Codex

Rating:
Summary: Why did you listen to your agent, Lev?
Review: I love books, own several thousand of them, and have been known to spend serious quality time in libraries. But you'd have to be some kind of hardcore biblio-fetishist to get any "thrills" out of a plot that centers around unpacking boxes of books. But wait, there's also some no-holds-barred SHELVING. And even some explicit scenes of uncensored CATALOGUING! Yikes, what if "Codex" falls into the hands of innocent children?

Seriously, this warmed-over Dan Brown wouldn't be worth a look if it weren't for Lev Grossman's obvious talent. Unlike the clowns who hacked out "Rule of Four," Grossman can actually write. Ironically, "Codex" only comes alive when the action stops--there's a great coming-of-age novel in here that some clueless agent/editor destroyed by trying to hitch a ride on the "DaVinci Code" gravy train.

I was losing patience after about the 10th "action" scene set in the stacks, then almost gave up after a big climax set in -- you guessed it-- another freaking library! Dude, even Sterling after closing time wasn't that exciting. Another misstep is a silly subplot about a computer game: Writing about computer games is like talking about onanism--it's a lot more fun (and easier) to do than describe. I was also a little grossed out by Grossman's obsession with the heroine's clearly prepubescent physique.

But I truly hope Grossman gets a new agent and writes the great novel that he's capable of at some point. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a follow-up to "Davinci," go back the the future with something by Trevanian--now that man knows how to write, plot AND generate some thrills.

Rating:
Summary: I liked it!
Review: Hmmm, after reading these reviews, I'm puzzled. I very much enjoyed this book. I thought it was interesting, as it involved subject matter seldom mentioned in any book. The characters seemed pretty solid and I found myself caring about what was to happen next. I'm not sure what exactly everyone is all worked up about, but if you're a mystery lover who is looking for something different- outside of the "series" mysteries, check out Codex. I thought it was fastastic.

Rating:
Summary: Not well thought out or written
Review: Although Mr. Grossman seems to start out with a winner here, as you progress furthur you will find a book that is not well laid out, fleshed out, or finished well. It seems that the author wants to let the reader flesh out too much in their own mind that should actually be provided in the book itself.

It seems Mr. Grossman is in the habit of touching only briefly items and characters that should be much better explained in order to be properly placed in the stories his books are trying to tell.

I have also read a few of his articles he has written for magazines and find he does not care to research his topics too well in his non-fiction work either.

I believe I'll read other authors works in the future, to me it is preferable to know the reasons and direction a story is taking rather than to try to guess and fill in as I go along.

Rating:
Summary: A bunch of P.O.'d hams have an Internet campaign
Review: Like a bunch of three year olds, you have a bunch of so-called adult men with a link to this book. None of them have probably even read the book and if you notice, the only bad reviews were written on the same day.
Want a really good laugh and see what ham radio operators are really like? Go to: http://www.eham.net/articles/9962

Rating:
Summary: Boring.
Review: This is a faintly embarrassing book on the order of tiddlywinks and snail collecting. I would recommend a Ham Radio or Stamp Collecting book instead.

Rating:
Summary: Too busy being cute
Review: This writer needs to get a clue. This book is not worth your money or the time it takes to read. Better yet buy my copy from me and save me from throwing in the fire 73 Lev

Rating:
Summary: No Code(x) Required
Review: Easy to read from start to finish; requiring little thought. Characters are one-dimensional and poorly developed - perfect for summer reading. A pleasant time-killer but not as rewarding as, say, stamp collecting. The author should be faintly embarrassed.

Rating:
Summary: An interesting book
Review: I liked this book. In a way, it is similar to "The DaVinci Code." I liked how all the pieces slowly came together, but that the ending was a surprise. I did feel a little let down over the ending, but that's because I wanted to see what Edward would do next and also what happened to Margaret and the Duchess. But it was still an interesting book, and I will probably look for others by him.

Rating:
Summary: Solid literary thriller
Review: Much more clever (and better written) than the DaVinci Code but not as dense as Umberto Eco, Codex weaves Edward Wozny's search for a missing book together with his obsession with an interactive computer game. I liked the slightly snarky characters and anti-climatic ending, which I found refreshingly realistic. It's nice to read something that doesn't tie up every loose end neatly. The only part I thought was weak enough to detract from the plot--and it's a pretty big detraction, IMO--was the precipitating event that was driving the frantic search for the manuscript...as if it would really matter in modern day society.

This is the kind of book, with the kind of flaws, that makes me hopeful that Grossman's next novel will be a 5 star read.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty good weekend book
Review: This book came highly recommended to me. I did not, however, find it to be the "great" book it was supposed to be. Having said that, it was an enormously enjoyable piece of escapism, and I can highly recommend it as such. The writing is excellent -- actually beautiful in some places. I imagine we will see some fine future books by Grossman. I, too, found the ending to be a bit abrupt -- and the computer game did seem a bit off subject. But I actually think both the end, and the game, play an integral part in the story. I don't want to say too much, because I don't want to spoil this lovely story about the search for a missing 14th century manuscript. It is a fantastic mystery. For the sake of argument with those who objected, however, I will say this (and hopefully it will only make sense to those people, and will not give away the story): Think about disposability -- and think about easter eggs. It really does connect with the entire story.

I do recommend this book.