From our January hostess, Juli Tingle
To explain why The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown was one of my choices for our book club, I guess I have to go back to the beginning of my reading affair with Dan Brown. I like many others read The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown first even though he wrote Angels and Demons prior to The Da Vinci Code. I was caught up in the controversy I had read about with regard to The Da Vinci Code. Being a Christian, I had to see for myself if the book should be getting the heat it was getting from a lot of churches. I enjoyed the book and decided to take it for what it was which in my opnion was a fictional story with a clever trail of codes and ideas with regard to the relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus. So, when a close friend of mine said they loved Angels and Demons even more, I had to read that too! I had to agree with her. Angels and Demons for me was a pager turner that I could not put down. So, of course I have had The Lost Symbol on my list to read for some time now. I have not even started the book yet, but plan to this week. I am looking forward to it. I do love the puzzle and codes Dan Brown is famous for putting into his books. I look forward to more surprises and conspiracy theories in The Lost Symbol. Should be fun! Dan Brown has a pretty cool website everyone may want to check out too - http://www.danbrown.com.
From Daphne Durham at Amazon.com
Let's start with the question every Dan Brown fan wants answered: Is The Lost Symbol as good as The Da Vinci Code? Simply put, yes. Brown has mastered the art of blending nail-biting suspense with random arcana (from pop science to religion), and The Lost Symbol is an enthralling mix. And what a dazzling accomplishment that is, considering that rabid fans and skeptics alike are scrutinizing every word.
The Lost Symbol begins with an ancient ritual, a shadowy enclave, and of course, a secret. Readers know they are in Dan Brown territory when, by the end of the first chapter, a secret within a secret is revealed. To tell too much would ruin the fun of reading this delicious thriller, so you will find no spoilers here. Suffice it to say that as with many series featuring a recurring character, there is a bit of a formula at work (one that fans will love). Again, brilliant Harvard professor Robert Langdon finds himself in a predicament that requires his vast knowledge of symbology and superior problem-solving skills to save the day. The setting, unlike other Robert Langdon novels, is stateside, and in Brown's hands Washington D.C. is as fascinating as Paris or Vatican City (note to the D.C. tourism board: get your "Lost Symbol" tour in order). And, as with other Dan Brown books, the pace is relentless, the revelations many, and there is an endless parade of intriguing factoids that will make you feel like you are spending the afternoon with Robert Langdon and the guys from Mythbusters.
Nothing is as it seems in a Robert Langdon novel, and The Lost Symbol itself is no exception--a page-turner to be sure, but Brown also challenges his fans to open their minds to new information. Skeptical? Imagine how many other thrillers would spawn millions of Google searches for noetic science, superstring theory, and Apotheosis of Washington. The Lost Symbol is brain candy of the best sort--just make sure to set aside time to enjoy your meal.
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