The Da Vinci Code

by Dan Brown

Okay, so I'm probably the last person in all of America to read this book. I figured, with all this hype, I should check it out. And so I ended up with the illustrated edition from the library. Illustrated Editions are now on my perpetually growing list of Best Things Ever. It showed all the artwork, symbols, buildings, etc. for the book and it made it wonderful. For example in the discussion of the painting of The Last Supper, you're actually able to see the elements that they're talking about on the same page. Made the book SO much better.

Anyway, I started the book on the way home from work and read it (with just a few interruptions) until I finished it at 2:30 in the morning. Around 1:15, it occurred to me that this was one of those books that I'd be sad about finishing, but curiousity got the better of me and I finished the book instead delaying gratification.

It was a great book. Way fun. Though I've heard they've cast Tom Hanks in the lead role, which is just wrong (maybe it's my particular aversion to Tom Hanks speaking, but I'm not alone in this). And I can see why it's controversial. Interesting things to think about though. I can see why some would think that The Devil had a hand in this book. But it was thought-provoking, and fun, which is a combination you don't see too often.

It's hard to quote without giving too much away, but I liked this part.

"Langdon paused. 'I'll tell you at Teabing's. He and I specialize in different areas of the legend, so between the two of us, you'll get the full story.' Langdon smiled. 'Besides, the Grail has been Teabing's life, and hearing the story of the Holy Grail from Leigh Teabing will be like hearing the theory of relativity from Einstein himself.'

'Let's hope Leigh doesn't mind late-night visitors.'

'For the record, it's Sir Leigh.' Langdon had made that mistake only once. 'Teabing is quite a character. He was knighted by the Queen several years back after composing and extensive history on the House of York.'

Sophie looked over. 'You're kidding, right? We're going to visit a knight?"

Langdon gave an awkward smile. 'We're on a Grail quest, Sophie. Who better to help us than a knight?'"