Rating: 
Summary: I enjoyed it!
Review: I don't know why a lot of people gave this a bad review. It is my first Crichton novel, so I can't compare it to any of his other work. But I did see the movie and really liked it, so I picked the book up. The book is a lot more complete than the book. If you liked the movie, you will enjoy the book. I know I did.
Rating: 
Summary: Seen the movie? Hated it? Here's why
Review: I actually wondered whether this was the same writer who gave us the fantastic Sphere and Jurassic Park. Congo is really something better left to airport bookstores. The basic story is that a group of scientists complete with an intelligent ape which can sign, travels to the Congo to investigate odd goings-on. At least, that's what we're lead to believe. Instead, the plot meanders around, often going into completely irrelevent sections on computer programming and terrorist activity which has nothing whatsoever to do with the story. The gorilla, Amy, is actually quite annoying rather than cute and the whole idea is a bit unlikely. Finally we meet the nemesis of the Congo - and then everything falls flat. It's not particularly scary and to be honest, it's difficult to care about the characters. The movie didn't do much for this book, granted, but to be honest, it couldn't have made it worse.
Rating: 
Summary: It was alright, I guess
Review: This book i was not impressed with. I love Michael Crichton's work but i got to say this one stunk. It talked to much about stuff that no one cares about. And the movie is worest! If u are going to buy this I warn u be aware It is not a pretty site.
Rating:
Summary: Lacks the element Chrichton Provides
Review: I read the book some time ago, but I remember not being too impressed with this one. Chrichton's books usually have some sort of science development that make the story interesting, and, what was it computers and communications in this one? It just didn't seem to fit the action (killer apes and volcanoes, etc.) In Jurassic Park, it works (people running from monsters they are resbonsible for) and Sphere (people running from monsters of the imagination) but here I just don't see the connection.
Rating: 
Summary: Congo the Experience
Review: The book was awesome the text floods your mind. The mental visualization helps you get a really good perspective of the book
Rating:
Summary: INDIANA JONES ALA CRICHTON
Review: An intelligent ape helps lead a team on an Indiana Jones type archealogical jungle adventure -- to a lost city of diamonds. As always, the worlds most intelligent author keeps you on your toes, entertains you, educates you and entrances you with his words! The movie was a big let down from the book! Trust me!
Rating:
Summary: Better than the Movie
Review: This book is infinitely better than the movie, although that is no spectacular feat. It is a good, quick read - much like all other Crichton books. If you like them, you'll like this one.
Rating:
Summary: About the first
Review: The first review of this book asks why they didn't find the jewels. I don't know if they're aware that this book is based on a true story. The book wasn't my cup if tea, but it was still classical Crichton. Try Sphere, it's better.
Rating:
Summary: dislike the book very mouch.
Review: 'Thrilling, Fascinating, Dazzling'. These are three words that the book does not even come close to. This book will put you to sleep. With a middle section all research and getting ready for a trip, the book was more effective than Valium. I like the movie better than the novel. Needs a lot more action in the movie than the book. If you watch the movie and then read you would expect a lot more from it. To sum it up I hated this book. Was no action in the story. For example, if this had been a real life situation the gorillas would have attacked the archeologists and scientists. They would have danger at every corner. A lion would,come at them or some other terrifying beast. I would also expect them battling tribes. They did not even accomplish getting the jewels, which is what they set out to do in the first place. I thought that scientists would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. For example, when they had the jewels in their possession, the volcanic eruption frightened them so much that they fled from the area, without taking the jewels with them. The whole book, they did nothing, but argue with each other. The only good part of the book is when they get on a boat and the water gets rough giving the crew a wild ride for their lives. I couldn't understand why they did not get the jewels. Maybe because they weren't well organized or its because maybe they weren't prepared the possibility of not finding the jewels. Most of the time the people in the book fought over the jewels but ended up not taking them when they finally left the Congo. If they were well prepared for what lie ahead for them, I think they would have met more problems head on and would have made their journey a lot more successful. I imagined the gorillas playing a much bigger part than what they did. I expected a lot more with the gorillas that they would try to kill the other characters and for the characters to try to escape life and death situations. That would make the book a lot more exciting and enjoyable to read. The gorilla Amy who was supposed to be so smart with all her signs was the most pathetic character I have ever read about. The whole time she was worried about Peter not liking her and how she was "good gorilla". When she came back at the end, however, with her baby, she ran from him like a complete stranger. The man who had raised her and taught her the human language was treated as if she had never seen him before in her life. I know that any #1 best selling author could perform much higher than this lame novel. From the name Congo and all the quotes on the front cover I was expecting a gut-wrenching thriller. Somebody wrote that Crichton was the Doctor of suspense, but all he could do is cure insomnia. This book did not reach my literary expectations because if the lack of detail when the gorillas killed the tribes of people. I expected a lot more on-the-edge-of-your-seat action, however, that was not what happened. Instead the book did the exact opposite which was put me too sleep. If I ever had to read this book again, I would need two copies, one for me and one for the guy holding the gun to my head. Stafford High School Student, Grade 12
Rating:
Summary: A suspenseful novel that has you heart stop pounding whil
Review: Congo by Michael Crichton is gripping story that merges three parts into a whole. The action commences with an expedition of eight dies enigmatically from barbarous beatings, which was recorded on video. Karen Ross in the Houston-based Earth Resources Technology Inc. watches how the deaths occur, and she notices a dark hazy moving figure. Mean while Peter Elliot cognizance his sign language speaking ape Amy has been drawing maps of the Lost City of Zinj, which is where this whole incident happened. As the story develops these Karen and Peter join forces to find the gruesome creature that massacred the expedition. This suspenseful novel that has you heart stop pounding while you turn the page. Crichton creates a fresh tale to weave his mystical words, creating what I believe to be one of his best books. My favorite part of the book is when Peter realizes that Amy has been troubled by the deaths of the expedition, so she begins to draw pictures that lead to the closure of the expedition's death. The bond by which Crichton starts out with three stories and weaves them into one is so strong in this book you could not scratch with a diamond. However I did not like the manner in which Crichton portrayed Karen Ross. Karen Ross is a very smart scientist who was admitted in to M.I.T at the age of thirteen. She is very compassionate, but seems too perfect and almost fake at times. Fortunately, her character does not detract from the story's electrifying plot. I would recommend this book for anyone who is not afraid of suspense and a remarkable use of words. However to receive the full potential of Michael Crichton's Congo, I would read it before I go to sleep.
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