Michael Crichton dies of cancer

[Hoser]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081105/ap_en_ot/obit_crichton

NEW YORK – The family of Michael Crichton, the million-selling author of such historic and prehistoric science fantasies as "Jurassic Park," "Timeline" and "The Andromeda Strain," says the author has died in Los Angeles.
Crichton died Tuesday at age 66. He had been privately battling cancer, his family said.
"Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand," his family said in a statement.

 

[TK421]

I just read this. Unbelievable.

 

[Ptrope]

If only we could clone him as easily as velociraptors ...

RIP, Michael. And thanks for The Andromeda Strain during my formative years of reading

 

[Good Will Riker]

To think that he has greatly influenced and touched so many lives around the world in his lifetime.

He will be greatly missed.

 

[PK95]

I just read this as well and am sad. I read many of his novels when I was in high school and college and still bought his books even though I am behind reading them. I will keep his family in my prayers. He was a great writer who will be missed.

 

[Klaus]

Andromeda Strain was my first real SF novel, my mom gave it to me to read in 5th grade... he'll be missed.

 

[General Kang]

Very sad news - I was just checking the other day to see if he had another novel in the works - some of my favorite books from high school were ones he wrote.

 

[ScottDS]

When I was in high school, Sphere was released in theaters and the science students had to read the novel for class. I didn't because I was in the advanced class but I even asked my teacher if I could read it anyway, perhaps for extra credit. He declined.

I've been on a Crichton kick lately (in between Trek novels). In his memory, I think I'll try to seek out The Great Train Robbery at the library this weekend and read it with Jerry Goldsmith's score for the film playing in the background.

On a lighter note, a friend and I saw Crichton's movie Runaway last year (in HD!). I had only seen bits and pieces of it before but, afterwards, we couldn’t have a conversation without one of us calling the other one, “Ramsaaaay!”

 

[Tom Hendricks]

I just read this and it is a devastating blow to the literary world. He was my absolute favorite writer. Jurassic Park is an amazing book, in fact I am naming my soon to be born son after Ian Malcolm from the JP novel. However my favorite novel of all time is "Eater of the Dead."

 

[JAG]

very sad news

 

[God Magnus]

I enjoyed his work. RIP.

 

[Trippy]

I actually gasped out loud when I saw this on yahoo. What a loss
I've enjoyed each and every one of his books, and ER during it's first 5 seasons.

Cancer is a bitch.

 

[Skywalker]

Wow, I didn't even know he was sick. Dammit. RIP, Mr. Crichton. Thank you for your wonderful stories.

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

His best book was the inspiring, hard-to-find autobiography (with names changed) that reads like a novel called Travels, which talks about trips around the world which helped him be who he is. The early sections talk about medical school, and most notably, why he left that profession.

I think everyone should read it.

 

[Mr Light]

I had no clue he was sick so this was quite a shock. I too read and re-read his books endlessly in high school (Jurassic Park, Sphere, Congo).

What was his final book, then? "Next"?

 

[butch101]

Damn ! I had no idea he was sick. Too bad. I liked his work...

RIP

Butch

 

[Quo Vadimus]

You will be sorely missed. RIP, Michael.

I loved Andromeda Strain, Jurassic Park and Sphere.

 

[MeanJoePhaser]

Saddening.

I was hoping he'd live long enough to be eaten by a cloned dinosaur.

Or shot by a robot Yul Brynner.

 

[Kirkman1987]

That's a shame, I was a fan of his books.

 

[bigdaddy]

I still want JP3!!!