Rating: 
Summary: Excellent book of inaccuaricies
Review: This book is a book that every catholic should read, scrutinize and analyze down to the last syllable NOT b/c it is a great book but b/c the blatant inaccuracies/misrepresentations that exist throughout the book which are so bluntly aimed at denegrating the teachings of the Church and of Christ. Every Catholic should be INFORMED (and this book DEPENDS on the reader NOT being informed)of the true history, tradition and teachings of the church, and this book is an excellent book to help point out some of the aspects that Catholics SHOULD be informed about. The book's misinformation and misrepresentation of various teachings of the church to the author's own end, including those about the important role of women (which obviously were not in his interest or in the interest of others to admit), the author appears to be totally obsessed (and that is the ONLY word that can be used) with female worship. The book was described by the New York Times as a thriller which does not say much about the correspondent's level of reading. For a thriller it is poor. You know who killed who from the Chapter 1. The rest of the story is not thrilling at all..... you know everything that is going to happen. you can predict it. It is just a graphic discharge of spite towards the catholic church including Opus Dei. Of course, had the murderer been exposed at the end there would have been NO space for the author to express all his distorted feelings towards the catholic church. Furthermore it is interesting how EVERY person with any form of faith and dedication to the catholic church is portrayed as evil. The lack of knowledge of the author is explicit.e.g. In the description of the Madonna of the Rocks - He wrongly calls St. John the Baptist Jesus and vice versa. If he has any doubts of who J. the Baptist is he should look up most of the art c1500-1600 where he is always portrayed with a long stick and a cross at the top. The "John the Baptist" painting by Da Vinci himself shows him like so. When I showed the actual painting to people and read how the author describes it, proved to be excellent humor. The interpretation of the Last supper is likewise absurd. Christ and John (who the author calls Mary) would have had to have VERY wide hips in order to be touching as described. One piece of advice to the author, In presuming such authority you have only revealed YOUR GROSS ignorance of many aspects covered by the book.... Before you write, BE informed and make sure that your references ARE credible. The intelligence of an author can be discerned by his/her capacity not only to use the material he/she has available that agrees with his agenda, but his/her capacity to analyze critically every aspect of his/her data be it for or against and to present it in a balance manner to make the reader think - which this book certainly does not.
Rating: 
Summary: No Way - I've Got To Check That
Review: This book is a fast paced adventure that was researched quite well. There is some conspiracy element to it, but it is written in such a way as to not detract from the readability of the book. The puzzles, the suspense, and the art history make it a thoroughly entertaining read. I, like other reviewers, found myself doing research tied to what was in this book - everything in the book was tied to reality. After the Da Vinci Code, you may want to read Angels & Demons, which I actually enjoyed more - it has an element of science that makes you ask yourself "Could that really happen?" If you have ever been to the Louvre in Paris, you will know that Mr. Brown's descriptions are exactly right. I was able to visit the Louvre for a quick look back in 2002 and the book described a lot of the things that I saw. Da Vinci Code gives you inside information on the Louvre, while Angels & Demons gives you inside information about Vatican City. I read this book faster than any book I have read in the past - so beware, you may want to start on a weekend when sleepless nights are more easily tolerated.
Rating: 
Summary: Anti-religious Mystery
Review: This book is a fine mystery, except for the anti-religious themes. I am a Christian and believe the Bible to be the word of God, and 100% accurate - and this book claims in it's story that the New Testament is false along with countless other inaccurate accusations. I would not recommend this book to anyone who is a Christian, because you will be very disappointed by the story and it's alternate view.
Rating: 
Summary: Good read although implausible and a bit amateurish
Review: This book is a good read. I read it in one sitting. My main criticisms are: 1. The priory of sion is really a hoax. 2. It is too politically correct and contrived. 3. I did not really care about the secret of the Holy Grail. 4. I never cared about the characters. The positives are: 1. Dan Brown teaches the reader a few interesting facts about some fascinating works of art. 2. The first half of the book is a good murder mystery.
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: The Da Vinci Load
Review: This book is a great suspence conspiracy type novel written with great talent and imagination. Too much. I'm not sure if the Author is losing his grip between fact and fiction as I saw him on TV the other day talking about his book like it was truth. The fact that Da Vinci painted Mary Magdalene at his last supper painting, doesn't mean he was married to her. Da Vinci wasn't walking the earth at the same time Jesus was alive. What gives people the Idea that Da Vinci has some inside knowledge on the life of Jesus. What a stretch, eh? So, despite the book being a load, it's a well written one. I'll give him that. I also want to recommend the book, The Little Guide To Happiness. It's a tiny cute little thing, but I thought it worth mentioning
Rating:
Summary: not harmless at all
Review: This book is a hate crime masquerading as a novel.
Rating:
Summary: An absolute scream
Review: This book is a hoot from start to finish. Having researched Opus Dei, the Knights Templar, Holy Blood, Holy Grail, and the facts known about Mary of Magdala, I thought it proposterous from start to finish, but very clever. I bought copies for friends so they could laugh at it. That anybody would ever take it seriously never occurred to me. To write something like this, you have to take egregious liberties with historical facts, and have utter disregard for the reputations of people living and dead. A laughable story. That it would be so widely successful never occurred to me. Dan Brown, enjoy it while it lasts. Any time an author scores like this, the rest of us have to be happy for you! You have pulled off an incredible joke on everybody! Anne Rice, 1239 First Street, New Orleans Louisiana, 70130
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST OF DAN BROWN!
Review: This book is a literary masterpiece. I enjoyed the way so many historical facts were woven in so smoothly throughout this mystery novel. This book is worth the time and money. It is truly a work of art itself and deserves to bear the name of the great Da Vinci. This book is hard to put down, so clear your weekend schedule!
Rating:
Summary: Best book I've read in a very long time
Review: This book is a masterpiece. It's that simple. I am completely stunned by both the research and the ability to catapult the reader through strings of clues, riddles, mystery, and suspense. If you are looking for a book that will captivate all of your attention for a fabulous 454 pages, read this. Many compliments to Mr. Brown on his fabulous accomplishment.
enjoy!
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