Ep. 701: MeatEater Radio Live! The Dinosaur Highway and 100 Humans v. 1 Gorilla

The novel follows an expedition led by Karen Ross to the dense tropical rainforest of the Congo to investigate the mysterious deaths of a previous team and to find the lost city of Zinj, where valuable type IIb diamonds are believed to be located. The team includes Peter Elliot, a gorilla researcher, and his sign-language-trained gorilla, Amy. They face numerous challenges, including rival expeditions, civil wars, and dangerous jungle predators. The story blends elements of science fiction, adventure, and technological intrigue, reflecting Crichton's signature style of combining science, technology, and action.

In 'Jurassic Park', Michael Crichton tells the story of John Hammond, the owner of InGen, who creates a theme park on the fictional island of Isla Nublar featuring dinosaurs cloned from DNA found in amber. The park's safety is questioned by a group of experts, including paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant, paleobotanist Dr. Ellie Sattler, and mathematician Dr. Ian Malcolm. When a power outage caused by a greedy computer technician disables the park's security systems, the dinosaurs escape, leading to a desperate struggle for survival. The novel delves into themes of genetic engineering, chaos theory, and the ethical implications of scientific advancements.

Gorillas in the Mist is Dian Fossey's own account of her groundbreaking study of African mountain gorillas. The book provides a detailed social history of the gorilla groups she studied, including their personalities, family groupings, and survival strategies. It also includes scientific data on their diet, mating habits, and other zoological aspects. Fossey's narrative is marked by her light and cheerful style, yet it is also interspersed with passages of deep grief and trauma, particularly in her descriptions of the gorillas' deaths at the hands of poachers.

The novel tells the story of Billy Colman, a ten-year-old boy who spends two years saving money to buy two Redbone Coonhounds, Old Dan and Little Ann, for coon hunting. The story explores themes of love, loyalty, loss, and the strong bond between humans and animals. After the tragic deaths of his dogs, Billy finds solace in the legend of the red fern that grows between their graves, symbolizing the eternal and divine nature of their bond. The book is a moving tale of determination, love, and the harsh realities of life, set against the backdrop of the Ozark Mountains.