Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: Reader Beware _ There are no FACTS in the book Review: The book is a fast paced thriller that would probably make a great movie. The core problem is that is presents "facts" throughout the book regarding the origins of Christianity. If you review any published commentary on the book, you will find that it is poorly researched and most "facts" in the books are just warmed over theories, most of which are not based on any historical facts. Reader beware - DO NOT READ anything in the book as a true fact! With that in mind, where is the outrage regarding The Da Vinci Code? Where are the pundits on Fox, CNN and MSNBC decrying the No.1 bestseller that mixes "fact" and fiction in such irresponsible manner, leaving the reader with the impression that Christianity is just hoax? Where are those people who vehemently objected to Mel Gibson's movie, "The Passion" but who apparently have no problem with a book (and a movie) that questions whether there is any legitimate basis to Christian beliefs? This is not just an attack on the Christian religion, it is attack on all organized religions including Judaism and Islam. The book is both anti-Catholic and anti-religion, and in wierd way - pro-pagan. The mainstream media has used the book as opportunity to explore the role of woman in early Christianity. That is just a sideshow, the book is a frontal assault on most Americans' core beliefs. The misinformation contained in the book will only spread further once the movie is released which is sure to be a blockbuster.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: BIBLE-THUMPERS ARE UPSET BUT NEED LATEST RESEARCH!! Review: For those who keep hoping the info behind DAVINCI CODE is "just fiction", there are scholarly sources that are breaking the hold of the Inquisition. The most recent are: PBS.org in their series From Jesus to Christ. In "The First Christians" they say: "This site is anchored by the testimony of New Testament theologians, archaeologists and historians who serve as both critics and storytellers. They address dozens of key issues, disagreements and critical problems relating to Jesus' life and the evolution of Christianity." WESTAR INSTITUTE is another great site with over 200 scholars. On the opening page which features "The Jesus Seminar" and "The Gospel of Mary of Magdala", under "Did Jesus Fulfill prophecy?" they state "since Matthew's proof-from-prophecy theme has been foundational to christianity's conviction that it is superior to Judaism, and since that conviction has had such pernicious consequences historically, christian scholars, and all who are committed to the HONEST EXAMINATION of christian origins, have an ethical obligation to examine Matthew's claims . . . First, we will examine how Matthew handled prophecy, or more precisely, he MANIPULATED!! it" . . . ANYONE WHO REALLY WANTS TO KNOW NEEDS TO LOOK FURTHER THAN A POLITICALLY MOTIVATED AND REINFORCED BY INQUSITION canon!! this will soothe your heart on what Jesus might really have been trying to do . . . and you will realize the greatest message was Love and Doing as he did and more!! not killing others literally and emotionally if they don't agree with you!!
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Fabricated History or Real Truth? Review: I encourage anyone who reads this book to do so with an open mind. Whether the historical facts related within are actual truth or not, that does not take away from the fact that this is a good book. The pace is fast and what Brown relates interesting. I particularly like the idea of the sacred feminine and the secrets behind Da Vinci's paintings. As a Christian, this did encourage me to explore further the history of Christianity and the Catholic faith.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: "Lighten Up": It's a Novel; Therefore, It's Fiction Review: For whatever it's worth! After much discussion about Dan Brown's hot bestselling novel, I'd like to add some summary statements based upon having read the book. There's no point in being verbose about this. Yes, I enjoyed the book with reservations. Here are my observations - by Juliana L'Heureux:1. The Da Vinci Code is an entertaining murder mystery. 2. It's a novel; therefore, it's fiction. 3. Dan Brown is a clever novelist so there's several unexpected twists to the plot, almost all the intrigue stretches to pass the "straight face test" (clever, nonetheless). 4. Although Dan Brown claims the art history, etc. described is based upon his FACT, he doesn't explain why the paradoxes in The Da Vinci Code were never exposed by the Protestant Reformation. Surely, some people at this point may have made up their mind about The Da Vinci code based upon the reviews and spin off discussions about the book, but without reading it for themselves. Almost everyone who reads The Da Vinci Code enjoys the story. For skeptics who feel the book is (a) too hyped or (2) too heavily weighted towards the sacred feminine- I'd say, "lighten up" and read it for the story value; or- just wait for the movie to be released.
Rating: ![2 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-2-0.gif) Summary: I cannot deny it: this book is crap. Review: I received this book as a gift, and plowed through it in one week. Maybe I'm wrong in thinking this, but I think a good book should take a little longer. It certainly shouldn't take me only a week to read and STILL feel like a chore. This book should have the subtitle "Alternate History for Dummies". It presents a sketchy take on history as fact, and it does so in such a patronizing way that I was just bored. It is poorly written and poorly plotted. The action takes place in what should be some very interesting locales, but the author's poor writing ability make London indistinguishable from Paris, and the environments come off bland and uninteresting. The action may as well take place in an empty warehouse. I didn't care about the characters or their fates. The author followed the formula of "Angels and Demons" to an appalling degree, and the result is a book that is weak in comparison (and that book wasn't great, either). I was not in suspense, and I cannot forgive how patronizing and didactic it was. The idea that people will use this as a place to get their history scares me. Why don't I give it one star? Because I didn't quite hate it. But I don't like it, either. Read something else.
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: A lie Review: Everyting the author says about Opus Dei is a lie. If he doesn't know the Opus Dei is not because it's secret. There are more than 80.000 members around the world. I'm a member. If someone is interested about Opus Dei, please mail me. There are thousands of books, articles, and websites about Opus Dei. Just type Opus Dei in google. Nothing about pictures. Best
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: what life is all about by MO Review: a tale of anamolous convention that molests the notion of unequivical sanctimonious congruity, but does so with a passion that nearly eclipses that wondrous and loving book titled "what life is all about" by MO. both, though entirely different, reach and strike at the heart of the human condition. if you don't own both correct your err now.
Rating: ![2 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-2-0.gif) Summary: Disappointing Review: Maybe after hearing so much about this book, I'd set my expectations too high. But upon finishing this remarkably mediocre book, I couldn't help but scratch my head and wonder how in the hell this "novel" continues to top the best-sellers list. As others have mentioned, this clunker reads as if the author is absolutely itching to sign on for the movie. The chapters are so short, you wonder if the target audience has A.D.D. The concepts are interesting, yes...but the prose is jerky, the characters remarkably flat and completely unengaging. All Dan Brown has done is find an absorbing topic and convert it into what is ultimately a very lame "thriller." I never have been impressed with the genre; thrillers are for those who don't have the capacity to appreciate REAL literature. Don't waste your time on this book. Even a common idiot could figure out the "clues" that our supposedly "genius" characters puzzle over like dumb dogs for chapters. Examples: wow, could the ten-digit code to the vault possibly be the ten numbers Grandpa wrote on the floor in his dying moments? Could the password to the cryptex possibly be - gasp! - his granddaughter's name? And honestly, what moron wouldn't recognize Leonardo Da Vinci's famous backwards handwriting? I thought these characters were supposed to be SMART. Bottom line: skip it. You're not missing much.
Rating: ![3 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-3-0.gif) Summary: Kept my interest, but ...... Review: This book is an exciting read, but the ending was so disappointing that it took away from its promise. At the end, all of the puzzles and games to figure things out seem nothing but stupid. I enjoyed Defenders of the Holy Grail, another novel with similiar themes, much more.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: BOOK-KNOCKERS NOT VERY ALERT!! Review: It seems some of the programmed book-knockers are not on top of it!! Nigel Foster, who got 5 out of 7 saying that his bit helped them, hadn't even read (probably didn't even read at all)close enough to know that Dan Brown cited the Templar Revelation as a source of info on p. 253. Oh, to be at the mercy of such "informants".!! Thank heavens for the brilliant people who saw the crap of the many past Inquisitions and gave us our Constitution for freedom of choice in religion.
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