Rating: 
Summary: gotcha thinkin'
Review: I have never written a review at Amazon before. I've bought a lot of books on Amazons recommendation, and I must admit, I'd never heard of Dan Brown and it took me awhile to buy the book. I gave it to my husband first-and he read it in several hours. I took it with me to the lake, and spent an entire day of my vacation reading this book. I could not put it down. It was a pure pleasure to read. I am not a professional reviewer, just an average joe buying a book to read, and I say this is one of the best books I've read in years. I've passed my copy around at work so much that I've lost track of who is reading it now. I highly recommend this book to anyone who just likes a good story and doesn't know(or care)about "historical accuracy" and "dangling participles". Its fiction, and its just plain fun.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't buy the hype!
Review: I have never written an Amazon review before, but felt compelled to chime in here. This book had such an obvious agenda that it triggered my radar immediately. There are numerous inherent contradictions in the theory here. The most obvious being that if, as Brown suggests, the whole "Jesus as divine" theory is a creation of the Catholic Church via Constantine (I'm not even going to touch the historical problems with this), Mary Magdalene would not then be a "Holy" grail at all. Add to it his suggestion that we should "return to the days of the goddess," as if theat would bring peace to the world. Does this man know his Greek and Roman mythology and history at all? As an example, Athena was the goddess of WAR. Read a little Homer, buddy. There are numerous other problems with this book, not the least of which is the transparent ending, which is obvious from at least midway through, which leaves you with 200 pages of boredom. Admittedly the art history is mildly interesting, but the faulty logic makes this book too annoying to be worth it. If you just can't help yourself, borrow it from your library.
Rating:
Summary: A Divine Page Turner!
Review: I have not lost sleep or been late for work due to a book for a long time. This time it's Dan Brown's fault! Excellent read, informative and exciting. Just read "Beyond Belief - The Secret Gospel of Thomas", which first brought the actions of the early Christian church to my awareness. This book was a great follow on for me on that topic. But "Da Vinci Code" stands as being just a good 'ol pager turner mystery!
Rating:
Summary: Another Page-Turner by Dan Brown
Review: I have read all of Mr. Brown's books and am glad his work is finally getting the attention it deserves. The Da Vinci code takes the lead character from what I think is Mr. Brown's best book, Angels and Demons, and plants him at the scene of a murder within the Louvre. The story moves with the speed of a hit hollywood movie, and from what I understand it may well become one. This has been Mr. Brown's style with all his books. Short chapters that almost always end suspensefully, forcing the reader to keep committing to "just a few more pages" before going to bed. I have never taken more than 72 hours to read one of Mr. Brown's books. They are just too hard to put down! The Da Vinci code is extremely well-researched, and it is amazing how Mr. Brown is able to craft a puzzle with so many twists, turns and double-meanings. If you haven't read the Da Vinci code yet and have an interest, I'd suggest reading Angels and Demons first. It isn't at all necessary to understanding the Da Vinci code, but it does give you an introduction to Robert Langdon and is the first book in this series that I am sure will be long-running and successful.
Rating:
Summary: The best book yet!
Review: I have read many books and no other piece of literary work has captured my attention in this fashion from page 1 and on. I doubt I will ever find another book of this caliber. HUGE fan!
Rating:
Summary: More than just a good thriller
Review: I have read many great books before, but I never had any concept of what a "page-turner" really was before I read "The DaVinci Code." The first night, I started reading and the next time I looked up, it was 2 a.m. and I had read about 150 pages. The simple fact that it is a good thriller makes it hard to put down. However, the most enthralling aspect of this book is the simultaneous presentation of some mind-blowing revelations about the roots of Christianity and Christian symbolism. Not only do you keep reading to find out what happens to the characters, but you also do so to find out the next little historical detail that Brown repeatedly dangles in front of your nose. The only thing I didn't like about this book was the dubious nature of some of the "revelations" that are presented. I am generally skeptical about symbology to begin with (anyone can attach any meaning they wish to a symbol or painting, or even a work of literature, if the person who made it is dead), and this book didn't do anything to lessen my skepticism. All in all, a very enjoyable book, particularly for someone with an open mind and a good knowledge of traditional Christian beliefs.
Rating: 
Summary: Enough Already!
Review: I have read many of the reviews posted here, and I don't get it! Why are some of you taking this book so seriously? Folks, this is a novel, not history. Why do some of you say this is all true and some of you say it is all fiction. Years of research on the topics would be needed in order to make an intelligent commentary. I found myself going to websites and getting very basic information on Opus Dei, The Knights of Templer, The Grail and "The Last Supper" by DaVinci (the resolution on my computer is not that good and as such confirming some of the of the statements was impossiple). I found that this basic resaerch made the book more enjoyable. As for the religious implications. First of all this book is not anti-Christian. The book presents alternative views to those that Christians believe in. Christians are the entire goup of people that believe that Christ was the son of God and died for the sins of all man kind. The only religous group that is ever mentioned in this book is the Catholic church. One one else. Christians are not bashed here, only some of their beliefs.So, if you say it is Catholic bashing, I respect your opinions. I also can not understand that some say this is boring. Surely you jest. This is an exciting story. Predictable? Yes. You will know who the master is 20 pages after he is introduced. Factual? Yes and no. Educational? I learned a great deal by doing research on the Web. Books should make you think. Fun? No doubt about it. Controversial? You bet. If you like a good mystery, you should enjoy this book. Oh, one other fact, this is such an improvement over "Deception Point" that I reviewed last year. Now that was truely awful. Later.
Rating:
Summary: Everybod Relax!
Review: I have read most of the reviews on this book, and I am glad I did so AFTER reading the book myself. I found this book EXTREMELY interesting and entertaining. It is fun to read a book that gets the ole juices flowing in the brain again. Like other reviews have said, I found myself putting down the book and running to the computer constantly to do research. It made me WANT to learn more about art, Christianity, history, etc. So what if a few of the facts are not 100% correct? I looked up on the computer what was important to me, and am enjoying all the new information and theories. It will be a fun topic of discussion and debate with my friends who are Christians, Buddists, Athiests, Agnostic, etc. It is a novel, not a faith deciding textbook. If you don't agree with facts, go look it up yourself and find what YOU think is true! If that bothers you, then go read in the non-fiction department. Don't get me wrong, I am a Christain, and am very comfortable in my faith. I think reading The Bible cover to cover can be more disturbing! Talk about contradictions...To all the people who gave it a one star vote, thanks for your reading suggestions of "The Purpose-Driven Life","Gospel", etc. I look forward to reading those too. An open mind is a happy mind.
Rating:
Summary: Intricate jigsaw puzzle of riddles, double entendres, GREAT
Review: I have read much historical fiction/suspense, and this is certainly one of my "top five". The clues, puzzles, double-entendres, and anagrams are brilliant. The story grabs hold immediately and does not let go of the reader...I did not put the book down until I was finished, and was disappointed that the experience was over. The Da Vinci Code is comparable to The Name of the Rose, An Instance of the Fingerpost, and other highly literate compositions. It is clever, entertaining, and captivating... It is guaranteed to thrill.
Rating: 
Summary: There's a formula to it
Review: I have read other books by Dan Brown and it seems he has a formula to his plots. Don't read the rest of this if you don't want to spoil the book. The formula goes like this: guy & a hot chick find something in the earth shattering category and have to tell the world about it. The guy and girl are being chased by a bad guy lackey for said item that could shatter the world. The bad guy lackey is actually being controlled by the person who they run to for help early on/mid way in the book. I do like his books but since I discovered this pattern, I read them for the details he puts in.
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