Rating:  Summary: IYLTYWLWPTJBNTR Review: Everyone take a deep breath. Don't get so excited, or upset. After all, Dan Brown's "The DaVinci Code" is only a mystery-type fictional novel. Read it for enjoyment, not for some kind of positive or negative religious message. I recommend that all who enjoyed "The DaVinci Code" will want to follow the message hidden in my title cypher above:.................... IYLTYWLWPTJBNTR .......... IF YOU LIKED THIS YOU WILL LOVE WEST POINT THOMAS JEFFERSON BY NORMAN THOMAS REMICK
Rating:  Summary: The Long, Slow Descent Review: Everything you every knew is wrong...or so says Dan Brown. This novel received such incredible hype that I was almost certain to be let down. You can approach such a book in two ways: Forget reality and have a fun read or try to appreciate the research and idea even if the storyline strays from time to time. The opening was absolutely one of the best I have come read. For a time you are thinking the "Thomas Crown Affair" in terms of sophisticated presentation. It soon devolves, though, into a Robert Ludlum conspiracy with mad priests, a prototype French detective, unassuming hero, brave heroine, evil religious institutions, ancient mysteries, etc. You've seen it all before. Brown devotes much energy in regurgitating the whole Jesus- Mary "affair" [what a double entendre] and the improbable notion that their lineage still exists in none other than (gasp!!) the damsel who rescued our unassuming hero. Of course, she had no idea. We learn that "real" religion was once about the "goddess" but then those crafty males discredited her personhood and gained control of religious institutions. Male-domination owes far more to physical prowess than nefarious schemes to diss Isis/Athena/Eve or in this case, Mary Magdalene. A recurring problem is the attempt to integrate the action with discussions of pseudo-historical import. What you get is a mad race then a pause for a casual conversation on behind-the-scenes machinations at the Council of Nicene or being held at gunpoint while discussing cryptography in ancient Rome or reviewing the the apparent not-so-secret lives of such luminaries as Da Vinci, Newton, and modern day French presidents. The ending was as bizarre and awful as the beginning was grand. This is a book I wanted to like. It had intellectual and artistic appeal, semi-original material and an unlikely hero. This could have been a shocking, moving book but of course, in the end, nothing is really changed. For a good religious mystery get "Gospel"
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: 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:  Summary: AN INTRODUCTION TO GREATER THINGS Review: Excelent piece of fiction. A real page turner. Save the weekend to read this one. This work was greatly researched, not only the historical background, but the places and settings in which the plot develops. I have lived in London-and frequently visited Paris- and the book really brought the sights and sounds back to me. It actually made me reflect on the wealth of symbolism present in most European landmarks and churches: secret orders, ancient catholic and pagan rites. What is wonderful about Mr. Brown's book is that he uses his fictional plot (based on completely accurate and researched facts) to unveil a world unknown to the rest of us. I am sure this book, although a piece of fiction, will spark reader's interest of other books and works on the divine feminine, history of Art, the Vatican, Da Vinci and secret religious orders.
Rating:  Summary: Da Vinci Code Review: Excellent read. Couldn't put it down.
Rating:  Summary: The Da Vinci Code Review: Excellent read. Suspenseful book I found extremely difficult to put away. This is the first book I have ever considered reading twice - the first time to find out the story and the second for the details! Dan Brown has woven his fictional characters wonderfully into the real life Grail controversy and brought up this 'conspiracy theory for a new generation! This book made me painfully aware of how much history I do not know, but it made me want to learn more!
Rating:  Summary: the da vinci code Review: Excellent reading, exciting story and very informative regarding myths and legends surrounding the vatican and christianity.
Rating:  Summary: A gallimaufrey of dunsical folly Review: Exciting, I guess, and it made me want to finish, but it's ignorant and illiterate.
Rating:  Summary: A big let down Review: Expecting a crisp, intelligent read, I found one dimensional characters and very weak dialouge. The protaganist was the weakest of all the characters. A "must put down" and forget about it book. I would have rated the book no stars if I had the chance.
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