Just Me

THE LOST SYMBOL BY DAN BROWN
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Date of Publication: September 2009
Summary:

The Lost Symbol begins with an ancient ritual, a shadowy enclave, and of course, a secret. Readers know they are in Dan Brown territory when, by the end of the first chapter, a secret within a secret is revealed. To tell too much would ruin the fun of reading this delicious thriller, so you will find no spoilers here. Suffice it to say that as with many series featuring a recurring character, there is a bit of a formula at work (one that fans will love). Again, brilliant Harvard professor Robert Langdon finds himself in a predicament that requires his vast knowledge of symbology and superior problem-solving skills to save the day. The setting, unlike other Robert Langdon novels, is stateside, and in Brown's hands Washington D.C. is as fascinating as Paris or Vatican City (note to the D.C. tourism board: get your "Lost Symbol" tour in order).

Fact: When it comes to Dan Brown's book, I just buy it and read it. No need to glimpse at the summary. Whatever he writes, I'm sure I'll like it.

I don't think I can say anything that other people haven't said about this book. I loved the puzzles and the transformation and the action in this book. I have never been a great fan for horror, mystery, or thriller books since... well, I don't feel any of the emotions that these books should evoke. With Dan Brown, I actually feel the impatience wanting to know what's going to happen next especially when he keeps leaving the reader hanging at every chapter. Again, I just love how he ends each chapter with a hook.
And I especially like the revelation of the square order of eight. The arrangement of the symbols to turn it into a pyramid and the staircase is just.... unbelievable! That is not to say the many interpretations for that particular picture or whatever you call it.

However, the reason I didn't give the book 5/5 is because... first of all, I was baffled to find out that the Lost Symbol is actually the Bible. It was... I don't know... I guess it's just me because I'm not a religious follower and the idea of God is not... the way other believe, let's just leave it at that.

Furthermore, I find the idea of thinking positive thoughts, believing in one's "divinity" can actually affect's the world's action is a little too far fetching. Maybe I'm just a hard headed, narrow minded person like Peter said who just can't accept new ideas, but Dan Brown convince me about the human's super ability. That's not so say that I don't believe that human can advance unbound... I'm just saying that his revelation is too much for me to take in.

However, I'll admit that this novel has a strong influence on shaping people's thinking. I like the lesson here more than one in the Da Vinci Code. A lot.

The good: lots of knowledge to be gained, lots of ideas to be learned and considered here. Dan Brow does not just tell a story, he's showing the readers new ideas that people should ponder upon. Great Great Great book.

It could have been better if: there is more explanation about how man is actually the God. For some reason, when I read about this, I wasn't quite convince. I guess I'll read it again. And the science of it is quite stunning but when Katherine said she's seen proof that cancer cells actually turn to normal cells just because people think that way... really?

And the extra dimention Dan Brow mentions in this book. Based on what I learn, there are actually eleven dimensions. Not ten. Am I missing something here?