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rororollinginthedeep's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
setlledbullet9's review
challenging
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
cecile87's review against another edition
4.0
While I don’t expect high literature from Dan Brown (though a bit weary of the watch and special memory references—eididic?), I did enjoy the ride on the familiar template set down in Spain. I appreciate the pulling from various contemporary and historic references to weave together an entertaining book with set pieces in places I’ve been.
I picked up Origin before heading to Barcelona on vacation and enjoyed being able to connect with the places he used in the story, including the narrow circular stairways in La Sagrada Familia. As did Langdon towards the end (no spoiler), I could sit inside the church just to watch the sun rays move through the eastern and western stained glass windows.
Anyway, as with Da Vinci Code but less so, I am left to research and ponder how humans can find the balance between science and the value of compassion that religion is supposed to model.
With the Da Vinci Code, I was left to begin a journey of learning about religious history, which I have found more interesting than organized religion. I thank Dan Brown for leading me to new ideas about things such as the Nicene Creed and the origins of the Bible and the Gnostic Gospels.
Both science and religion can fail miserably and fatally with narrow-mindedness, with the absence of true self reflection and the willingness to question one’s assumptions. I have found too many examples of religion used to control others and to relieve people of their money and personal power—some though willing to lose personal power and personal responsibility.
Scientists, on the other hand, need to carefully consider the repercussions of their inventions upon humanity. Sober and careful optimism are important.
The book was an entertaining way to encourage people to reflect on their belief systems. I currently am especially troubled by the religion of greed, power and belief in one’s racial, religious and gender superiority. As well, I am troubled by use of doctrine to replace one’s own inability or desire not to do the heavy lifting of critical thinking.
Question: was Ambra in heels during this adventure?
Favorite quotes from the book:
Regarding Wm Blake: “He believed that religions came in two flavors—the dark, dogmatic religions that oppressed creative thinking… and the light, expansive religions that encouraged introspection and creativity.”
“May our philosophies keep pace with our technologies. May our compassion keep pace with our powers. And may love, not fear, be the engine of change.”
I picked up Origin before heading to Barcelona on vacation and enjoyed being able to connect with the places he used in the story, including the narrow circular stairways in La Sagrada Familia. As did Langdon towards the end (no spoiler), I could sit inside the church just to watch the sun rays move through the eastern and western stained glass windows.
Anyway, as with Da Vinci Code but less so, I am left to research and ponder how humans can find the balance between science and the value of compassion that religion is supposed to model.
With the Da Vinci Code, I was left to begin a journey of learning about religious history, which I have found more interesting than organized religion. I thank Dan Brown for leading me to new ideas about things such as the Nicene Creed and the origins of the Bible and the Gnostic Gospels.
Both science and religion can fail miserably and fatally with narrow-mindedness, with the absence of true self reflection and the willingness to question one’s assumptions. I have found too many examples of religion used to control others and to relieve people of their money and personal power—some though willing to lose personal power and personal responsibility.
Scientists, on the other hand, need to carefully consider the repercussions of their inventions upon humanity. Sober and careful optimism are important.
The book was an entertaining way to encourage people to reflect on their belief systems. I currently am especially troubled by the religion of greed, power and belief in one’s racial, religious and gender superiority. As well, I am troubled by use of doctrine to replace one’s own inability or desire not to do the heavy lifting of critical thinking.
Question: was Ambra in heels during this adventure?
Favorite quotes from the book:
Regarding Wm Blake: “He believed that religions came in two flavors—the dark, dogmatic religions that oppressed creative thinking… and the light, expansive religions that encouraged introspection and creativity.”
“May our philosophies keep pace with our technologies. May our compassion keep pace with our powers. And may love, not fear, be the engine of change.”
bmobley's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
char931's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
michal_41's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
ida0810's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Ein Buch über einen Symbologen, das erstaunlich wenig Symbole enthält. Es ist weniger spannend als die vorherigen Teile, weniger Action und der Mörder ist fast schon klischeehaft. Trotzdem eine nice Erweiterung der Reihe I guess
beammey's review against another edition
2.0
I'm going to preface this with saying I usually love Dan Brown's book (Digital Fortress will probably always be my favorite), but this one? I didn't like it at all. I didn't like the pacing, the writing style, or the characterization. The plot twist was kind of cool, but it wasn't enough to redeem the book for me. I don't know, guys. I just couldn't get on the bandwagon for this one, though if you've read the other Robert Langdon books like I have you'll want to follow his latest adventure -- go for it. Perhaps you'll like it more than me.