Meg: Primal Waters, by Steve Alten

Since I got hit with the Book Meme, I'd been meaning to write this brief review - among others. 'MEG: Primal Waters' is a book - apparently a sequel - about a shark. A really big shark. A Carcharodon Megalodon which would make the Great White Shark feel a little uncomfortable swimming in the ocean. If it sounds a bit like 'Jaws', it is a bit like it: but it twists and turns, even involving Reality television in a recursively entertaining way. I'd never read Steve Alten before, but I am certain to read him again.

A family. An aging, accidental hero. A family in debt. A reality television show. A big shark with sharp, nasty, pointy teeth.

The key to this book are really the moments of adrenaline which are so difficult to pack into a novel that people read sitting down. You simply cannot put the book down with a Carcharodon Megalodon in the water, and even the flashes to the distant past bear in on the immediate story.

Somehow, Steve Alten pulled it off while creating something new and interesting in the genre of 'Jaws', but not limited by it. From his website, it's apparent that he writes in other genres - and I think if he can write so well within the 'shark eats people, people kill shark' genre (which is not exactly what happens in his book!), he's a person whose books I will not walk by in bookstores.

If you want an exciting day, turn off the television - read this book.

After eating, wait at least 30 minutes before swimming. After reading this book, you'll probably stay within 30 feet of shore, and if you don't, you may have more to consider when seeing large luminiscent objects in the water.

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