This book surprised me. I had put off reading it because it didn't appeal to me, but when I ran out of Crichton titles, I buckled down and got myself scared to death. Full of suspense and fear.

It was a little suspenseful but I didn't really think it was scary. I know y'all may hate me for the following statement.....

I didn't really think it was a good book. I found it really boring. But then again, that is just my personal opinion.

I enjoyed this book, even though it scared the "you know what" out of me!! It was very suspenseful and well written. I love the descriptions in it...so vivid...so scary!! Just don't read it before bedtime, or you will have nightmares!!

I read the book when I was eleven years old, it was also the first Michael Crichton novel I read. It is a fantastic adventure novel with a lot of action.I liked the confrontation between the expedion members and the angry hippo very awesome and was happy when I found this scene back in the filml!

After learning what the talking of the apes sounded like, the hair on the back of my neck would stand up, and I'd find myself holding my breath whenever their "whispering" began...... WHAT!?? WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO NOW?? Oh, HELP! I hated them, the malicious, horrid monsters and kept my fingers crossed that people would escape.

Hello!

Congo is one of my favorite books from MC. I couldn't wait to see the movie (I now own a copy). I remember buying the book and starting to read it immediately on the train, and feeling excited because I knew that I would be transported to an exotic place - I like when a book does that.

I couldn't put the book down when I was reading it, and my favorite time to read was at night with a flashlight so that the scare effect would be even greater - you know - feeling like a kid again.

It's been awhile since I read it. Maybe, I might dust it off and read it this week. Oh! I better get my flashlight ready.

NormaStar5

NormaStar5...ooohhh...what a great suggestion! Reading Congo under the covers with a flashlight! I love it, and will have to try it! Although, I read the book when I was younger, I know it would be just as scary to read it again, especially with a flashlight! I know I will feel just like a kid again...but how to explain to my husband...hmmmm??!!!

Hello! Slozano,

Tell him to join you! Make sure all the lights are out, and only flashlights are used, only he must read another scary book - like Eaters of the Dead, or some other book that scared him. And as the flashlight looses power, don't turn on the lamplights! You may decide to share the flashlight and that will make it fun. Kids can do this too, by one reading and the other holding the flashlight (under parent supervision, of course).
And, always leave off before the chapter ends! That will make you wonder.

Have fun!
NormaStar5

But what if your husband is a very hairy man and falls asleep under the covers whilst reading CONGO! Suddenly, he turns, claps you on one ear with his book, and the last thing you see is a very hairy leg ...

Friends, if you have not yet read CONGO ... Save it for Halloween, get under the covers with a dim flashlight and be prepared to be scared to death.

Dear Lucidity,

That was very funny, and, it would really be even Scarier! Yeah, Halloweeen sounds like a great time to read the book again or for the first time, but still, with this time of season (Summer), going to a national park or botanical garden with book in hand might make the hairs on you neck rise just a little bit higher! Wouldn't you say?

NormaStar5

Lucidity wrote:


Hahahaha!! You are making me laugh so hard!! Fortunately, hubby is not very hairy, and doesn't scare me one bit! I think I shall re-read Congo on the back patio under the trees at night with a flashlight! Oooohhhh...scary! And hot too...even the nights here are nearly 80 degrees, and the humidity is up...so it rather feels sort of jungle-like! Maybe hubby can hold the flashlight and every once in a while say "What is that noise? Do you hear that?!!"

Dear Juroc,

Yes! That hippo scene was unexpectedly scary. After reading the book and seeing the movie - I made it a point of not missing a special by PBS on Hippo's (Nature's "Hippo Beach"). To find it go to the PBS website, Nature, search Hippo Beach, and you'll find the links.

The special was very eye-opening. I now prefer elephants - they're much nicer.

Michael Crichton really did his research on those hippos.


NormaStar5

I look also with different eyes to Hippo's since I read Congo.
In nature it's the herbivores to look out for. And who can blame them? They have to survive with all those predators around.
It was also very interesting to read about the behavior of Gorilla's.
I think I am going to read Congo again!

Good for you!

I like Congo myself.