State of Fear Response #1

The first part of this book was great. Things were a little hectic and hard to follow at first, but as soon as the plot was developed and established, Crichton provided a story that lives up to his reputation. It is hard to predict what will happen next when I have already read the second section. However, there was an aspect in the first half of the book that bugged me, and I would like to discuss it.

First, I feel that Peter is, for lack of a better word, a sissy. I know that there must be a better word to describe him, but its the first thing popping into my head. Yes, I do understand that he has been put in some very scary situations. The fact that he was wedged between two glaciers, and then surrounded by lightening can not be ignored. Still, Sarah was keeping her head and looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. I felt that Peter was acting like a toddler whining for kool-aid instead of milk at supper time. Peter acts bold and wants respect from Kenner, however, he is completely out of control and a head case in moments of adversity.

Although this aspect may have little to do with the plot of the book, I thought it was interesting to discuss the fact that the main character who is notably a hero or influence in the book is actually the one stepping back from the "moments of truth" in the book.

Pick up your game Peter...