Andromeda Strain is a (surprisingly) well-written book by Michael Crichton (a.k.a. - the Hack). I was actually interested for most of the book and the parts when I nearly fell asleep, only rested my eyes for the action that was to come later. Typically, I dislike books that can be easily dated, but in this case, the obvious 60's/70's feel of the book (you could practically smell the bell-bottoms) helped, rather then hindered this novel. Rather then try to hide the time period it was written in, Crichton brilliantly writes this novel, as if was telling about an actual event. The little diagrams that he sticks in of the computer printouts and the maps, while doesn't further the story line, does give the novel, a decidedly realistic feel.
This "true story" novel unfolds over four days, documenting a top-secret government team, called Project Wildfire. It starts out with the discovery of the death of an entire small town, with the notable exception of two people. The Project Wildfire team (consisting of only four members and assistants), race to find the cause and cure, documenting the course of this viral threat from outer space. Once you get used to the techno-babble, which Crichton filled the book with, the story is engaging and the excitement builds as time runs short and no apparent cure can be found.
Contrary to the proper way things should be done, I'm going to do this backwards and start with the ending (because it bothered me so). I won't ruin it for you, but know that he totally copped out at the end. However, I will say that I was incredibly disappointed that Crichton used the expected "deactivated the bomb with seconds to spare" device. The action, up to that point was understated and tense with the scientists mental race against the virus, but the use of the bomb device, changed the story from one of understated subtly, to a crass pandering to the masses. The tension and excitement is already there, this was completely unnecessary to the plot.
Not surprising, there were no character developments; all of the characters were just static and flat, virtually undistinguishable between each other. Important details about these characters aren't revealed early on in the story, but just sentences, before certain character quirks were needed (such as one scientist's epilepsy…the moment it was revealed, it was obvious that this would start a chain of events). This rather shoddy unfolding of the details quickly became tedious, and made otherwise unexpected, predictable and trite.
However, I do have to compliment Crichton on his technical details. I think I learned more about chemistry and biology then I ever did from college, however he quickly glossed over some basic facts (that was needed for the reader to come to the same conclusion that he did) with big long words. Also, he has a horribly heavy hand in the foreshadowing of events (the best example of this heavy handedness was in his book Disclosure). This seems to be a classic Crichton trait, as are the incredibly tedious flashbacks (they are totally pointless, and he flashes back to the same scene, from 20 different angels...and is NOT necessary for the continuous flow of the story).
All in all, it was enjoyable reading for a long flight back from Dallas, but I was disappointed in that it was also a very typical Michael Crichton book. One of his better ones, but still typical...