Jurassic Park: A Novel

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of Timeline, Sphere, and Congo, this is the classic thriller of science run amok that took the world by storm.

Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read

“[Michael] Crichton’s dinosaurs are genuinely frightening.”—Chicago Sun-Times


An astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Now humankind’s most thrilling fantasies have come true. Creatures extinct for eons roam Jurassic Park with their awesome presence and profound mystery, and all the world can visit them—for a price.
 
Until something goes wrong. . . .
 
In Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton taps all his mesmerizing talent and scientific brilliance to create his most electrifying technothriller.

Praise for Jurassic Park
 
“Wonderful . . . powerful.”The Washington Post Book World

“Frighteningly real . . . compelling . . . It’ll keep you riveted.”—The Detroit News
 
“Full of suspense.”The New York Times Book Review

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Published Sep 25, 2012

464 pages

Average rating: 8.36

446 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Cyn's Workshop
Aug 20, 2025
8/10 stars
Thought Provoking & Challenging | Review of ‘Jurassic Park’ (Jurassic Park #1)

An excellent read that challenges the reader on many levels[...]

Read more of this post @ Cyn's Workshop
CheriF
Sep 25, 2025
8/10 stars
I've been reading a lot of lesfic romance lately. I knew it was time for a break when I couldn't keep the characters or angsty stories straight. I had picked up Jurassic Park a few months ago during one of Audible's 2-for-1 sales but hadn't gotten around to it but this seemed like the perfect opportunity to cleanse my reading palate.

Like just about everyone else, I've seen the movie based on the book several times. I never really feel like watching it but once it gets going, it's intense and action packed and I end up loving it. The book was sort of like that but filled with much more detail. Detail and saying the same things several times for no apparent reason. But I still had a good time listening to the book. I really enjoyed the differences in how the story unfolded - although it's been years since I've seen the film and there might have been less left out than I remember...

Either way, I definitely recommend reading the book. You can always skim over the science stuff until you get to the awesome dino stuff.
Joyreadsbooks
Sep 18, 2025
10/10 stars
My absolute favourite book and movie of all time!
WaxingWaterWolf
Sep 14, 2025
9/10 stars
While there are naturally elements left to sci-fi in this sci-fi book, it is ultimately astounding how much Crichton was able to predict about the innovation and exploitation of genetics, especially de-extinction, in this book, considering it was originally published in 1990. His stance on the ethics surrounding genetics and de-extinction is strong and well-put, particularly in his preface to the book. Of course, no review would be complete without saying he has no clue how to write a female character... the book could do without the characters soaking in sexism.
Amanda Boyd
Sep 09, 2025
10/10 stars
There is so much more in the book than I remember from the movie. Soooo much more. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone.

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