Rating:  Summary: Incredibly Poorly Written Review: This book is for the weak minded, easily entertained lot. I found it boring, contrived, at times cheesy/hokey, and very poorly written. Everything needs to be explained to the point where the text loses its momentum. The villains are laughable, the way the main characters figure things out is so damn contrived that I found myself laughing out loud. People who are getting mad about how it goes against the Catholic Church and all this other nonsense, I have one thing to say to them: Don't bother! It's a waste of breath! This book is so bad that it really doesn't challenge your religion at all! I honestly hated it, and find it sad to see that it is such a monster best-seller
Rating:  Summary: engaging fiction Review: This book is fun and fast-paced and very intriguing, but don't take it too seriously. While the author has clearly done his research and reveals many truths that some readers may not be familiar with, there are parts of the plot which are based more on hokey conspiracy theories than on real history. Keep in mind that you're reading a work of fiction, albeit one with a great deal of solid fact supporting the story, and you'll enjoy it. If you're interested in the topics that Dan Brown brings up, such as the real story of Mary Magdelene, the near eradication of the sacred feminine in Western culture, and the truth about Opus Dei, then do your own research and reach your own conclusions. In the meantime, read this book and enjoy it for what it's meant to be and remember, "the things you is liable to read in the Bible, they ain't necessarily so."
Rating:  Summary: A Spiritual Must Read Review: This book is incredibly well researched and is filled with fascinating theories and facts. In the genre of "Gulliver's Travels," The DaVinci Code raises issues that have been ignored by mainstream Christianity for centuries. If you have any interest the true relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus, you're going to love this book.
Rating:  Summary: Great book, fast read Review: This book is interesting, fast-paced and well-written. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. Even if you don't believe the theories it contains, you have to marvel at the possibilities... The only slight disappointment was near the ending (it seemed a bit fairy-talish...). Despite that, it's a definite must-read.
Rating:  Summary: A fun ride on a historical rollercoaster Review: This book is is great fun, and written in a way that the plot keeps moving forward and keeps you guessing. Within the book, are series of little puzzles which the reader can try to solve before the characters in the book do. It contains a lot of information of history and art, and specific examples of Pagan rituals hidden in modern catholicism. It also presents many feminist ideals as important to religion. The premise of the book is mostly based on a 1983 conspiracy favorite Holy Blood, Holy Grail. Despite the specualtive nature of this source, many of the organizations, buildings and artwork are real. Brown plays with this idea to make an incredibly amusing story that will leave readers looking into history books and examining old paintings with a microscope. I highly recommend this book, especially for people who like puzzles and riddles, conspiracy nuts, history buffs, or anyone looking for a good story. The only people who seemed to dislike it are Catholics who got offended. Don't be so sensitive. :)
Rating:  Summary: Anti-Catholic Bigotry Review: This book is just another turgid attempt to foist anti-Catholic bigotry on the unsuspecting. It makes blatent errors about Catholicism that could have been solved just by looking in the catechism. I don't know any members of Opus Dei who are assassins. It smacks of how the Jesuits were portrayed in the 19th century. Amazing how anti-Catholic ignorance transcends time. No other religion gets treated this way or there would be cries of foul. Even non-Catholics will be offended by this book. Don't give the bigots your money. Buy something worthwile to read instead.
Rating:  Summary: Fun Mental Candy Review: This book is like watching a really interesting program on the History channel. It presents a number of thought-provoking historical and theological concepts which many people may not be familiar with. As a story, the plot itself is somewhat trite and the characters are made of cardboard. Nevertheless, the ideas and puzzles presented through its staccato-pacing are what make the book worthwhile.Religious fanatics should probably avoid this book. It uncovers uncomfortable truths about Christianity. Come to it with an open mind, and remember that this is a work of fiction. Dan Brown likely stretched facts (all well within the range of poetic license), but many of the ideas are plausible. You will probably find yourself googling for the information presented in the book, just to learn more for yourself. Possibly, this book will be your gateway to other fiction in this domain, including such works as Focault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco. In my opinion, any book that triggers you to think, learn and read more is a success.
Rating:  Summary: Extremely gripping tale Review: This book is literally a 'cannot put down' and I mean right up to the very last sentence. I remember reading the last page with almost a trembling in my hands. This is a magnificent piece of work. There is only one thing to complain about, some may disagree, but I found the explanation as to what the Holy Grail actually is to be absolutely ludicrous, you can decide for yourself. However, for me it left a bad taste in my mouth, but that aside this book is an extremely well written, well woven, and totally gripping tale. Dan Brown's knowledge of the history and details surrounding DaVinci's artwork is astounding. I learned so much about Leonardo's artwork I found myself ( after verifying what information I could ) sharing it with my family members. After reading this book I promptly went out and bought all of his other books. I like his style and the little tidbits of interesting information he drops here and there. Well done!
Rating:  Summary: Conventional Quest Narrative Review: This book is more a compendium of Mr. Brown's considerable research of his subject than a compelling novel of fiction. The protagonists' quest is formula, and I knew who "the Teacher" was very early in the book. Dialog seemed stilted, as well. Methinks not nearly as much a thriller as advertised.
Rating:  Summary: Very intelligent. Definitely read it Review: This book is my first introduction to a "religious" themed novel and it worked wonder. The story packed a lot of insgihts I didn't know about, which only made reading each page that much more interesting. I also like the brisk pace of the novel. Dan Brown sure knows how to crank it up. Overall, the story is tight, intelligent, and cleverly interwoven, with a villain who turned out to be someone whom I wasn't quite expecting. Definitely read it. It actually peaked my interest in iconography and rekindled my fascination with Leonardo Da Vinci. Well worth the read.
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