Part 2, Travels 1971-1986: Chapters 24-27; Postscript: Skeptics at Cal-Tech Summary and Analysis

In chapter twenty-four, the Israeli magician Uri Geller is known for spoon bending, something that is often thought of as being a trick. Crichton attends a spoon bending demonstration with friends. After experiencing disappointment at not being able to do it, the spoon bends easily. Crichton quickly becomes more interested in the cookies being served as refreshments. A year later, Crichton tells an MIT professor about the experience. The man is skeptical and even shocked when he learns that Crichton never tried to figure out why it happened.

In chapter twenty-five, as a child, Crichton learned that the only things that could not be discussed at home were religious matters. Religious postulates, parables and tales were not to be questioned. As an adult, Crichton began...