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Has anyone read this book? Do you think the plot is plausible? Would this be a good substitute for The Andromeda Strain, which is dated and really too technical (and too big) to read in class?

This work by Greg Bear was first written as a novelette (a long short story) in 1983, then as a novel two years later. I was so intrigued with the short story that I bought the book as well, but to be honest, I prefer the short story rendition. The plot is quite different from that in The Andromeda Strain, but if you're focusing in on themes or simply want a new twist ('micro' instead of 'macro') to a futurist tale, then go for it! (Sort of looking through the wrong end of a telescope...)  Although in Bear's story the threat to Earth doesn't come from alien intelligence but rather from within,  Blood Music remains an exquisite cautionary tale much in tune with the issues of our time.

Thanks for your comments. I really like Greg Bear's works, especially Darwin's Radio and its sequel, whose title I can't remember.