Title:

Airframe

Author:

Michael Chrichton

Publisher:

Ballantine Books

International Standard Book Number: (ISBN)

0345402871

Library of Congress Card Number:

This book like all that I have read by this author is a masterpiece of composition and narrative. I often though, because of his anxiety with technology, run hot and cold with Mr. Chrichton's writing. I have read all of his books because I am enthralled by his zeal and acumen. I have particularly liked, in addition to this book, "Andromeda Strain", "Rising Sun", and "Sphere".

This book, "Airframe" is easily as compelling as these other of Michael Crichton's books, and is also as compelling as another aviation book I have reviewed. While many may consider this story to be simple fiction and an entertaining read, it is in a larger sense an impressive and powerful description of both the bad and the best in the human nature to construct and produce.

The book tells the stories of the people who work in the aviation manufacturing business, and the politics intertwined with this industry. It is almost prophetic in contrast to recent news stories in the way it describes the ramifications following an inflight disaster involving "wind shear", and the death and injuries of airline passengers following this occurrence. It also tells the story of how some in this industry, as well as other pursuits of their lives, will not compromise their integrity, and actually their being, to "make a deal"! It speaks of the knowledge, resolve, and moral rectitude of knowing when a job has been well done, and when one should stand on that knowledge! The book provides an interesting contrast also to recent news stories about companies such as Loral Space!