Rating: Summary: One of the better Crichton books Review: I honestly couldn't stop reading "Disclosure" once I started it -- I always wanted to know what would happen next; and unlike "Timeline" (which I also couldn't stop reading), it didn't read like a movie script. In "Disclosure", we get Crichton's usual background information regarding topics the reader may not be familiar with: in this case, sexual harrassment claims against women. With this book being written in 1993, we are also introduced to the concept and history of "e-mail" and "virtual reality". Although in this case I think Crichton's attempt to include new technology in the plot (as he often does in his works) seemed a little tacked-on rather than essential and fully integrated, it certainly doesn't get in the way. While reading "Disclosure", I kept finding myself pulling for Tom Sanders -- the main character -- as along the way he kept running into yet another snag. Because Sanders did not have a cookie-cutter, stereotypical sexual harrassment case, he had to fight even harder, as though he were guilty until proven innocent. I think it's that feeling of helplessness that made me keep wanting to know what would happen next -- and made it all that much more real to me. Perhaps that's because, as Crichton notes in the Afterword, this is based on a true story.
Rating: Summary: One of Crichton's best Review: Disclosure is definitely one of the best Crichton novels I've read. Granted, the only other books of his I've read are Timeline and The Great Train Robbery. Unlike many authors I've followed, Crichton differs the characters, and makes them all the more believable. In a John Grisham novel, for example, every character is so similar, you read it as if everyone is talking in monotone. In Disclosure, you have your boyscouts, your sophists, your feminists, your nerds, your womanizers and flirts. It's very delicious and real. Another thing I love about Crichton's books is he does research. He knows what he's talking about. Disclosure touches on all forms of equality, all sorts of sensitive issues, that can only be passed as sexist by the blind and the dense. You'll find yourself nodding your head when Sanders describes all the things he has to careful about to avoid being marked as a sexist/pedophile (consoling a crying child on the streets, staying alone in a room with a strange child, etc), that women can do without hesitation. The unwritten rules of the males. There are many twists and turns in the story, and things aren't as predictable as they seem. It took me about 50 pages get into the story (all the technical terms took some getting used to), but once things started getting hot, I couldn't put the book down. I kept flipping forward a few pages to determine the length of the chapter, then glancing at the clock, then deciding that I'd read one more chapter, only to read a few more chapters after that. Many of the chapters in Disclosure are fairly short, which makes for much easier reading. If you are not easily offended, you WILL get hooked to the story, I guarantee it. There's also some cool science fiction stuff that I won't reveal. But that's expected, I mean, we are talking about a Michael Crichton novel. 5/5 stars
Rating: Summary: Characterization Very True-to-Life Review: This novel was very true-to-life, similar in many ways to my own experiences in the corporate world. I bought this book just on the author's name, as I enjoyed so many of his other books. I didn't even bother to look and see what it was about before buying it (I was in a hurry). The subject matter surprised me. It really makes you stop and think. The main character seems so believeable, as do all the other characters--except Meredith, who is so far over the top! Yet, I HAVE known women like that in the corporate world. I was in the brokerage business for many years, and found all the characters very realistic. Anyway, to my surprise, at the end of the book, I found this novel was closely based on a true story, and the end tells what happened subsequently to each character. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about business intrigue. I read the whole thing in two days. It was hard to put down.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Reflection for the Corporate World Review: This was my first Michael Crichton novel and I intend to read more. It is very well written and is reflective of just what can go on "out there" in the corporate work arena. The story is lively and it kept me interested through the last word. The characters are very good examples of how vibration and reflection works. What happens throughout the book is due to individual thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and subsequent actions about unique situations at any given point in time. I recommend it highly to all my clients...
Rating: Summary: Only for those who are not close minded.... Review: The reason so many people hate this book is they think that women never have and never will sexually harass a man. Even so, I think the book does a great job educating us about sexual harassment. It shows women the constant fear men have of being accused, because even if they win the case their reputation is ruined. It shows the horror women have of sexually harassment, and mostly of all it shows sterotypes. If you are opposed to the possiblity of a female superior sexually harassing an underlinging, you are too close minded to read the book... It might be noted that I've read (almost) all of Crichten's books. It's the only one I managed to read in 2 days. Couldn't put it down. (Jurassic took me 4 days, Airframe 3 days). It is a page turner, if you aren't prejudice agaisnt sexually harassed men anyway... Nobody believes Sanders because he's a guy, and that is horrible stereotyping. It shows how sexual harassment is a touch area in corperate politics. It gives plenty of insight into the way corperations work. The characters are great, full of personality, you can actually picture these people. Also it gives a fun glimse into technology of the 80's. I don't want to spoil any of it, but as I said, if you can handle a book about a man being harassed without spiting at the concept, its a great read. The novel definitely wasn't sexist cause it showed both sides, and such. The book for open minded people. Even if the character of Meredith is a little to she-devil, hey, aren't male bosses who harass females he-devils? No? My mistake.
Rating: Summary: Crichton's Best Review: Having read every one of Michael Crichton's books except for Jurassic Park and The Lost World (I know, it's hard to believe right) I am comfortable in saying that Disclosure is, without a doubt, his best book. Written fearlessly and emphatically, Disclosure tells the story of Tom Sanders, and the sexual harassment threat at the work place he is charged with against his new boss, and former lover, Meredtih Johnson. The book is simply written splendidly, creating a good cast of characters to tackle the superb plot that Crichton creates. We sit back and watch the novel unfold, and around every corner there is something we don't expect, and we like the novel even more because of this. As the novel moves along at its quick, yet steady pace, we watch all the things that Tom encounters, and are smiling at the way that Crichton uses Tom as his stepping stone, crossing this line here, encountering something incredibly different there. The novel is simply splendid in every way, and I wished that it had actually been longer, so that we could have learned more about Tom, the plot, and everything that happens because of the encounter in the office...
Rating: Summary: Never Bored Me Review: It's books like these that make me wish more authors were like Michael Crichton. The combination of an ingenious storyline and topic of that most people can relate to make it a for sure winner. The fact that this book uncovers sexual harrassment from the male point of view just made me enjoy it that much more. A guys tends to go through life only hearing about how all problems are caused by them, and it gets at your self esteem (even if it is mostly a correct statement).
Rating: Summary: All too credible I'm afraid Review: This is one of the best novels by Michael Crichton that I have read. The most delicate themes of "sexual harassment" and "mobbing" simply invite authors to write about them. And I have read a lot of trash and cheap voyeurism concerning these subjects. Not here. Like in "Rising Sun" the research for this novel was outstanding and this resulted in an excellent plot with a logical, inevitable line of events and a breathtaking speed. The characters and, I am afraid, the plot are all too credible and they reflect reality more than a lot of people would like to admit. It is not disturbing then that the final twist of action has somewhat of the deus ex machina technique, because the ending is not what is really interesting. The most interesting thing is that events like this can happen (actually happen) and that they are in a way even legal. Crichton writes about the effects of laws that are fine with us in theory and well meant by the legislator. But once they are exposed to reality human nature corrupts them and brings about more injustice, they even awake the beast in man (and women, too!!). When you begin to read this novel make sure you have enough time to read it in one go!
Rating: Summary: Excellent story...... Review: The movie did not do this book justice. The book had so many things going on. It was amazing. I would rate this one of Crichton's better novels so far.
Rating: Summary: At last... Review: ..a book about a sexually harrassed man! I wonder how many men have actually been sexually harrassed out in the business world but have been too embarrassed to step forward for fear of ridicule from their fellow employee's? Michael Crichton handled this situation wonderfully showing how one man's world is knocked upside down because of such a happening. My simple review for this book is, whether you're a man or woman who's had a similar problem, read this book!!! It's exceptionally written.
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