"The Da Vinci Code" Book Club

[sweetnpetite]

I just finished reading "The Da Vinci Code" I got it for christmas, and it's a #1 best seller, so I'm sure that many of you have at least heard of it.

Anyone interested in discussing this book? Its full of fascinationg themes which many here have already discussed an interest in and its just a great story.

Be warned ahead, if this thread takes off, it will probably contain plenty of spoilers.






.

 

[minsue]

It's about 6th or 7th in my "to read" stack & it keeps getting bumped down the line. I take it I should move it up the list?

- Mindy

 

[curious2c]

I've read it and now I am taking it with me to camp to read again. Dan Brown is a good author and his story telling is...quite fascinating too.

 

[sweetnpetite]

Definately.

I was just going to check it out from the library eventually, till I got it for christmas. I started reading it after the kids went to there dad's and I'm finished now. I would have finished it in two days if I hadn't logged on to the internet the day after christmas and spent all day here.

 

[sweetnpetite]

I've read it and now I am taking it with me to camp to read again. Dan Brown is a good author and his story telling is...quite fascinating too.

Yeah, I'm going to have to read it again too. After you know certain things you just have to go back and read it for the double meanings that you know her threw in. (I had to backtrack at one section and saw some examples of this already. Wow. I'm in love)

 

[minsue]

I'll have to move it ahead of the rest then. You have me intrigued now.

 

[MNGuy]

I read Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code in the last two weeks. I was already familiar with the grail story and Templar legend through the book Holy Blood, Holy Grail. The idea that Jesus Christ's bloodline exists today and can be proven is absolutely fascinating, for me at least.

 

[sweetnpetite]

some photo's of the Luvre

These photos won't spoil the story (but some of the later ones might.) They may help you picture the episodes in the first couple of chapters.





http://www.danbrown.com/secrets/davinci_code/louvre.html


http://www.danbrown.com/images/davinci_code/gallery/louvre/fountain.jpg

http://www.danbrown.com/images/davinci_code/gallery/louvre/1_pyramid_and_fountains.jpg

http://www.danbrown.com/images/davinci_code/gallery/louvre/5_interior_view_of_inverted_pyramid.jpg

http://www.danbrown.com/images/davinci_code/gallery/louvre/3_grand_gallery_and_parquet_floor.jpg

 

[sweetnpetite]

daVinci art work

these shouldn't spoil anything either. (there is a note at the begining of the pics that some could spoil the story, so I was afraid to look until I finished.)



http://www.danbrown.com/secrets/davinci_code/davinci_art.html

http://www.danbrown.com/images/davinci_code/gallery/davinci_art/1_the_mona_lisa.jpg

http://www.danbrown.com/images/davinci_code/gallery/davinci_art/2_the_vitruvian_man.jpg

http://www.danbrown.com/images/davinci_code/gallery/the_last_supper/2the_last_supper_post-restoration.jpg

 

[sweetnpetite]

spoiler

http://www.danbrown.com/secrets/davinci_code/davinci2.html

http://www.danbrown.com/secrets/davinci_code/last_supper.html

 

[sweetnpetite]

spoilers

http://www.danbrown.com/secrets/davinci_code/temple_church.html

 

[curious2c]

I hear that The Davinci Code is to be made into a movie by Ron Howard. Who do you think should be in the lead roles?

 

[sweetnpetite]

I hear that The Davinci Code is to be made into a movie by Ron Howard. Who do you think should be in the lead roles?

Is Harrison Ford to obvious a choice?

I was thinking that even *before* the book made the comparison.

 

[curious2c]

Is Harrison Ford to obvious a choice?

I was thinking that even *before* the book made the comparison.

Funny, as I read the book I was putting him in the main role. I think he would be a good one.

 

[sweetnpetite]

now who's the beautiful red-head?

I nominate myself!

 

[curious2c]

now who's the beautiful red-head?

I nominate myself!

Yeah...I could see you there...Heh...are you a good actress though?

 

[sweetnpetite]

the best

 

[sweetnpetite]

the best


beside me though, I'd have to say Julia Roberts. The book actually kind of reminds me of "i hate trouble" in some ways.

 

[MNGuy]

When I read the book, I was picturing Anthony Stewart Head, aka Giles from Buffy as Robert Langdon. As for Sophie, I pictured Angie Everhart. Then, for Teabring, I pictured the Bernard Fox, guy that played Colonel Krittendon on Hogan's Heroes, is that weird or what?

 

[Parklife]

I'd be interested in a book club type discussion if this takes off. I've resisted reading any of the spoilers above and have heard it's a book I should read.

Would we have a chapter reading schedule followed by a thread for discussion? Perhaps those who have read it can help to lead the discussions...

Regardless, count me in...

 

[Pure]

Dan Brown's website is at

http://www.danbrown.com/novels/davinci_code/reviews.html

It includes review excerpts such as

A thundering, tantalizing, extremely smart fun ride.
Brown doesn't slow down his tremendously powerful narrative engine despite transmitting several doctorates' worth of fascinating history and learned speculation, "The Da Vinci Code" is brain candy of the highest quality -- which is a reviewer's code meaning, ''Put this on top of your pile.''
-- CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Dan Brown's conspiracy-theory thriller is the pulp must-read of the season...an ingenious mixture of paranoid thriller, art history lesson, chase story, religious symbology lecture and anti-clerical screed, and it's the most fun you can have between the sort of covers that aren't 300-count Egyptian cotton.
--SALON.COM

=============
There are some positive reviews at the amazon site:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...43/reviews/104-9394252-0191931#07393020437299

From Publishers Weekly
"Brown's latest thriller (after Angels and Demons)is an exhaustively researched page-turner about secret religious societies, ancient coverups and savage vengeance. "

==============

There is a detailed, negative review of the book, by a Catholic journalist, at

http://www.crisismagazine.com/september2003/feature1.htm

WARNING: I don't believe *all the key surprises are revealed, but maybe some are. The plot is summarized.

Do not read this if:

1) You admire the book,
2) Have high opinion of its underlying scholarship/research,

or if you're upset by controversy about the book.

Yes, I know a Catholic might be hostile because of the church coverup theme, but she does have some detailed points. Seems to have done her homework.

I have not read it, but did read Holy Blood, Holy Grail and it was intriguing, if a bit 'pop' and 'melodramatic' in its style.

I believe the Jesus and Mary Magdalene involvement idea was explored rather nicely in the *very well written novel, _Last Temptation of Christ_. So I'm not offended by Jesus/sex issues.


J.

 

[Couture]

I'm a big fan of the book. There's puzzles and excitement. It's a great fun read. The only detraction I have is that Dan needs to come up with a new plot instead of recycling this one again. However, if you haven't read Angles and Devils, you're in for a helluva treat.

 

[sweetnpetite]

When I read the book, I was picturing Anthony Stewart Head, aka Giles from Buffy as Robert Langdon. As for Sophie, I pictured Angie Everhart. Then, for Teabring, I pictured the Bernard Fox, guy that played Colonel Krittendon on Hogan's Heroes, is that weird or what?

Yes, Giles- he'd be *really* perfect. I don't watch Buffy, but I"ve seen it a few times. But if Harrison Ford wants the part, ASH probably got no chance. The book even mentions Ford, so you can see that's who he has in mind. (Possibly a cross between Harrison and himself.)

It would be interesting if Dan Brown himself played Langdon, but I doubt he's an actor.

 

[sweetnpetite]

I'm reading the article, even though I do admire the book and have a high oppinion of his scholarship.

In my opinion, she's a fanatic, and she picks and chooses to make her point in order to discredit the ideals and ideas put forth in the book.

Its not *all* supposed to be absolute truth, it's supposed to be *based* on some truth and some theory. Most authors change facts and/or mythology to some extent to fit their story. Even EB White made changes to the King Arthur tale and the Merlin mythology as they fit into *his* version of the tale.

And downing him for puting in double meanings on the names???? Many many writers, serious and otherwise give their characters names that fit their personality's or reveal something about them, or have some secret meaning. Hell, I gave my own kids names with secret meanings

My personal oppinion is that she needs to lighten up, although realistic, it's still, *fiction* but on the other hand, maybe he hit the nail just a little too close.

She's really missing the point that the story is writen *as if* the conspiracy theory in question were true. Without this suposition, their really isn't much of a plot. It's similer to the movie "Conspiracy Theory" (or x-files) you have to assume for the sake of the plot that their really is this nefarious arm of the government that is doing things that are not and probably never will be an *official* part of history or policy. Some historical writers do this thing called 'alternative history' and this is similer. [alternative reality(?)] But I guess it would be too difficult for her to understand the conscept of 'literary device.' Or that maybe church history isn't absolute history.

She said something about Christians not noticing a sudden change in doctrine- it happens all the time. The Pope makes a new ruling and people accept it, many of them forgetting that it had ever been any different.

But I don't know why I'm shadow boxing with *her* I guess i just figured I'd share my oppinion.

==============

There is a detailed, negative review of the book, by a Catholic journalist, at

http://www.crisismagazine.com/september2003/feature1.htm

WARNING: I don't believe *all the key surprises are revealed, but maybe some are. The plot is summarized.

Do not read this if:

1) You admire the book,
2) Have high opinion of its underlying scholarship/research,

or if you're upset by controversy about the book.

Yes, I know a Catholic might be hostile because of the church coverup theme, but she does have some detailed points. Seems to have done her homework.

I have not read it, but did read Holy Blood, Holy Grail and it was intriguing, if a bit 'pop' and 'melodramatic' in its style.

I believe the Jesus and Mary Magdalene involvement idea was explored rather nicely in the *very well written novel, _Last Temptation of Christ_. So I'm not offended by Jesus/sex issues.


J.

 

[sweetnpetite]

I'd be interested in a book club type discussion if this takes off. I've resisted reading any of the spoilers above and have heard it's a book I should read.

Would we have a chapter reading schedule followed by a thread for discussion? Perhaps those who have read it can help to lead the discussions...

Regardless, count me in...

I've already read the entire book. The last time I tried to start a discussion about a book I hadn't finished, a few things were posted that I didn't know yet, so I tried to learn from that mistake.

I read the whole book in 5 days, despite my internet adiction, so it shouldn't take you long to catch up. We'll be here. (I hope)