Typical Crichton
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Almost brilliant. The only thing that spoiled it slightly was the fact that the story kind of dragged towards the end. But this is something to be expected with Crichton. He is more interested in expressing his opinions rather than keeping the story exciting. But this is why i like him. I can always read his books and gain some knowledge of the world i didnt know before. Another thing i like about him is that he seems to dislike scientists almost as much as i do.
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An excellent book
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Even though this book is over ten years old it is absolutely amazing and still very relevant. It basically serves as a medium by which the author describes and explains how Japanese companies are beter than American / Western ones. The author describes how Japanese culture results in greater efficiency and a impressive work ethic which and how this has made Japan the modern economic super power it is today. After living in Japan for six months myself I find it hard to disagree with the author. Yes, this book is controversial, or was more so at the time of original publication but thats because it tells the truth and is heavily based in fact. The bottom line? Westerners are stupid and lazy and this lets the Japanese walk all over them in business.
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Potentially good detective story ruined by sermonising
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Crichton sets up an intriguing murder nystery for our detectives to solve, and spices it by intimating that the clash between US and Japanese cultures would make this a difficult and unusual ride. I started off hooked, but after 250 pages -- about 2/3rds through -- I put the book down in disgust and never picked it up again. Crichton throws away his good beginning by slaving the story and his characters to the author's need to tell us how the US are allowing the Japanese to walk all over them. The two main characters were utterly unbelievable: one asks naive questions about US-Japanese relations on behalf of the author, and the other one gives the author's answer. They meet a series of 'experts' whose function is to tell us something new about Japan, not because it is relevant to the plot but because they are mouthpieces for the author who wants to build his case. In the end, the characters and dialog were unbelievable, and the plot was buried so deeply under the ugly exposition that I gave up on the book when I finally decided that Chricton had given up on me as a reader.
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Adrenalin rush
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What a powerful story! What a magnificant writer! If you have not read anything by Michael Crichton, after reading this book you will be hooked. Rising Sun has all the ingredients and spices of a breath-taking thriller: the pace, the characters, the storyline. If you decide to watch the film, please read the book afterwards. While the film is very good but after reading the book the film will seem weak. At least let a few days pass by before you watch the film so that the excitement of the book wears off a little.
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Excellent Book
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For someone, like me, who is struggling to learn Japanese, this book is excellent as it not only contains a few (simple) Japanese words that you can feel proud of yourself for understanding, it shows an insight into the Japanese character too. Add to that a compelling murder mystery for which you need no knowledge of Japan or Japanese to enjoy, and you have an excellent book.
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