Timeline by Michael Crichton Book Review

Timeline by Michael Crichton. Ballantine Books, 1999. Genre: Science-Fiction

Timeline is a novel that is first and foremost about ideas and science. The book focuses on ITC, a company in Arizona that is lead by Robert Doniger. Doniger a young, arrogant, but extremely intelligent individual. His company is funding the reconstruction of a monastery and castles in France, a project headed by Professor Edward Johnston. When a lawyer from ITC comes out to examine the project, they know information about the site the researchers do not. Johnston becomes suspicious and demands to go to ITC to speak with the head of the company. Johnston travels back in time and becomes stuck back in 1357 when he does not take the necessary device to return to the present. ITC convinces Johnston's three of Johnston's research team members to go back and save him. When they go back in time, they discover that the ancient world is a much more dangerous place then they thought, especially when their two guides are killed. They have the dilemma of having to save the professor and find a way to return back to present day.

"One of his best...[A] nonstop roller coaster of a novel." - Philadelphia Enquirer

I've read two other books by this author, Sphere and The Andromeda Strain, of these, Timeline is my least favorite. I don't know why, but Crichton seemed to not really have a good story. I never quite understood the motivations behind everyone's actions. The only character that was given a backstory was Doniger. Everyone else seemed kind of one-dimensional. One researcher, Marek, was extremely into the past. It was kind of strange until the end of the novel, where it was revealed that he actually chose to live in the past. Crichton's writing style is extremely brisk. He doesn't always bother to explain character motivation. The reader is not given a main character to focus on though, and that can be frustrating because all the characters end up feeling under-developed. If someone wants to read a book that has a lot of adventure (especially swordfighting) and is interested in science, I'd recommend they read this novel.

"Charging up the hill toward them were six horsemen in full armor: steel helmets, chain mail and cloth surcoats of maroon and gray. The horse were draped in black cloth studded wih silver. The effect was ominous. The lead rider, wearing a helmet with a black plume, pointed ahead and screamed, "Godin!" (195)

I would say that I am a fan of Crichton's writing, but sometimes it is hard to understand exactly what is going on in the story. I do think that Timeline is a thrilling book to read, but I wish the characters besides Doniger had been better developed. If I was going to recommend a Crichton book to someone, I'd still recommend The Andromeda Strain. That book had some better developed characters than Timeline. I wouldn't say I didn't like this novel, but it had some issues with plot development. Still, the book reviews showcased on the cover promise action and suspense and I would say Timeline definitely delivers on that promise.

The Contender & Ender

The Contender: Alfred
Ender's Game: Ender
Setting: The gym and a diner

Alfred sat on the locker bench for a long time thinking about what Donatelli had just told him. Alfred would not be fighting anymore. Donatelli knew that he just didn't have the drive a boxer needed to consistently be a champion. Deep inside, Alfred knew it too. He had never really wanted to hurt people. He was just trying to prove to himself that he was good enough to accomplish something in life.



Alfred quietly walked out of the locker room. A few stray people were training in the gym. Alfred left and the door closed behind him with a thud. He walked home, in a bit of a daze. His mind was clouded with thoughts. One thing he knew for sure, if he wanted to really be somebody, he'd have to find something to do. Something important. Alfred decided to go get something to eat. It was getting late and he hadn't yet eaten dinner.

The diner was cold, but Alfred was warm from the gym, so it didn't matter. A boy who looked about ten was sitting at the counter drinking a soda. He looked at Alfred and motioned for him to sit down.

"My name's Ender," the boy said.

"Mine's Alfred,"

"You look like you've got a problem," Ender said.

The man at the counter came over and Alfred ordered some food and glass of water. He was really thirsty.

"Yeah, I actually do. You see, I' ve been boxing over at Donatelli's gym and now... he told me I just don't have it. I mean I don't have the drive to really hurt someone. I've won fights, but I just don't want to hurt people. I felt like a nobody for a long time. But now that I've been training and fighting, I feel like there is more for me to do."

Ender nodded. "I may look like I haven't done much in my life because I'm so young, but I know what you're going through. For a long time I felt that I had no purpose. Then one day I found I had a real purpose. I helped a lot of people. Don't give up on yourself. You have a purpose in life. You'll find it soon."

"What did you say your name was again?"

"Ender Wiggin."

"Thanks Ender. I feel a whole lot better now. I've got to go now," said Alfred.

"Just remember to not give up," Ender said, "Good luck and good-bye."

Alfred got up and left. His mind was clearer now, and he knew that he was going to do something important. He was going to go back to school. he knew that it wouldn't be easy, but he wanted to rise above all the people in gangs in the city. He wanted to be somebody. He wanted to be a contender. Not in the boxing ring, but in life. He wanted to make a difference.

Alfred thought, "I don't have to be a person who performs miracles, if I can help one person in life, it'll be all worth it."

Alfred walked up the stairs and entered his aunt's apartment.