State of Fear is a poorly disguised vehicle for Michael Crichton to lecture the reader about Global Warming. Because apparently Crichton is a climate-change denier (something that disappointed me, as I've read and enjoyed many of his books). I disliked the obvious agenda behind the story, especially because it involves dishonestly manipulating data and facts.

The main character, Peter Evans, is obviously meant to think like the reader, with preconceived notions about climate change. The problem is that all environmental activists in the book are portrayed as really stupid and ignorant, contrasting markedly with the deniers, who are all intelligent and articulate. Perhaps that is how Crichton sees the debate, but my experience is the reverse.

Since there are too many things I disliked about this book, I'd like to mention few things I got out of it, and reasons why I gave it two stars (as opposed to one):

1. Debates about controversial subjects in science are often very heavily politicized. One way or another, most studies have an agenda.

2. Anti-climate change arguments should not be dismissed as simply industry and corporations talking. There should be healthy debate on the issue without resorting to ad hominem attacks, and that is not always the case.

3. Celebrities often take positions on issues (like vaccines) without understanding the facts behind them.

4. People sometimes hold the correct views for incorrect reasons. If you hold a view on an issue, make sure you've understood the issue properly, rather than just parroting the words of others.

Although I don't agree with his argument, Crichton summarized one side of this debate in an effective and somewhat entertaining format. Hence the two stars.