Why would you or would not recommend The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown?

Answer 1

I would not recommend it because people read it and think it's based on historical fact, when in reality it's entirely fiction.

Answer 2

I recommend reading the Da Vinci Code just to be able to converse with others who have read the book, and to refute the ridiculous accusations against Dan Brown that the book is heretical. The Da Vinci Code was written as fiction, published as fiction, and marketed as fiction.

The Da Vinci Code does have some historical facts. If these facts lead to a person researching history, what harm is there?

I was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the women's branch of the Masonic Lodge; and am now a member of the Catholic Church. The book did not offend me in any way. My ex husband was a Mason, and I am aware that many of the references to the Masonic Order are true.

The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter. These are works of fiction; yet, many who have read these works believe the characters in these books did, or could, exist. Many public, private, state colleges, and university English departments require the reading of these books. It's Literature!

Answer 3

I'd recommend it based on one fact, the guy did his research. He read all of the books he references in the novel. The novel is a work of fiction. However, the theories it throws out aren't new. They've been around for decades. The book also has a great bibliography if you want to know more. It is a great example of researching a novel before you write it.

The writing is a little hackneyed. Okay, a lot hackneyed.

It's a plot driven novel so if you're looking for depth in the characters you're not going to find it. They don't change and become different people in the end.

I'd suggest starting with Angels and Demons. I found the story a lot more exciting, more twists and turns.

And if you're a member of Opus Dei you're gonna be pissed.

I'm not going to talk down to you and say remember it's fiction. Duh. There's no symboligist running around Paris looking for a killer. The reason people are saying this is that I think Dan Brown researched the book so well it comes off as pretty realistic. As if all of this could happen. And that makes it a decent book.

It's not gonna change your life.
You're not gonna want to read it a hundred times.
But it's a good way to spend a couple of afternoons.

Answer 4

I would if the person was curious but since the Da Vinci code came out there has been so many rip offs and books trying to be like the Da Vinci code its really getting to be annoying.

Answer 5

I would recommend Da Vinci Code because it is a great, fast,and enthralling read. I would also recommend reading Da Vinci Code before seeing the movie.

I would not recommend Da Vinci Code if I know you are a very religious Christian or Catholic because you would probably be offended by the the book's basic premise.

Answer 6

It is a decent read.

Here is the only thing you need to do in order to enjoy Da Vinci Code:

1. Repeat three times: It is fiction.
2. Do it again. Say it three times: it is fiction.

When people ask you about the book and start going off in a tangent about the religious, history and mythos of the book, tell them "it is fiction."

Do that and you will enjoy the book. It is well written and carries a decent plot. Just don't make any effort at connecting the underlying religious and history themes to real life.

I had people come to me and talk about the book as if it was some new age substitute to the bible. It is just a frickin novel.

Answer 7

i very much would!
come on...all this hype about it being fiction...
one thing is certain...IT PROVIDES FOOD FOR THOUGHT...and it delves deep into history...i mean you get to know so much more about DA vinci himself,the knights templar,Christianity and the louvre!!!! disregarding all the controversial issues!
but one thing is certain,,,it was because of dan brown that now a person not remotely connected to the arts will NOT RAISE an eyebrow when he's asked what the last supper or the vetruvian man is...
I CERTAINLY CALL THAT AN ACHIEVEMENT!

Answer 8

not really -- angels and demons was better IMHO. it took me a while to get into the code but once i did, i suffered through it. i'm a Christian so it was a little like pulling teeth. however promised someone i'd read it so we could discuss. what was the toughest -- the people who didn't realize -- it wa fiction and da vinci didn't live in Christ's time so the people in his painting - were not photographic images ; )

Answer 9

I recommend anything that makes you question christianity. I read this book twice...and Angels and Demons as well. Both are really good books. Good stories. I don't give a crap if it's historical fact or not. Just because the lost chapters of the bible weren't ever published doesn't mean that they do not exist.

Answer 10

as long as you go into reading it as a quick easy fictional read, then sure. it's fine for that. don't become a dan brown 'fan'...as you'll soon realize that he's a hack writer. all his books follow the same basic plot, and he throws a whole lot of nonsense at you, sounding like he knows stuff. this makes it sound intelligent and interesting. but once you run into a book of his where you know alittle about it..you realize he's really kinda dumb.

Answer 11

If you don't take it too seriously, sure it was a good book. The best thing to remember is that it is fiction and not a religious history. Some people don't seem to get that so it gets a bad rep, but there is no good reason not to read it.