Tech-Heaven

When Katie's husband, Tom, is not expected to survive injuries sustained in a helicopter crash, Katie insists that he be placed in cryonic suspension. Use of this technology is highly controversial, and Katie's decision triggers a series of political upheavals as society adjusts to new concepts of life and death. Nagata (The Bohr Maker) provides vivid characterization to demonstrate the impact of technology on individual lives. The alternating story lines, that of Katie's physical world and that concerning the spiritual netherworld Tom inhabits as he lies in suspended animation, provide added depth of suspense and highlight the couple's struggle to be reunited. At its core, this is a love story, and while the author offers many insightful socioeconomic and technological concepts to ponder, the main theme is the love that tries to outwit separation-even separation by death. In the midst of fast-paced action, Nagata creates characters to worry about, cheer for, sympathize with and despise. The time spent getting to know them and their world is well worth it. (Dec.)