What did I miss? Doesn't make sence?

[walter]

Apparantly the Masons went to a lot of trouble to hide a copy of the bible!?!?!? Why do that when there are 4 gazillion copies of the bible floating around that are not hidden??? Or is this one special with yellow high lighter underlining special words? I think Dan would have been better off keeping the lost symbol lost!

[Betsy]

I totally agree. It's like Brown had this huge plot buildup to a "lost" artifact, then couldn't think of an artifact for Langdon to discover, so he just picked the Bible. Either that or he's proselytizing, which I find offensive.

[Holly]

I was so disappointed in this book. He has great plots. This history of the Masons was fascinating. But the ending was confusing and anticlimatic. I was actually a little irritated. Grrr.

[Linda]

I tried to read this book and could not get into it, actually I hated it

[Lady]

Maybe I'm wrong but wasn't it like a special 'version' of the bible that the story was different in or something like that, sorry its been a while since I read it.

[Pam]

If you read it to the end, your brain goes dead after Chapter 100. I was listening to it on Audible.com. Everytime a new chapter was announced I said, "Oh, come on now. This is getting ridiculous." Dan Brown should stop now--of course, he won't.

[iArivu]

i never got disappointment! upto the last page!

[Shane]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read it in two days, which for me is a REALLY fast read. And I took it to mean that there was something special about the bible they were hiding. That's just how I took it. I'm sorry you guys were disappointed in it. But, I think almost all authors, even our favorite ones, after writing enough books, will write at least one that disappoints us. Hopefully Mr. Brown will write something you guys enjoy more next time, that is if you enjoyed the first two Langdon books. And try to give him another chance if you did enjoy them.

[Simon]

Dan Brown should've stopped with Angels and Demons. Unfortunately he will likely spew more junk literature into our planet in the future.

[Stacey Lynn]

It took me two attempts to read this book. The first time I couldn't get past the first chapter. I tried it again and forced myself to give it a chance and I was glad I did! Once I got a couple chapters in I couldn't put it down.

[Austin W.]

Aydia wrote: "Maybe I'm wrong but wasn't it like a special 'version' of the bible that the story was different in or something like that, sorry its been a while since I read it."

I believe it was actually a Mason's Bible that was hidden in the cornerstone of the building. It was not a normal bible. I think you are right.

[Lacey]

Austin wrote: "Aydia wrote: "Maybe I'm wrong but wasn't it like a special 'version' of the bible that the story was different in or something like that, sorry its been a while since I read it."

I believe it wa..."

I agree with you..It was a version in which countless scriptures were..reinterpreted if you will..so it's not a normal version, plus burying the bible was in itself symbolic. the symbol being the Bible or 'the word' was to show that all the answers lie in front of us. :)

[Beccavan]

Lacey. wrote: "Austin wrote: "Aydia wrote: "Maybe I'm wrong but wasn't it like a special 'version' of the bible that the story was different in or something like that, sorry its been a while since I read it."

I ..."

I believe the idea of hiding The Bible was to preserve it's future thousands of years later. It would be like finding The Dead Sea Scrolls or the ancient writings of the Sumerians...or I could be all wrong.

[Lacey]

Beccavan wrote: "Lacey. wrote: "Austin wrote: "Aydia wrote: "Maybe I'm wrong but wasn't it like a special 'version' of the bible that the story was different in or something like that, sorry its been a while since ..."

Sure, for preservation as well, I don't think you're all wrong at all, but I think its preservation would mean a whole lot more, if That Bible contained more than a normal one..anyway since symbolism was intrinsic in this book so, there's a lot that can be said..:)

[Beccavan]

Lacey. wrote: "Beccavan wrote: "Lacey. wrote: "Austin wrote: "Aydia wrote: "Maybe I'm wrong but wasn't it like a special 'version' of the bible that the story was different in or something like that, sorry its be..."

Agreed. Brown could have wrote a fourth novel of the series if he had thrown a monkey wrench into the hidden Bible ending. Like a version of the Bible that revealed TRUTH instead of a manipulated and restructured version by a king (goverment) trying to control people. That certainly would stir up a whole new scandalous conversation in churches and the average household. Hmmm...like the old saying goes, 'truth is stranger than fiction'

[Jay]

When I read this ending, all I could think of was the song "One Tin Soldier" from the movie Billy Jack. The buried treasure that people killed for was a rock saying "Peace on Earth". I remember humming that song for a few days after finishing The Lost Symbol.

[Catherine]

I enjoyed this book very much. it takes real events and items, and puts a fictional aspect to them. it doesn't ask you to believe what is, but to consider what may be, and to really think about it. and if you do think about it, you can see all the flaws.

[Lacey]

Beccavan wrote: "Lacey. wrote: "Beccavan wrote: "Lacey. wrote: "Austin wrote: "Aydia wrote: "Maybe I'm wrong but wasn't it like a special 'version' of the bible that the story was different in or something like tha..."

Oh but in reference to It containing Truth, I was under the impression that the masons believed it contained the ancient and universal truths, that were interpreted and realised by scholars over the years...

[[deleted user]]

I didn't get how Peter Solomon can rescue his sister by killing Mal'akh?

[Leon]

walter wrote: "Apparantly the Masons went to a lot of trouble to hide a copy of the bible!?!?!? Why do that when there are 4 gazillion copies of the bible floating around that are not hidden??? Or is this one s..."

he seems to be saying the masons were secretly christians or something like that. Well in fact he says that the masons know the true teachings of Jesus, that is seen if you read through the bible. A Claim that i think a lot of Masons will make: that they know the true teachings for the Ages.

[Rajaneesh]

with all the controversies of Davinci code ( virgin mary, holy grail and christ stuff), may be he thought by writing a book glorifying bible he could gain some following among christians.But, bad work I think.

Except for the character of Malakh and some masonry, it is not as good as the title.

[Leon]

Rajaneesh wrote: "with all the controversies of Davinci code ( virgin mary, holy grail and christ stuff), may be he thought by writing a book glorifying bible he could gain some following among christians.But, bad w..."

he doesn't really glorify the bible. He follows on from his old plot about a historical jesus with the true teaching of that historical jesus. Note that the bible that they find contains the "true teachings of the ages" hidden among its texts. So it is not about the bible but about reading through the bible.

[Alex]

Firza wrote: "I didn't get how Peter Solomon can rescue his sister by killing Mal'akh?"

Good point. I was thinking exactly the same. Have to say I was quite disappointed with the book and the ending was awful but by the time I got to the last 100 pages I was past caring!

[Old-Barbarossa]

It's just Dan Brown...if these are the only gaping holes in the plot...well...just sit back and enjoy the ride and don't think too much about it...like eating junk food and worrying about whether you're getting enough fibre...just enjoy.
If you want more meat in your conspircy fiction diet try: Robert Anton Wilson.

[Rebecca]

I was very disappointed in the book - I really like Dan Brown - but when reading this one I felt like he was wrting it just to be a movie!
A book should be a book FIRST and then a movie next.
And it suffers because the writing feels like a movie script - there is no depth.
I did like the whole Masons theme and as a movie it will be good because they can flesh out the parts that fell flat in the book.
I hope that he is done with this series and moves on to a new character!!

[Bukky]

There's no point patronizing Dan on this book.It was far from the thrill I'd expected plus the twists to the story were just too much.

[PJ]

This book was absolutely dreadful. That is all.

[Teresa]

Everyone has missed the fundamental idea of this book. All Mason must belive in God, if not you are not voted in. I thought the meaning was that humanity must always have faith or belive...

[Alfie]

I thought the ending will be very interesting. I thought I will find something about the secret that the Freemasons are hiding. I was just disgusted when I found out that the secret that the masons are hiding is just a Bible....But, anyway, it was just my expectation before I read the book, and I had forgotten that the book was a book of fiction - a fruit of the author's imagination.

[Mandeep]

really after reading the comments i find that climax was not that great but my initial thoughts for the book was awesome and i am going to stick with same & rated it 5 ...

[S.W.]

Don't worry, everyone! Hollywood will fix the lame ending. Perhaps they'll use CG animation to dive deep into the Earth along side the Washington Monument until the glowing cornerstone is found and pierced to reveal its secret contents to the audience. What will it be? I suggest a futuristic iBible with the Apple logo on it.

[Mandeep]

S.W. wrote: "Don't worry, everyone! Hollywood will fix the lame ending. Perhaps they'll use CG animation to dive deep into the Earth along side the Washington Monument until the glowing cornerstone is found a..." I bible that is nice..

[Ayn]

I think he was writing about something else but changed it to bible in the last instance...though he was talking about another version of bible not one in print nowadays...but probably one in its pure form as it was when given first to Jesus or near that time

[Indika]

The book was an interesting read but the ending was unexpected and totally disappointing. I was expecting something big rather than a bible (even if it is an old copy of it)

[Raghava]

Hey guys, didn't you all really read the ending chapters of the book? It states clearly that there are a lot of secrets concealed in the present Bible. It also states that if you decrypt it only you can get to know those secrets.

[David]

Of course the book made sense. It was just different from the first two. I like the fact it took place in the US. His character mentioned how he was disappointed over the many students who venture to Europe instead of making time to learn our own history on the east coast. It was suspenseful, tense when it needed to be, and fast-paced. As usual, Dan Brown keeps the book flow good. Can't wait until the next.

David Lucero, authorDavid Lucero

[Nav]

Someone tell me, what was the actual "lost word"? Was it mention in the book? Or did they left it unsaid?

[Pam]

I think Brown means "word" as in "word of God" (the Bible). It has been awhile since I read it. I just remember wanting this book to be over! It was very long-- over 100 chapters.

Also in reference to other comments, Masons are Christian, so are their associated groups, The Order of the Eastern Star, The Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and The Order of Demolay (boys' group).

[Björn]

The lost word is Elohim meaning "gods". The meaning and the lost word itself is said several times and is actually a sentence pointing out that we the humans are gods ourselfs. So in that way it references that we forgot our own power and beleif in our own power and might and by unlocking that knowledge we come to our full potential.

[Tomalika]

It isn't a disaster but it isn't better than 'the Da Vinci code' or even 'Angles and Demons'. Though the suspense keeps you on your toes, when you get to know the twist, you'll find yourself disappointed most of the time.

[David]

I agree with you Tomalika. The hype for Dan Brown's book to be as good as The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons was not met with this one. I still enjoyed it because I lived in Washington DC and would love to visit again. I thought the bad-guy was good and the background on the character was well-written, but it wasn't the same. I have to read Inferno next and I'm pretty sure it'll live up to the hype because it takes place in Italy, which was a strong point for the first 2 books.

[Matthew]

I really enjoyed this book. And I've read all by dan brown.

The alternate Bible at the end contains obtained information and instructions on how to unlock the full potential of the human brain. A power which humanity was not yet ready to harness. Ability to self heal, move things with mind, basically make us Gods.

[Bijay]

Agreed. I initially loved the Masonic history and all the climatic revelations but the ending was very upsetting.

Think about it, Peter Solomon, who went through all this torture, list his hand, nearly lost his sister, lost all the notices work by his sis, found and killed his only child, suddenly forgets everything and starts out with Langdon to the Washington Monument, just because Dan Brown has to complete the story within 1 day? Common.. Plus, the Mason's being religious but a non Christian org, decided to burry the Bible, which was the lost word, utter nonsense...

[Karan]

Initially the book was quite amazing. It made me laugh, cry, shiver in fear at some scenes. It really did put me through a rollercoaster of emotions.
The ending however was very Disappointing.
The hype for an afterworld for which Mal'akh had sacrificed so much was created from the very start and so less was shown when he died.
Also, the great treasure was a Bible? Was the Bible special or different from the rest or not. If it was special, then why didn't he take out the Bible.
The book created quite a bit of confusion at the end.

[Whitney]

This book takes a bit of knowing a few things about Freemasonry in general. The Bible is in fact the whole secret in the way it takes many years of studying, devotion, & fellowship with other Freemason practice/guidance in one’s own “craft” to reach the highest level of ability for true enlightenment. No, Freemason’s do not have to believe in accepted name of God as Christians use of any other name; they must however believe in The Grand Architect, the fellow craft, upheld traditions, rites, responsibilities, and all the other oaths they swear to uphold. Freemasonry is the cornerstone (haha deliberate but of fun there) not so secret in existing but still incredibly known for being secretive of whatever they are in possession of in anyway. Freemasons can obtain induction only 1 way, as an entered apprentice of a blue lodge. However, a mason can spend their life never reaching the degree or participation of the other larger global bodies of Scottish & York Rite. Age, nor time of practice, or bloodline matter in ascension of level (degree) in Freemasonry. It is all reliant on the individual Freemason to choose their dedication, practice, participation, ect. which is genuinely why I found Brown to write the pace of this novel in which he did. Also, the tone, manner, & the revelation of the book being exactly what Freemason’s know & protect: the subduing of passions to ever be able to have any power of the way knowledge or how to obtain higher enlightenment. This novel is very different than Angels & Demons & The DaVinci Code. But, all of the tones of science, religion, & truth are in this work as well. Brown is brilliant. If I didn’t know what little truth about Freemasonry & Masons that constructed Solomon’s temple prior to reading this it would have made me dislike it. This novel is tied for my favorite in the Langdon series. As a bibliophile & decently respected as an academic higher education level academic that’s trying to survive “teaching literature” in this new fangled educational world of technology, google, & a restricted list that is more for restricting any ability to use higher thought or imagination or acceptance of different perspectives/culture/ect that kids are physically sitting in but are rarely willing (cellphones in class are a real problem) & rarely are able to be taught due lacking massive skills in how to comprehend anything from a literary dinosaur like myself…apologies; I digressed (massively). For me, as much as I still remember the very 1st copy of The Divine Comedy & also as deeply as I have always admired & studied as much research as possible in, The Inferno, Brown’s work, Inferno reigns supreme as my least favorite.

As for the initial post asking about the hidden Bible, the short answer is this: Freemasons are given a Freemasonry Bible upon entrance into the craft. Said Bible is usually retrieved swiftly upon their deaths from their homes. Freemasons don’t seek out members & openly invite those seeking to possibly enter the craft to an open lodge meeting. The Bible is the cornerstone of Freemasonry & its tools the square & compass. All of those are all one needs to follow & learn the Great Architect’s way to passing into enlightened beyond this realm. Freemasons have things hidden in plain sight everywhere. Not every Freemason knows what it all is or the location. It’s about maintaining self control, order, & balance to the duality of gaining a deeper fellowship. So, the Bible is special. Even if we have mere fragments of it or if parts of it are hidden or there are many aspects of history erased through using the Bible (the opposite of the whole bloodline existence plot in The Davinci Code) & the dangers that occur when man believes himself capable of divinity or being God without understanding of the dangers limiting your faith in just science or in just religion it causes the reality of catastrophe (Angels & Demons did that in using what is now our reality if the existence of the Higgs-Bosom particle, cERN & the 2 living Popes we have. The Lost Symbol is meant to be more dredging in pace & as always full of things we may never know the real answer to or if it’s all just fiction.