. But then again the method used to repair these tanks might have worked, but I doubt it, as being on the outer surface, the pits would be in tension, where on the inner surface the pits would be in compression-the tension is the most critical. Meaning, when filled with water, the force from the water's weight would be greatest on the surface. I don't think the method of repair would have stopped this. No biggy, just thought I'd say a word or two. I got a vivid "view" of all the characters, the settings. Though this writer's style in no way is like Hemmingway, he does rate with Hemmingway in that he told a clear story with simple writing-no prissy, "tiptoeing through the tulips" writing. His research into medieval times had to have been extensive as even the tiniest detail seems to be as it should. What I hated most about this novel was when I came to the end and knew I'd rarely experience such strong entertainment again.
Rating: 
Summary: Not great literature -- a great vacation book
Review: Loved the premise! But, about a hundred pages from the ending, I'd had enough swashbuckling and just wanted to see how it all ended. Predictable ending. Characters you've met before elsewhere. And regarding the quantum theory for making this type of travel possible: Just accept the silliness and enjoy the show. Someone here described this book as a blockbuster film on paper, which is exactly correct. Frustrations encountered during this read: Why is the Professor's plea for help -- written in an alternate universe -- found by the students in our own universe? Why is nobody at the ITC lab bothered by the fact that these machines essentially destroy everyone who uses them? Individuals are killed and replaced by alternative versions from other universes, who get to swashbuckle their way through some other universe's version of 14th century France. Gee, sign me up! Why did we get to meet such interesting characters in Arizona, never to encounter them again? And why is poor old Dr. Traub found wandering in the desert in a monk's robe, when he supposedly can only be returned to the laboratory from whence he came? If you can shrug off these puzzling things with the same sense that enables you to sit through Terminator III, then this is the book for you! Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: He's done it again!
Review: What can i say, Michael Crichton is a genius when it comes to writing. This book had me from the first couple of pages and i found it very differcult to put it down. When i heard there was a film i couldn't wait to see it. Unfortunely the film is very loosely based on the book, and if you haven't watched it yet, DON'T. Read the book.
Rating: 
Summary: Second time through was the best
Review: Read it in the summer of 2003 while on vacation, saw the movie in Dec, 2003 then read the book again after the movie. It's a fun read, entertaining and exciting. The movie was poor to average. Forget the movie and read the book a couple of times. It's sad how the screenwriters and directors fell down on the movie version of the fine scifi book!
Rating:
Summary: His Best since Jurassic Park
Review: This book is outstanding. It has a wonderful plot, interesting characters, and great narration. And of course it lies just on the edge of believability, and makes you wonder... what if? I was sad when I finished the book, as I had to leave this world and its characters. I would reccomend this book to anyone looking for an entertaining read.
Rating:
Summary: Timeline: Classic Novel or Trashy Paperback?
Review: Michael Crichton, writes his novels like he writes his action-adventure horror movies. Brilliant Crichton graduated from Harvard University (summa cum laude) and Harvard Medical School. Reading his book, Timeline, is watching a medieval, knights-in-armor-style movie on a 50 ft screen with Dolby® Surround Sound 5.1 bellowing in your two ears. It is a wild, blood and guts mystery unraveling before your eyes. Unfortunately, that is all it is: another action movie. Timeline fails to arouse the intellectual and emotional stimulation like an intricate Robert Frost poem does. It seems to lack much of the merit and quality that great literature maintains.
The story begins mysteriously. A delirious man is found, miles from any city, in a blazingly hot Arizona desert. His body is not hot but cool. Upon being brought to a hospital, a CAT scan shows that his blood vessels are misaligned. "Within 24 hours he is dead, his body
Yes, this is all very gripping and suspenseful, keeping the reader reading. However, in this preface, quite a few characters are introduced, and quite annoyingly are forgotten in a few pages. As soon as the reader learns the characters' personality, they are gone. For example: the couple, that finds the man, has a pointless dialogue about rugs, "...she sniffed, '[it] is not authentic.' 'Of course it's authentic, honey. A rug is a rug.' ..." (3). The policeman and the female ER doctor are described to have a semi-romantic relationship. "Are you free for dinner, or are you seeing your granny?" (21). Frustratingly, these characters, among others, are established and then obliterated from the plot. The reader, paying close attention to each seemingly important personality, is left disappointed.
The main characters include: Andre, Chris, and Kate. Andre is the body-building, strong, and virile fighter. Chris, a wimpy academic, has a troubled background and problems with women. Kate is a confident, agile, and physically-fit woman. Towards the end of the book, after going back in time and surviving several conflicts, Chris supposedly evolves into this mature and heroic figure. Of course, Kate now sees him in a new light and they get married. It appears that the author tries very hard to show the evolution of a young man, but does not do such a great job.
An amusingly moronic event occurs in the story (as well as every other action book and movie). Andre, after a fierce battle, is plugged with an arrow. Kate and Chris flee the blood-stricken scene. After, they realize that their friend is "dead". Sure enough, a little later they joyfully reunite with Andre. This is meant to be a very touching experience. However, it is a bit bothersome how Crichton struggles to pull on the reader's emotion.
Throughout the book there are scientific explanations about time travel and such. "...That single-photon interference proves...must be in our universe...beams of light simultaneously..." (130) Some regard these details highly, saying that it gives the book credibility and shows that the author did research on the topic. Others are repulsed by the tedious mumble-jumble.
Timeline is a typical action book. Swords slashing, bow and arrow shooting, castle sieges, are all scenes in Timeline. This book grips readers like glue. Naturally, it is easy to stay up late to see what happens next. Like a thrilling combat movie, it is intriguing; as a timeless novel, however, it is unappealing. People, who like action mystery books, who are Crichton fans and have read his other best-selling books such as Jurassic Park, Sphere, Congo, or The Great Train Robbery, or anybody in the mood for an excellent trashy novel, would greatly enjoy Timeline. Scholarly individuals looking for a high quality masterpiece should stick to Dickens.
Rating:
Summary: dont judge this book by the movie
Review: This is another excellant book by Michael Crichton. If you saw the movie and you were going to read the book, but then decided not to because the movie was so bad. Don't make that stop you. This book is different from the movie in a good way. It will keep you on your toes waiting for the next page and its hard to put down. Michael's inticing writing will keep you reading for hours on end, nhe writes the words so articulaly that it is amazing.
summary (without giving away the ending): Two people find this man out in the middle of the desert who they thought they ran over. They take him to the hospital withen 24 hours he is dead because of what the doctors think was cardiac arrest. While in France the team that works for ITC (the comp. that the dead man worked for) is digging up a site when they make an incredible discovery that will alter their lives... rating out of ten:10 1/2
Rating:
Summary: A MUST!
Review: I loved this book, sometimes it brings me to believe that it's possible to exist a time machine and I can travel around the time endless. Have you ever thought about this? Back to the past and see important moments of our civilization! This is something that really excite me.
Rating:
Summary: Highly entertaining.
Review: Michael Crichton's "Timeline" is a most entertaining mix of adventure, believable science fact and fiction, time travel and historical fiction. Suspend your disbelief and you are transported to the 14th century in Medieval France (the Hundred Year War)---the era is beautifully brought to life amidst the knights, damsels and castles. A most unlikable billionaire high-tech genius entrepreneur wants to make the past his theme park. Using believable science, Mr. Crichton convinces you that time travel is possible. That time travel is how the billionaire will create his parks. Something goes awry and three historians must be sent back to rescue a colleague---with a 37 hour ticking clock. Many surprises and twists keep you guessing and wondering about the outcome. Memorable characters, sparkling dialogue laced with wry humor and clever subplots weave an imaginative story line. I found it just as fascinating and engaging on this second read as when it came out four years ago. A most refreshing tale well told.
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