Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park, the book by Michael Crichton, is one of the best I have ever read.  Like his other book, Timeline, it combines science fiction, mystery, action, and adventure.  (Although most of the mystery is gone, if you've already seen the movie :-)).

Frankenstein had a very similar message - that scientists and engineers should be mindful of the consequences of the knowledge they gain and the inventions they develop.  Frankenstein, however, seemed to preach against the worth of the pursuit of knowledge in general. Jurassic Park was focused more on the folly of the commercialization of science - using science for personal gain, without thinking of its consequences to humanity.

In the book, Michael Crichton explains in depth how the dinosaur DNA is reconstructed (including a computer program that automates some of that reconstruction :-)).  The characters in the book are very realistic and multi-dimensional.  Even if they are the antagonists in the book, he still does a good job of presenting their motivation and inner-thoughts.  Many of them are simply enamored with new discovery and the ambition of their project. He also presents them as highly competent.

Overall, the book was very intelligent and suspenseful, and I strongly recommend it to anyone who liked the movie - I think you will find the book even better.