To be honest I found the book to be rather pedestrain in its plot development and overall story arc. The plot 'twist' was so obvious it was painful and the 'secret' they were fighting to keep hidden would not, in my opinion, be as shocking if it were in real life.

I did find the history and descriptions of Washington D.C. and our Founding Father's to be very captivating. So much so that I am planning a trip with the intent of going to several of the places mentioned. Although I do not think they will allow me to climb to the top of the Capitol dome.




[edit on 24-9-2009 by AugustusMasonicus]

I finished the book last night and it has intrigued me as well. I do have a few questions that have been raised as I have not actually studied Freemasons for quite sometime. I know Dan Brown has a knack for including factual info in his books, but I also know he has a knack for adding a few things.

I shall read up on the site and see what I find out. I have always considered joining the Freemasons but never did. Perhaps this will be my push in that direction?

Originally posted by AugustusMasonicus


Although I do not think they will allow me to climb to the top of the Capitol dome.

What's so special about the Capitol dome?

Although I bought the book over the weekend, I just started reading it today. I was interupted at chapter 4. Its interesting and I'm going to finish it tomorrow. Then I'll join the discussion. It should be interesting too.

Originally posted by Alethea

What's so special about the Capitol dome?

It was part of the plot and I do not want to spoil it for those who may have not yet read the book so I will not say anything more, sorry.

Originally posted by searching4truth
Exactly!!!!!! It was so frustrating to have it figured out within the first 50 pages or so. I kept saying no, it can't be so simple, he's gonna turn it all around somehow and make me feel stupid. Nope, I'm high on my feeling of superiority right now, stupid book.

I agree. I posted this elsewhere but it reminds me of the M. Night Shamalama-ding-dong movies where you are on the lookout for the twist ending and you try to figure it out, well all except the his last one, what was it called...oh yeah The Crappening.

Maybe it spoils the fun to try and figure it out our maybe it does not but if you constantly use the same plot devices eventually it will become rather predictable and you will begin to dwell on what the surprise may be.

I thought it was a fun read. but yeah, I did have half of the idea figured out within 50 pages. Still, entertaining and he reinforces interesting philosophies !

I just finished it an hour ago. I thought it was fairly entertaining, but he obviously took a lot of liberties.

Unfortunately I think there were some very interesting topics that could have been explored much more deeply, but I agree the plot was fairly easy to figure out.

Working through it. It's a decent vacation-class read, nothing to set the world alight. Lots of sound and fury. Umberto Eco's "Foucault's Pendulum" is a much better read on the topic.

I just got done reading it. IMO, the format of the book was EXACTLY like the DaVinci Code. Just a different setting. It was a decent book, and I liked the plot. I think I would have loved it if I had not read his previous books.

I finished it a few days ago, the plot was obvious, yes, but I did learn things about the US capitol and the founding fathers. By the way, did anyone call Peter Solomon's cell phone number?

i was so very disappointed in this book.

i enjoyed the da vinci code quite a bit. angels and demons was okay. the lost symbol was weak beyond my wildest dreams.

i found the plot to be painful. but enough on my disappointment.

i was particularly interested in the portrayal of masons in this book. i am sure i was not alone in my pleasure at seeing this organization portrayed in a good light, for once. i did however find it amusing to see what incredible status brown gave to the order, or at least it's secret upper echelons.

this i am sure was a unsurprising element included in the book. specifically that at the higher levels of the masonic order there exists a secret internal 'brotherhood' who possess some form of 'power' not available to both the public and the lower echelons.

eh, that is all i really have to say on the topic...

i give DB a C for this work. No better.


Edit to add: my question to the resident masons:

after reading this book i again find myself wondering if joining my local masonic lodge would lead me into a group and order that is truly this interested in the esoteric?

is it likely? or is it just as likely to be untrue?



[edit on 27-9-2009 by Animal]

Originally posted by Animal
after reading this book i again find myself wondering if joining my local masonic lodge would lead me into a group and order that is truly this interested in the esoteric?

is it likely? or is it just as likely to be untrue?

While it is sadly not the main focus of the Fraternity I think if you made this intention known that there would be members that could point you in the right direction or even in enage you in the conversation of this topic.

I myself have benn able to join the awareness and education commitees and have found that there are still quite a few Masons interested in the esoteric and historical aspects of the Institution.