a real page turner

I finished the latest book I was reading, Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. I mentioned in an earlier post how much I enjoyed reading this book. It was a real page turner.

I know there is some controversy over this book and one of his other books, The DaVinci Code. Both books involve history and most specifically, the Catholic church. I enjoy the fact that Mr. Brown uses enough history ('cuz I love history) to make the story interesting. And I really, really like the way he writes. Did I mention it was a page turner?

The problem, and where the controversy comes in, is that he skews the facts a bit in order to make a compelling story and I can see where the Catholic church takes offense to the way the early church is portrayed. I think if the reader starts reading these books knowing that what the author writes isn't the truth, they can enjoy the story.

One of the themes in Angels & Demons is religion versus science. Part of the plot is about how science can be used to prove the existence of God. There is some great dialog in the book on this. There is also some excellent content on how science has robbed us as spiritual beings. Here is a excerpt in which a priest from the Vatican addresses the public because of an upcoming danger. I'm not spoiling anything by sharing this.

"Science may have alleviated the miseries of disease and drudgery and provided an array of gadgetry for our entertainment and convenience, but it has left us in a world without wonder. Our sunsets have been reduced to wavelengths and frequencies. The complexities of the universe have been shredded into mathematical equations. Even our self-worth as human beings has been destroyed. Science proclaims that Planet Earth and its inhabitants are a meaningless speck in the grand scheme. A cosmic accident. Even the technology that promises to unite us, divides us. Each of us is now electronically connected to the globe, and yet we feel utterly alone."

This came from chapter 94 in the book and I highly recommend everyone to read this one chapter. I think so highly of it, I've typed out most of the chapter and posted it here. I hope sincerely hope you can take the time to read it. Again, I don't think any of the plot is spoiled by reading this. Please let me know what you think.

Dan Brown has written two other books. From what I understand, they don't involve the church. I've added both to my reading list. I'm looking forward to reading them both.