Current mood:

confused

The Da Vinci Code . . . I don't get the fuss
So obviously the Da Vinci code is the biggest book since sliced bread in America. It's been on the New York Top Ten since it's release years ago. That is a monstrous accomplishment.

Now that I'm taking the time to read it though, I'm kind of dissapointed. I find the book to be slow, plodding, and preachy. Which is odd, since I loved Dan Brown's first novel in the series, Angels and Demons. I've heard people say that if you read Da Vinci first, than Angels and Demons seems lesser in your eyes, and the oppisate must hold true as well I guess.

The whole science vs. religion and secret history of the Illuminati in Angels and Demons fascinated me. The whole Holy Grail and Jesus has a lovechild thing doesn't. And I'm not even offended by the idea, just its lame execution. Maybe it's because I've actually done research into the historical background of biblical texts (thank you college), but it seems obvious to me that Brown is setting up some paper thin arguments and cherry picking quotes out of context to support the mystery of the novel, which is offputting. It's hard to get lost in the fictional world when you see inaccuracies everywhere you look.

I'm halfway through the book right now, and I think I'm just going to stop altogether. I never do that. I'm not even all that interested in the movie now.

I usually pride myself on having a good idea about what works in mainstream culture and what doesn't, and on the surface I guess I can see why Da Vinci got so much press, but I'm shocked so many people actually enjoyed it. It's pretty sucky writing I think.