The Andromeda Strain is about a scientist eager to protect the planet earth from the threat of microbacteria from space, brought in by contaminated asteroids. The U.S. government agrees with his plan to build an extraterrestrial decontamination facility to sterilize returning astronauts, and begins their construction immediately. Shortly thereafter, the government launches “Project Scoop” to collect some of this mysterious space bacteria. The crash of “Scoop VII” in an isolated area of Arizona unleashes a rapidly multiplying strain of bacteria. The government now faces their biggest and most common problem of all…cleaning up their own mess.
Review
Michael Crichton is an exciting writer. The Andromeda Strain is filled with suspense and the latest scientific terms, presenting a good read for all you sci-fi types. The basis of this book is actually a real issue of concern for today’s scientists. Although it has never actually occurred, scientists are currently inventing methods to decontaminate spacecraft if a similar situation were to arise. The relevancy of this book in today’s society makes it that much more exciting for a willing reader. Truly a great book.