Pirate Latitudes

Pirate Latitudes is the final book by Michael Crichton.

Port Royal, Jamaica was traditionally thought of as a port for pirates, though the sanctioned pirates were called privateers. Jamaica was a British colony, but so far removed from the crown - and in Spanish territory - that there was little order imposed by the governor.

In 1665, Captain Charles Hunter learned of a Spanish ship El Trinidad carrying treasure taking refuge at the island of Matanceros. It was separated from the other treasure ships on their way back to Spain from the colonies. Though Matanceros was thought to be impenetrable, Hunter devises a plan to capture El Trinidad.

Found as a complete manuscript after Crichton's death, Pirate Latitudes is a swashbuckling adventure. Though if he had had more time, it would have been a great novel. In spite of its shortcomings, it is a worthy read for any pirate or sailing fans.

Crichton, Michael. (2009). Pirate Latitudes. New York: Harper.

Next

In Next, Michael Crichton explores the frightening possibilities of future genetic experimentation. Some turns out okay - a humanzee, or chimp-human mix - makes a good addition to a family. And a parrot with human genes added can help a child with math homework.

Then there is the bunny with bioluminescence, the pig with wings, or the giant cockroach pets. Plus the idea that is already happening today: the ability to patent a gene or protein that occurs naturally. Thereby making it expensive or even illegal for others to use it.

So what happens when a court rules that a university research facility owns the rights to use one man's genes in a cancer cure? What about the genes still inside of him? Or in his daughter or grandson?

And interesting, if sometime extreme, look at one possible future for genomics. Crichton is an easy to read author whose books are as exciting as his movies.

Crichton, Michael. (2006). Next. New York: HarperCollins Publishing.