subgeek's Journal: i read some dan brown books recently

specifically i read angels and demons followed by the da vinci code. this entry was going to be part of a comment in em's journal, but i decided to put it here.

i think dan brown uses cheap tricks to make the books more suspenseful. anyone can tell you what information is missing from the story that would make things fall into place and then simply refuse to tell you that information for a couple chapters. it's particularly annoying when all the characters in the book are acting on that omitted information because they all know it even though the reader does not. sure i didn't want to put the book down when reading it, but i would rather i hadn't been frustrated with the suspense tactics simultaneously with wanting to read further.

i think the da vinci code will probably translate to a very successful movie. it is easier to forgive those tactics in a movie because of pacing and time constraints. even so, i'm not falling over myself to go see it.

my biggest complaint about angels and demons is that mr. brown treats the reader like an idiot. anagrams are neat, but to suggest that no one could come up with the designs over the course of centuries is a bit much. i also thought it strange that although robert langdon is supposed to be involved in academia, he is amazed by science that i heard about in high school. the very last ending part is pretty cheesy.

some light da vinci code spoilers may appear in the next paragraph. just a warning for those who might want to see the movie or read the book.

the ideas weren't particularly earth shattering to me or my world view. some people might be upset about this, but even as a christian i don't think jesus' marital status increases or diminishes the things he taught. but then i also had already read some of the apocryphal and gnostic gospels before stumbling on dan brown. on the other hand, other people probably haven't heard those ideas. if it makes people think about what they believe or adds new light to the way they think about their beliefs, it isn't all bad. the idea that paternalism was founded by the early catholic church is a bit of a stretch to me, though i'd agree that it did do a lot to reinforce paternalism. the damage really comes from the people who will accept everything presented as truth. but really, that's the problem with anything. it's a lot easier to accept what you're told than it is to make up your own mind.

dan brown isn't a terrible writer, but i don't think he's fantastic either. in all honesty, if he would just set his novels in the expanded star wars universe i would get enough extra enjoyment out of them to overlook their faults.

DaVinci

[Shadow Wrought]

I have not read it, but probably will if the family decides to see the movie. A friend of mine read it and said it was good, if you could get past some poorly written parts. Iwon't know till I read it, but it wouldn't surprise me based on your review.

if he would just set his novels in the expanded star wars universe i would get enough extra enjoyment out of them to overlook their faults.

Jedi Templars. 'nuff said.

Dan Brown

[ryanr]

I like his books, the writing is engaging and entertaining. I agree, you don't want to read him for accuracy. If you REALLY want your intelligence insulted (and are a techie at all), then read Digital Fortress. Again, good story, pacing, etc.. but if you know anything at all about crypto, then it will make you feel dirty. Not the same character as in Angels and Demons & Da Vinci, but might as well be. He's an academic that gets sucked up into a mystery and a bunch of politics, with a female love in

Re:Dan Brown

[elmegil]

if you know anything at all about crypto, then it will make you feel dirty.

I couldn't even finish it. I was about ready to throw it ou the window, except it was a loaner.

Not the same character as in Angels and Demons & Da Vinci, but might as well be.

Yep. I have to say that his ability does appear to steadily be increasing, DF was terrible, Angels & Demons was eh (though I have to say, even though I'm pretty strong on seperation of church & state and all that jazz, I was incensed at his comp