.com Harry has a problem. Ever since getting in a car accident, he's suffered from "thought seizures," violent fits in which he attacks other people. He used to be an artificial intelligence researcher, which may explain why he targets anyone who either works on machines or who acts like a machine--mechanics, gas-station attendants, prostitutes, exotic dancers. But there's hope: he can become part machine himself, undergoing "Stage 3," an experimental procedure implanting 40 electrodes deep in the pleasure centers of his brain. The surgery is successful, and blissful pulses of electricity short-circuit Harry's seizures. That is, until Harry figures out how to overload himself with the satisfying jolts and escapes on a murderous rampage. One of Crichton's earliest, playing ably on '70s fears of computers and mind control. --Paul Hughes One of the great storytellers of our age. . . . The best Michael Crichton novels are . . . edifying reads, whose gripping plots contain real ideas.NewsdayCrichton combines his knowledge of science with great talent for creating suspense.San Francisco ChronicleCrichton is a master at blending edge-of-the-chair adventure and a scientific seminar, educating his readers as he entertains them.Chicago Sun-TimesCrichton has so perfected the fusion thriller with science fiction that his novels define the genre.Los Angeles TimesCrichton is a master at explaining complex concepts in simple terms.LibraryFrom the Inside FlapHearry Benson suffers from violent seizures. When he becomes part of an experimental program that sends electrodes to his brain to calm him, he is in recovery. Until he discovers how to get those soothing pulses more frequently, and then escapes the hopsital--on a murderous rampage with a deadly agenda....From the Paperback edition. how do you structure a book club discussion The Terminal Man
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Oldie but a GoodieBy RenaeI read this book many, many years ago. Probably around the time it first came out. I recentley re-read it mainly because I thought I remembered a fact that was brought up in the book and wanted to see if I remembered correctly.When I first read it, years ago, I did not particularly care for it. However, I really enjoyed it this time . Just goes to show that your taste can change over time, I guess. It is not a long book and it moves pretty fast, and is quite interesting. Although, I did keep wondering why none of these people ever whipped out their cell phones when things went bad. Then I realized that when this book was written, everybody and their baby did not have cell phones like they do now. Having said that, I still felt that the story was great, and except for the absense of cells phones, the story felt very current.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Michael FortnerI read the book originally in college. It does hold up well despite technology changes1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Fast paced suspenseBy Kyle PritchettTerminal man is one of Crichton's early novels. His story telling is still excellent but the subject matter is slightly outdated. The story revolves around a patient with a condition that makes him extremely violent, when he experiences a seizure. Neurosurgeons attempt to treat him with "cutting edge technology" but the results are far from ideal. The book is very fast paced and interesting but not what this reader is accustomed to seeing from Crichton.