[Cowboyrider]

So this might be part off-topic and part controversial...

I have just finished reading both books by Dan Brown. Angels and Demons and the Da Vinci Code. Both books are very well written. As most of you may realize, Brown's book has sparked lots of interest in lots of different groups. The catholic churc h and other ogranizations have risen to "break" the da vinci code and to redeem its face. Others have linked onto the sport of "conspiracy theories"

Since this site has a lot of different people, and a lot of differenct views, for those of you who have read the book, or books...

just tossing out there an open discussion as to the thoughts of people? I think that the books were great! I know that it a work of fiction but how much truth is in them?

Lets see where this goes. There are many areas of topics:

Science vs Faith/Religion
The treatment of women
Secret Society's
Money
Art
Riddles
Killing in the name of....

there are much more...

So who has read his books? what are your humble opinions?

I've read both and found both to be great.. I very much preferred the Da Vinci code over A&D.. I have started Digital Fortress. Great Author..

[court1129]

Try Deception Point next, great book. Just as riveting as the other two.

[stoinkythepig]

I have read three of his books and in my opinion he tends to use the same basic plot over and over, but I'm rather critical of writing and hard to please.

As far as the controversial aspect of his latest books goes, It would not surprise me if some of the high ranking leaders of the Catholic Church had a long history of altering facts. These are the same folks that (at least recently) allowed Priests to rape little boys and girls...

I kinda like the version of Jesus in the Da Vinci Code better than the one in the King James Bible. Seems more like a guy I'd hang out with (married with kids).

[twrayinma]

sadly, my first experience with the book was a horribly edited audiobook that we picked up for last christmas' drive to NM.

the story itself seemed pretty good, but the dialogue was atrocious. especially w/ one reader doing all the voices, complete with accents. ouch.

[bemused]

I... uh... haven't thought too much of the Dan Brown I've read so far.

w/ all the hype, I went and got Digital Fortress. found his characters plastic (is there anyone in his other books who is NOT buff & brilliant?), writing so-so, and plot / conclusion pretty predictable.

mebbe that wasn't the best example of his work? can you DB fans assure me that his other books are better?

as for da Vinci Code: read an interview where he talked about his sources for the basis of the book... since I read most of THEM a few years back, haven't been in any great hurry to get this one...

however, YMMV-- like stoinky, I'm a pretty tough critic of the limited recreational reading I do...