Rating: 
Summary: OHMYGOD!
Review: This was the most fun I have had reading a book in a long time. A really tightly written murder mystery wrapped in an enigma. Great characters, fast action (454 pages and most of the story takes place in about 18 hours), plot twists to make your head spin, Art, Religion, History . . . Sorry, I have to get back to reading it AGAIN!
Rating: 
Summary: Just another novel
Review: (Its a fascinating exercise, looking up books that you love (which this one isn't), and reading the reviews sorted Lowest first. Try it sometimes...)I have to admit, I bought and read this book largely in spite of all the low ratings and accusations of anti-christian sentiment. I'm a bit of a puzzle-nut, and I thought this might be an interesting read, despite the reviews. I agree with many that its not a fabulous work of literature, to live on for years, and I doubt that Dan Brown intended it to be. If he did, well, that a different story, and has nothing to do with a review of this book. I agree that its certainly going to ruffle the feathers of people who don't actually have faith in their faith, so to speak. Heck, I had no problem with "The Branch" by Mike Resnick, "Behold the Man" by Michael Moorcock, pretty much everything by James Morrow. But I recognise that those things, like this book, are stories. Not truth. Not something to live your life by. Stories. Actually, I don't see anywhere in this novel where Brown suggests Christ didn't die on the cross, and *thats* the fundamental tenet of Christianity, that God became man, and died for your sins. Whilst I don't believe it happened the way Brown describes it, I don't have a problem believing that Christ did all the things that normal men did. That was the point - he was a man. Son of God, but man. I do sometimes wonder at why we place blind faith in some books, and distruct others, especially given the whole "eye of a needle" thing (look it up sometime). Translation is such a tough topic, and requires so much context, that you wonder how any of these things survived the illiteracy of the past. Did you know that "boy" used to mean "a child of either gender" ? Thats how the Greeks used it, at least thats what I've read. Imagine the historical documents you might need to rethink taking that into account... Another thing other reviewers focus on are the supposed attacks on the Church, and Opus Dei in particular. Did any of them actually read to the end of the book where its revealed that "surprise, as institutions, they weren't involved in this after all" ? I think its probably *not* a good book to recommend to people coming to grips with Christianity, nor is it one to pass blindly to teenagers without making quite clear to them that its fiction, not fact, not based-on-fact. In fact, I doubt I'd recommend it to anyone unless they asked about it. (ie, don't read it because I gave it 2 stars, read it because you think you might enjoy it) My main objection to the book is the fundamental premise that there is a secret society that has had,and kept, a secret for hundreds of years, and yet there are all these "cryptic crossword clues" left lying around the world pointing at the secret, in such a trivial fashion. And so simplistically... For example, ask yourself why the scroll saying "The trail stops here" deliberately put its guardian in danger. Why didn't it say "go dig up the underground" - the guardian would still see the clue being exhumed, but would be in no danger whatsoever when she gave the signal. When push came to shove, the conspirators just weren't that convincing. Combine that with comic-book villians, and thats what killed it for me.
Rating: 
Summary: Very cool
Review: Everytime you think youve got it figured, you realize you dont. Everytime you think you know where its headed, you ralize its gone in a totally different direction. Keeps you guessing, makes you think, if you love art, art history, and its influences on religion, this is a must read. Who knew a great murder mystery could be so smart? I really enjoyed The Da Vinci Code
Rating:
Summary: Get Over Your Academia and Enjoy the MYSTERY!
Review: This was a wonderful book for anyone who likes twisty-turny mysteries and puzzles and stories that make you think, "Did that REALLY HAPPEN?" "Is that true?" Who cares that there are factual inaccuracies, it's FICTION!!!
I found the Audio book quite enjoyable as well as the hardcover. (Though the reader's "French" accent turned off a couple of friends.)
This book is terrific, and who reads mysteries for the grammar anyway??
Rating: 
Summary: The Da Vinci Code should have remained a secret
Review: This book is a great read; it is a page turner, but it's like the proverbial "Chinese food." A few minutes after you have finished it you feel as if you've read nothing at all. I don't believe that the Catholic church cares one way or the other about the "Holy Grail." The "quest" for this undocumented object is perpetuated by fiction writers, Hollywood producers, and misguided individuals who believe that objects can be endowed with supernatural power-the Jerry Springer crowd. The great tragedy about this mystery book is that the writer wastes his time on this boring subject. He is multi-talented as a writer, but an untalented chooser of what to write about. Isn't this what editors and agents are for? Try again, please, Dan, but next time choose a believable story.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as lame as Angels and Demons, but not up to the hype
Review: I read "Angels and Demons" first, and it has a plot hole you can drive truck through - at least this book is better. For some reason this book has a "buzz" about it - I think some folks think this is based on facts. If you read it as light fiction, it is OK. Anyone paying much attention will easily figure out who "teacher" is LONG before the characters in the book. Get it from the library or wait for the paperback. Dennis
Rating:
Summary: Such an Interesting Premise--such poor writing
Review: Having heard Dan Brown interviewed on NPR, I bought this book thinking it would be a cut above the standard thriller genre of airport paperbacks. Unfortunately, the character development was one-dimensional to non-existent, the prose was on a sixth-grade reading level and the story was so implausible as to insult one's intelligence. It is a shame that the years of research Brown discussed in detail with his interviewer produced such a disappointing result
Rating:
Summary: Captivating!
Review: I had never read a novel which I could not put down until I read THE DA VINCI CODE (TDVC). I've heard and read that phrase used so many times before but have never actually experienced such a phenomenon. The plot of TDVC is so enthralling that you DO NOT WANT TO PUT IT DOWN until you read the whole book. Mr. Brown has come up with such an amazing story/theory (perhaps?) that it compels you to not only enjoy the book but also to ponder the hisorical points he mentions. Don't know which are true and which are not but it leaves one very curious. Would love to see a sequel. Perhaps one dealing with family members of the present Merovingians (Was surprised to see this name used as one of the characters in THE MATRIX: RELOADED as the movie was filmed before the book came out . . . curious.)
Rating:
Summary: Jurassic Park for History Nerds (almost)
Review: Like Jurassic Park this is very good genre fiction, which the author roots in real concepts (J. Park- genetic engineering, chaos theory, DV Code- religious, medieval and art history) but very seemlessly builds on those concepts using his own imagination and constructions. If Jurassic Park is the pinnacle of genre fiction (5 stars), than this book deserves four stars. The two main reasons being its pacing, short cliff hanger chapters, which gets slightly redundant after a while, and a (slight) let down of an ending. That said, as an admitted history nerd myself, I really enjoyed this book. I like the way he reveals the whole back story over the course of the book, as I stated before, moving from actual history into his own theories. I like the clues in the art he uses, and the connection between the main theme of the book (I don't want to give it away) and well.. everything, from Rennaissance Art to language to pop culture and everything in between. The writing was good, I didn't expect much, and it was a true page turner. I read it faster than any thing I've read in a while. All in all, a very entertaining read with some very interesting ideas.
Rating:
Summary: Compelling Enough to Spark Something in Everyone!
Review: I must say that in reading some of the reviews listed here many of you have not read "Angels and Demons." This book by Brown also leads the reader by the strings of the Harvard man and the questionable views of the Christian, and more importantly, the Catholic Church. Having already been introduced to Brown's skepticism I was prepared for this new maze of secrecy and exciting travel. Brown uses his exceptional skills as a novelist to guide you through unknown territory. He makes you think, analyze, question, argue, relent, and hopefully reinforce your true beliefs... whatever they may be. You can reaffirm your faith, entertain immense possibilities or spend time condemning another way of thought - in any case you are completely active in the story. You are completely compelled to turn the page to figure out what lies ahead. Brown touches on so many controversial topics that plague us today that he should definitely be hailed as a great conversation starter! He touches on topics that are not wholly made up nor are only from Baigent's "Holy Blood, Holy Grail." These beliefs/theories/conspiracies are not necessarily common, but they do lie beneath the surface bubbling with intrigue. I have extensive studies and degrees in art as well and if the Last Supper is da Vinci misleading the Christians, it is not a far step to believe his sketches (labeled sketches) were meant to follow in the same path. Keep in mind those who assess the work of others are always ASSUMING they are correct unless there is an essay provided by the artist referencing the exact meaning of the work. I am Catholic and my beliefs are as such. However, I do not find this book insulting, rather an affirmation of what I believe. My research into the topics of this book have yielded interesting FACTS which I continue to study. All in all BRILLIANTLY FACINATING! Fun read - pick it up!
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