The Complete Idiots Guide to the Ultimate Reading List discussion
Chapter 5: Suspense
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The DaVinci Code
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Tera (TheBookishAbyss)
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May 25, 2008 02:39PM
A positive work of art. This story has so much going on, I don't know how Dan Brown was able to keep track of every little facet of the plot. You probably know that it is about a secret society that is protecting a treasure, the Holy Grail, from other sects, including the Catholic Church. There are many clues to follow, bad guys getting in the way, people dying. While so many Catholics took offense to the subject matter, I was not one of them. I look at it as an intriguing story and I feel that I am intelligent enough and secure enough in my faith to not be swayed by the ponderings of others. I look forward to his next book, scheduled to come out sometime this year.
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It's a quick and rather enjoyable read, but it has it's weaknesses.First of all Brown has basically novelized Holy Blood, Holy Grail, an older "non-fiction" book (which has been debunked some time ago).
Secondly, I've read DaVinci Code and it's prequel Angels and Demons, Digital Fortress and I started Deception Point but gave up on that one. Every protagonist Dan Brown seems to have written is a carbon copy of Robert Langdon - even the female protagonist from Deception Point seems to be Langdon in drag.
Then there's the bizarre disclaimer at the beginning of each of his books that what you're about to read is basically true, but the names have been changed to protect the innocent. This seems particularly grinding in DaVinci Code as Holy Blood, Holy Grail as I mentioned has been exposed as either a deliberate hoax or a huge mistake by the authors.
I read this because everyone around me was and I felt I was missing out on something. I wasn't that impressed. I liked the book, but didn't love it and have to analyze it and talk about like everyone around me did. I didn't really like the movie. It was just okay. I haven't tried anything else by Dan Brown. This time, I don't think I'm missing anything.
I thought it was enjoyable, I wouldn't put it up there as a great book that everyone should read. I thought Angels and Demons was better. Either way I think the biggest thing about this book was the church being so againist it, that's what caused all the hype.
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I've enjoyed all of Dan Brown's book. If they're not read in succession, the similar plot and likeness of characters does not become overdone. My favorite was Angels and Demons and I, too, was not impressed by the movie based on The DaVinci Code.
I enjoyed the book. I thought Dan Brown did a good job of weaving an entertaining story. I haven't read any of his other books. I also enjoyed the movie but thought the book was much better.
I actually liked this book depite all the hype surrounding it. Even though I grew up Catholic I didn't have any background info on the things mentioned in the book. So I ended up looking up some of the "historical facts" just to see where Dan Brown based his information on. It was a cool read because I enjoyed the story and learned some new things. It also inspired me to read other Dan Brown books like Digital Fortress and Angels and Demons, both of which I enjoyed. I think if you approach his work from an entertainment point of view you can enjoy it more.
I love this book, and the illustrated edition is really fun to read. It is worth reading the illustrated even if you have already read the book.
I really liked this book, you have to remember it is a fiction novel and agree with Jackie, if approached from an entertainment point of view it can be enjoyed more. I at first didn't want to read it because of all the hype but I'm glad I decided to. I have Angels and Demons to read as well some time in the future. Ah, so many books!!
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I agree that taking this book from an enjoyment perspective rather than a "this is great literature" perspective will help. It was good, not great, and was just as good as some other books I've read that I would classify as summer reading. Put it next to James Patterson or something and I think it holds up. Next to a truly great author, Brown doesn't stand a chance. But, not every book has to be great and this one clearly served a purpose in popular culture or struck a chord at the right time or something. I'm glad I've read it - I don't think I'll pick it up again.Oh, and I agree that the movie wasn't as good - and basically I was just distracted by Tom Hanks' hair the entire time.
I agree that Angels and Demons was better. I liked this but didn't think it lived up to all the hype. I agree with you Emily, good story, not great-and about Tom Hanks' hair in the movie!!
So I just read Angel and Demons is filming, and the Catholic church has banned any filming of statues...I have to laugh. They don't even realize they are making this movie/book all the more popular. I wonder if ever the church will get over their addiction to creating rules and bans?
I always say there is no smoke without fire - the Church is making a huge fuss over The Da Vinci Code saying its not true but if they no it is a work of fiction why make all the fuss. Is the church trying to hide something????I loved the book and I'm a catholic, I thought using an ancient myth/legend and putting a story for modern times was a great idea. Plus it makes you want to visit the places he describes in the book. I've read all of his books and the only one I wasn't keen on was Digital Fortress.
This was a good book on audio. Yes, definitely one for entertainment purposes, but not so filled with fluff that you would say it's bad writing.
I enjoyed both this book and Angels and Demons. I haven't read anything else by him but I have Deception Point on my To-Read list. It didn't matter to me if the story was accurate or not. I read it as fiction and just let myself get caught up in the mystery and intrigue.
Lori, I too have only read The DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons, and read them both for entertainment only - preferred the second.
i'm like some of you who liked Angels and Demons much better than The Da Vinci Code. and i agree that The Da Vinci Code is entertaining and intriguing but did not in any way make me question my faith.so, there's a movie version of Angels & Demons coming up?
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I agree...angels and demons was better
I also loved the illustrated version of the book and agree that this book should not be judged as an attempt at nonfiction. It is a fiction novel, and if you approach it as such, it is a great story (and not so great movie!). I did wait to read Angels and Demons and agree that time between the books makes them less redundant!
I liked Angels and Demons better. But this was a good read. Didn't really enjoy the movie. I did not see Tom Hanks in the lead role.
What I find most intresting about these books is that people didn't really even know that Dan Brown was out there. I know I was one of those people. I have read many of his books now and love him. I have The lost symbol on my TBR shelf. @ Penny- I didn't really care much for Angels and Demons I felt that was my least favorite of his books. I like Langdon but if you have not yet you should check out some of his other work. I just felt he was trying to get to much into one book with A&D. Like he was trying to keep things moving and take us to may places. :)
