……………….Jean Lorrah……………….
This author is a roller coaster of emotions of hate and love….. She has written some great books, like the The Vulcan Academy Murders, The IDIC Epidemic… But then writes this pile of crap Survivors (Star Trek: The Next Generation, #4)….. There are some other books as well. But I’m looking the other way for good reason…
So Metamorphosis (Star Trek: The Next Generation) by Jean Lorrah…….Metamorphosis…… Maybe if I read this thing like you would rip a band aid off. Everything will be okay.. Maybe.. *Reading*…… *Reading*….. *Reading*……
….. Well… I’m in complete bewilderment… How can you bomb out on Survivors and yet write Metamorphosis? Survivors was so lackluster, poorly written and jarring at times. But this book isn’t half bad! But like every TNG novel I’ve read so far, the editor was out to lunch while time to print the final copy. There are a few mistakes and again like Survivors the repetitive descriptions are there. But it flows really well and the story I rather enjoy. Metamorphosis (Star Trek: The Next Generation) is about a unexplained gravitational disturbances summon Captain Picard and the Starship Enterprise to the planet Elysia, and the android Lieutenant Commander Data to a date with destiny. For on this alien 
world, he is drawn into an impossible quest, leading him to consequences both heartwarming and disastrous, as he finally dares to pursue his fondest desire: to become human.
Data has to be one of my favorite characters from the TNG series and it was nice to read a story line that followed him and his thought process. Philosophical aspects of Data becoming human and the complications that it causes are interesting. It was written with a lot of sensuality and a lot of emotional depth I was rather surprised. I did not expected that for this author in always shape or form. Now keep in mind this novel is following the story line that was in play on the second season of TNG called “The Measure of a Man”. The base story line for that eps is Picard must prove Data is legally a sentient being with rights and freedoms under Federation law when transfer orders demand Data’s 
reassignment for study and disassembly. I remember this eps because of Riker mostly. Having to go against his friend in this court and almost destroy everything Data is & was. See the pain on Riker face was rather heartbreaking.
Riker asks to be allowed to remove Data’s left hand for examination; Picard objects then withdraws it, realizing he has no way to rebut it. Softly apologizing to his friend, Riker removes it for Captain Louvois’ examination. Citing that Data is essentially hardware built by a man and programmed with software written by a man, Riker then moves behind Data and abruptly deactivates him, proclaiming “Pinocchio is broken; its strings have been cut.” Even Louvois, who warned him to do his best, is a bit taken aback and as a remorseful Riker takes his seat, Picard requests a recess, which is granted.
That bit was for the show in act 4. With the help of memory-alpha.wikia.com I was able to share that with you :). Oh all if you get the chance to read this book and or watch the show I recommend it. Just stay away from Survivors!! For the love of God!!
Home of the Nerdy Viking 
You can see it’s still early days in TNG here. The show itself had almost found it’s footing, but not quite (I think season 3 is where it really started firing on all cylinders). This was likely written at the beginning of season two, and Measure of a Man may not have been completely filmed when it was being done. As one of the “Giant novels” it was an event book, planned well in advance.
Not bad thoguh. I remember reading it when it came out and it fit well enough into that universe then. Looking back it may be a little more clunky now.
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This wasn’t my favorite Data based book (I love love love LOVE Immortal Coil), it is one of the few times I’ve actually liked Polaski. In this setting, her words to Data about, really, being true to himself by just being Data and not trying to be human just to be human.
Honestly, it’s the most decent I’ve ever seen her be to Data, without the condescending tone or the ‘holier than though’ attitude I and others felt her character was. In this book though, she actually has a heart, that maybe grew two sizes that day.
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Nice Dr. Suess reference there. I rather liked this book and was in complete shock because the last book I read by this author was a craptastic mess. Survivors (Star Trek: The Next Generation, #4) was the name of the book.. But this was a well rounded story line and I love what she did with Data. He as always been one of my favorites of the show and novels. That’s if he is written right that is.Polaski was a interesting element in the story and I also like how she was written. All tho I didn’t like her in the TV show. I can’t really say that, there are a few eps where I enjoyed her. But she wasn’t Crusher..
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