The DaVinci Code: Opinions and Critiques-I'm on Pg. 38

[Kathy in Cambridge]

Should I finish?

I have three books going at once as usual and this is one of them. I look forward to learning more about Opus Dei and I love all the art references so far. But I already don't like the stilted, unrealistic conversations.

What did everyone think? My dad LOVED it, but he is a big mystery reader, and I'm more of a non-fiction type.

Any opinions would be appreciated-before I settle down with 500 pages-thanks!

[TSIAS]

1. I really can't say much

But I work at a library and we can't keep that book on the shelves. We have 10 copies and they are almost always checked out.

[flamingyouth]

2. I liked it, but I'm a huge mystery fan as well

All I can say is, you will be surprised by the ending, if you decide to stick it out. If you have an interest in art or history, that might help carry you through.

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. Been thinkin of getting the book

not made my mind yet

[greatauntoftriplets]

4. I haven't read it yet, but....

someone at work recommended it highly. Have way too many books to read first. LOL.

[maxanne]

5. I enjoyed it

the art and history research is grand. The conversations get better.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

6. Thanks

I totally look forward to the history and art. But I thought the conversations thus far seemed stilted like a dime store romance.

[SiobhanClancy]

7. I found it a bit disappointing..

It's not a bad mystery,as such things go. I'm surprised that so many people who have read this seem to regard it as something more than fiction,and not first rate fiction,either. In particular,I found the characters rather wooden and one-dimensional,especially Sophie. I'm not going into much detail,because I don't want to be a spoiler. The best thing about the book(for me)was a kindling of interest in the historical aspects that are used as part of the story(still trying to be deliberately unclear,so as not to give away the story).I have plenty of time for reading right now,so I don't feel that I've lost any meaningful chunk of my life by reading it,and it has given me some interesting things to research:)

[Kathy in Cambridge]

8. Thanks, Barbara

I think I'm going to read it, though it's long enough and my attention span is short enough to put it off until the next vacation.

[DifferentStrokes]

9. Maybe history buffs would enjoy the links and discussions

on this thread.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=111&topic_id=6981&mesg_id=6981
Warning: spoilers

Information about the author's upcoming television appearance and some other events of interest here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=111&topic_id=6634

[KittyWampus]

10. If You Want To Learn About Rosicrucianism and Kabbala

How about making up your mind and actually studying it? Of course, you might try it and not like it... but then again, it might be fun and you might be good at it! :)



www.bota.org

[BrotherBuzz]

11. I read it...

without putting it down. A good read except for the ending that I thought was a little soft or that it lacked something (I wish I knew what was missing, maybe it was just that stilted writing you observed). Other then that, I thought it was a great book that I often think about on my own quest for my holy grail. Keep the knight templers in mind.

[mikita]

20. I agree soft ending...

I thought it was just me -- after all the rave reviews I has heard about it. But I didn't find myself wishing the book would go on and on, as I do with others. I attributed it partially to the fact that it's the first non-political and fiction book I've read since "the coup". Perhaps that has something to do with it?? Reality is so much scarier now. Nonetheless, an easy, fun read. Good to take one's mind off Shrub for a bit.

Mikita

[Richardo]

12. I had a real problem with this book...great plot, but...(moderate spoiler)

Anyone who knows even a little DaVinci lore will go batshit because the supposed "experts" take many many pages to figure out clues that are staringly obvious.

I do not like to be smarter than the characters, especially if they are purported to be in arcane fields like cryptology and symbolism.

(I did enjoy the exposition on phi, the golden ratio however. That taught me something.)

[WilliamPitt]

13. Excellent book

The story line itself is 'eeeeehhhh...' but the little tidbits of data to ponder are wll worth the ride.

[The Blue Flower]

14. Agree completely with Pitt

but felt the payoff was weak and some of the plot devices became repetitive.

[emad]

15. As a work of fiction it's ok

Don't know if anyone could actually handle all the unexpurgated facts that sprinkled the seeds of the author's imagination....

[FlashHarry]

16. Fun, pulpy stuff.

Not particularly well-written, but a page-turner, nonetheless.

[MaineDem]

17. I couldn't put it down

It was my introduction to the whole subject.

I thought the story line was really weak but the topic fascinates me.

I'm reading Brown's "Angels & Demons" now...about the Illuminati. I have this insatiable need to read all I can about this now.

That's what "The DaVinci Code" did for me.

[AGiordino]

18. You might want to try Umberto Eco's

Foucalt's Pendulum. Numerrous references to the Rosicrucians and Templars. That was my introduction to these groups and their convoluted histories. Great research subject thanks to the availability of information on the internet.

[AGiordino]

19. Heck yeah, keep reading

If for little else it will open new avenues of thought into religious history. Sometimes, all is not as it is presented in the now. Other belief systems existed prior to the modern version of Christianity. The Gnostics, for example. And, bear with me here, Anne Rice makes a pretty good presentation of the conversion of paganism to Christianity in Taltos. Only conservatism can cripple an open mind.