The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

MysticCat · #1 09-15-2009, 01:35 PM

Well, since it concerns our fraternal forebears, the Freemasons, I thought I'd ask if anyone is reading it. I've got my name on the waiting list at the library -- I think Brown's books make a fun read, but I can't bring myself to support his crazy/shoddy "scholarship" by paying for it, especially in hard cover.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

(And if you are reading it/have read it, please use spoiler alerts when appropriate.)

AOII Angel · #2 09-15-2009, 02:10 PM

If I buy it, it would be on Kindle which runs about half the price.

ForeverRoses · #3 09-15-2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticCat

Well, since it concerns our fraternal forebears, the Freemasons, I thought I'd ask if anyone is reading it. I've got my name on the waiting list at the library -- I think Brown's books make a fun read, but I can't bring myself to support his crazy/shoddy "scholarship" by paying for it, especially in hard cover.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

(And if you are reading it/have read it, please use spoiler alerts when appropriate.)

I haven't read it yet, but did an online request at my library. I'm 26th on the list.
I don't have room in my house for any more books, so I use the library all the time!

Still BLUTANG · #4 09-15-2009, 02:28 PM

it magically appeared on my kindle this morning! i guess i pre-ordered it and forgot.

i have to travel this weekend so it will be my in-flight reading.

AnotherKD · #5 09-16-2009, 08:15 AM

I got it on my Kindle yesterday and am already halfway through. It's good, but not as good as his other stuff. What I really liked, though, was in the first chapter they talk about the Scottish Rite building on 16th Street in DC. Not only was my grandfather a member of the Scottish Rite, but I live 2 blocks away from that huge building!!! Too cool.

Senusret I · #6 09-16-2009, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnotherKD

I got it on my Kindle yesterday and am already halfway through. It's good, but not as good as his other stuff. What I really liked, though, was in the first chapter they talk about the Scottish Rite building on 16th Street in DC. Not only was my grandfather a member of the Scottish Rite, but I live 2 blocks away from that huge building!!! Too cool.

DAMN GAL! How much is your rent?????

(It's a serious question, feel free to PM me in response, I am trying to move closer to downtown but can't find good prices)

SydneyK · #7 09-16-2009, 08:39 AM

I pre-ordered it from my local bookstore and was called yesterday letting me know it's in. I'll stop by this afternoon and pick it up. I want to finish The Appeal (John Grisham) before I start this one, though. Between The Appeal, Thursday's GA Tech/Miami game, and Saturday's NCAA games (VA Tech/Nebraska should be good!), I probably won't start it until Sunday. But I'm looking forward to it!

MysticCat · #8 09-16-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SydneyK

I want to finish The Appeal (John Grisham) before I start this one, though.

[sidetrack]How are you liking The Appeal? I was terribly disappointed in it, but I know others who really like it. [/sidetrack]

SydneyK · #9 09-16-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticCat

[sidetrack]How are you liking The Appeal? I was terribly disappointed in it, but I know others who really like it. [/sidetrack]

[continuing sidetrack] It's ok. I'm wishing it would hurry up and end - it's kinda dragging. Something about it makes me think I must've missed something along the way; it feels a bit scattered. He's written much better books, IMO. [/continuation of sidetrack]

MysticCat · #10 09-16-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SydneyK

[continuing sidetrack] It's ok. I'm wishing it would hurry up and end - it's kinda dragging. Something about it makes me think I must've missed something along the way; it feels a bit scattered. He's written much better books, IMO. [/continuation of sidetrack]

[continuing sidetrack again]That was my feeling. It seemed to lack a main character (or set of characters) that I could care about at all. [/end of sidetrack maybe?]

KSigkid · #11 09-16-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticCat

[sidetrack]How are you liking The Appeal? I was terribly disappointed in it, but I know others who really like it. [/sidetrack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SydneyK

[continuing sidetrack] It's ok. I'm wishing it would hurry up and end - it's kinda dragging. Something about it makes me think I must've missed something along the way; it feels a bit scattered. He's written much better books, IMO. [/continuation of sidetrack]

I thought that the first half to three-quarters of the book was pretty decent. I thought the last quarter of it was a bit over the top, though.

If you haven't read it, you should read Innocent Man. It's non-fiction, and a pretty interesting look into the wrongful convictions of two individuals. Pretty powerful stuff.

His newest book, The Associate, is terrible. It seems like he just completely mailed it in. I'm considering just giving up on Grisham altogether - he's gotten so caught up with railing against the private practice atmosphere that it's overpowered the rest of his writing.

SydneyK · #12 09-16-2009, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticCat

[continuing sidetrack again]That was my feeling. It seemed to lack a main character (or set of characters) that I could care about at all. [/end of sidetrack maybe?]

I agree 100%. At first, I thought the book was about Wes and Mary Grace and the Baker case. Now I'm not so sure. Spoilerfonted for those who haven't read it: Their settlement with the logging company just fell through and they just filed for bankruptcy. It's getting hard to support them when they're in only a third of the book (my estimate).

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSigkid

His newest book, The Associate, is terrible. It seems like he just completely mailed it in. I'm considering just giving up on Grisham altogether - he's gotten so caught up with railing against the private practice atmosphere that it's overpowered the rest of his writing.

Thanks for the warning. I usually grab his books once they make it to paperback, but if The Associate isn't any better than The Appeal, I won't bother.

ETA: I feel like I should apologize for the hijacking, but since (1) MC started this thread and, (2) he's participating in the hijack, I don't feel so bad.

MysticCat · #13 09-16-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KSigkid

His newest book, The Associate, is terrible. It seems like he just completely mailed it in. I'm considering just giving up on Grisham altogether - he's gotten so caught up with railing against the private practice atmosphere that it's overpowered the rest of his writing.

See, I had kind of given up on Grisham -- I really liked his early books, but after a while they all started to read like different versions of the same story. But then a few collegues said "Read The Appeal --it's like the old Grisham." No. It wasn't.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SydneyK

ETA: I feel like I should apologize for the hijacking, but since (1) MC started this thread and, (2) he's participating in the hijack, I don't feel so bad.

Shoot, I started the highjack . . .er . . . sidetrack.

SydneyK · #14 09-16-2009, 10:42 AM

^^^ I actually lolled at 728. You'll get to see the movie before you get to read the book.

ETA: When I typed that, I had no idea there were already plans in place for a movie!

MysticCat · #15 09-16-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SydneyK

^^^ I actually lolled at 728. You'll get to see the movie before you get to read the book.

I know, I know.

(Though bear in mind that our library system probably bought lots of copies, and it will be a one-week check out, so maybe it won't take too long. I'll let you know when I get it.)