A big part fo the libertarian ideal is Ownership of Self. The idea that your body is yours to do wiht as you please. If you believe this, or if you don’t- you need to read this book.

There are several plot lines that weave their way through the book, and they all have a common element; the idea that genetic research can be done, should be done, and that people that do the research have the right to whatever their research brings. This is a LOT stickier subject than you might imagine.

Frinstance: Say, during the course of treatment for some disease, your doctor finds that your body has the ability to manufacture certain genes that can treat a variety of illnesses. The doctor patents these genes- though they came from your body. SHould the doctor have unlimited access- to YOUR BODY- to harvest the cells? Sound crazy? it’s not. THis could/can/has happened. Read. You’ll like. Crichton at his usual best, and the legal-moral issues are impressively dealt with.