As a librarian I find Dan Brown’s books great for also engaging reluctant adolescent readers. It’s not genius prose but his writing is pacy and keeps them turning the page. Once they’re hooked I’m ready with more sophisticated reading suggestions that they hopefully might like.
12
Subjected to Dan Brown's prose can be summed up in quote of his assassin:
“I have returned from the abyss.”
7
I confess, I'm puzzled about why this book was reviewed in the New York Times, at all.
Dan Brown is an appallingly bad writer, and I'm sure this latest book deserves the reviewer's snide tone, but, why bother? It's like (to coin a phrase) shooting fish in a barrel.
In the meantime, there are dozens, if not hundreds of lesser-known writers out there who's books deserve attention. One or two of them could have used the space given to this potboiler. Isn't that the kind of thing that reviewers are supposed to do? Why indulge in batting around a blown-up clown like Brown?
Fun's fun, but I'd rather read a review of a book I'd actually want to read. That's one of the reasons I subscribe to the Times. Thanks.
Dan Brown is an appallingly bad writer, and I'm sure this latest book deserves the reviewer's snide tone, but, why bother? It's like (to coin a phrase) shooting fish in a barrel.
In the meantime, there are dozens, if not hundreds of lesser-known writers out there who's books deserve attention. One or two of them could have used the space given to this potboiler. Isn't that the kind of thing that reviewers are supposed to do? Why indulge in batting around a blown-up clown like Brown?
Fun's fun, but I'd rather read a review of a book I'd actually want to read. That's one of the reasons I subscribe to the Times. Thanks.
11
Hey Buffalo, you are 100% spot on. Brown writes drivel that go to become 2nd rate films.
1
Because millions of other readers disagree with you, and the Times sees benefit to writing to millions instead of one person who doesn't have to read the article.
21
I am always amazed that people don't know, and apparently Janet does not know, that the "hook" in Dan's most famous books is that the entire story takes place in 24 hours!
8
I read many types of books. I have eclectic tastes, and I find Dan Brown's books fun and page-turners. I find the hateful comments here distasteful. If you do not care for his writing,; don't read it. Don't disparage an author who makes many of us happy for Robert Langdon's next adventure.
39
Never regretted so much the time I wasted reading The Davinci Code Lord it was awful. Every chapter ending like a cheap movie serial and someone “reeling in horror” at the latest “stunning revelation”.
I do understand. It’s the reason Billl O’Reilly has readers
I do understand. It’s the reason Billl O’Reilly has readers
4
Three times I have bought books by Dan Brown not because I like the genre or because I had any interest in the subject matter but instead simply to see what all the hoopla was about. Three times I was sorely disappointed. The popularity of these books remains a total mystery to me. Sorry, but this time I am not going to bite.
4
What fun! How we need a bit of Brown to distract us from incessant worry, concern, and, let's not forget fear, during this Time of Trump. Brown may be no Umberto Eco - a master of this particular genre - but, wow, there is something to be said for his "can't-put-this-book-down-page-turning" fiction. Yippee...off to Amazon books!
17
Why are readers so mean? If you hate the author why even read this review and why comment just to be unkind?
I loved DaVinci Code even though it was fanciful. Did not read the next book. I was interested enough to read this review to see if I wanted to read this new tome.
But I would not see a reason to submit a comment purely to make scathing remarks about the author of the book or the review.
If you don't enjoy his writing, avoid it!
We need more kindness in the world and less hate and bile.
44
I rather relish the snarky comment, but agree. No need to call up a fishing party to go shootin' em in a barrel. Better to spend the time reading something delightful to one's own tastes. And then maybe review it yourself, with joy, on Goodreads.
6
In the next book Roger Moore will make an appearance as Langdon's bookish academic father, Harry.
Only in the U.S. could a book which touts creationism sell. I suppose sales will be especially high in the South.
3
Yes, the Chronicle of Narnia and The Golden Compass were such terrible sellers.
8
Why is everyone so serious? It's another light read for that airplane trip and written to be turned into a movie. Literature it aint, but sounds like a fun read for the few hours it takes.
31
That Dan Brown's books can "stir up controversy" shows there are far too many people with way too much time on their hands.
13
I will read this review AFTER I read The Book!
1
I would pay $29.95 to a fund to get Dan Brown to stop writing altogether. But not for another terrible book.
12
I got $29.95 for the fund! But it might take a stake through the heart to get this guy to stop writing.
1
Oh, no! More of this busy nonsense? Help! I'm already having visions of a terminally boring Hollywood rendition.
5
Janet Maslin sounds very bitter and sarcastic in her review. She is trying to ridicule Dan Brown and his writing throughout the column. I am not sure why. Is she jealous? I like Dan Brown novels. I have never heard of Janet Maslin. If she is such a great writer why we haven't heard of her?
8
The journey through this one is interesting, much of it so well described at the Guggenheim Museum and the setting for the announcement, wonderful surprises, can hardly wait to return to the book tonight to continue the journey.
9