Search - Darwin's Radio (Darwin, Bk 1)

Couldn't finish it! Too much science for me, if you're into the whole science of evolution, you'll find it interesting. Otherwise, yawn!

This was an interesting blend of science information and government and politics. I found it to be an interesting reflection of the world today where scientific information is offered as justification for government policies or withheld for similar reasons. The characters came from different walks of life, scientists, scientists turned businessmen, American Indians. They were well drawn. A few were rather one-dimensional, but necessary. The main characters were more complex, and what was important to me, gained insight about themselves over the course of the story. I can recommend this book to readers of science fiction looking for something more than fantasy.

Have never read Greg Bear before, but gave him a try due to his reputation as being one of the best modern sci-fi writers. Maybe this wasn't his best work; I found it equivalent to a Robin Cook "outbreak" thriller (which, ironically, Bear makes reference to in the book- funny!). Entertaining nonetheless, and definitely set up as a serial novel. Falls victim to the "we just discovered, isolated, and mapped the entire genome of a new virus in less than 6 months!" fantasy trap. What I found more interesting was Bear's descriptions of the politics and business aspect that drive pharmaceutical companies.

Science fiction is supposed to be based on science. Greg Bear uses scientific knowledge about the genome fairly well up to the point where "Darwin's radio" comes into play - which is the notion that a stem cell genome can sense the viability of genomic rearrangements already out there and make a new and appropriately improved rearrangement. Added to that, cardboard characterizations make this a major waste of time. Two points for giving a reasonably accurate picture of the politics and bureaucracy of science - but by the end of the book, who cares?

I enjoyed this book.

Found it a bit overloaded with things that do not really advance the story. Otherwise a good idea for a story, which recommends it.