I have just finished reading The Da Vinci Code, have any of you read it?  What did you think?

Brilliant -a bit heavy going at first but very compelling -try Angels and Demons next ;)

Hi, Oldilocks.

Tried to read this book because it was on the list of a book group I belonged to.  The writing was so poor that I couldn't get past the second chapter - might have persevered but had just seen a TV programme that gave away the theme of the book so thought: why bother?  Given this I haven't been inspired to read anything else of his but am open to persuasion...

I did enjoy the book but didn't think that it was the best book that I have ever read.  The first few chapters were hard going, I thought, but it got better.  I am an impatient person and found myself thinking when reading it "Oh My God, not another puzzle!!!" In fact, I got a bit fed up with it all, having said that, I did read it to the end! (without reading the last page, which is a miracle for me!!) I thought that it lacked detail about the two main characters........maybe I missed something?

What kind of thing do you like? I know this is a very personal question because whenever I mention something I've enjoyed I think half the people are going to think 'Show off' while the other half think 'Idiot'- but perhaps that's just my insecurity showing.

I'll show you mine first: I really enjoy 

Sorry, didn't mean that to be a cliff-hanger - hit the wrong button on the machine.

Anyway I enjoy: Anne Tyler, Barbara Kingsolver, Walter Moseley and  good gothic/horror now and then.  Absolutely no romances or spy stories but occasional biographies.  Also Terry Pratchett although I think he's gone off a bit lately.

So what's your thing?

The one and only, now sadly deceased, Richard Laymon.  He makes Stephen King (another favourite) look like Enid Blyton!  Fortunately, due to my age and the fact that I have trouble remembering stuff, I am now re-reading all his novels like it was the first time. :D :D :D

I haven't had a lot of time to read for the past few years due to business commitments and I am just getting back to being able to have a good read, consequently, I feel that I have missed out on some of the modern writers.  I think that I have a lot of catching up to do!!  Don't laugh, but the last fiction I read and enjoyed were the Jean M. Auel books...'The Clan of the Cave Bear' etc.......

I thought the Da Vinci Code was a good read.  Had to sit down and read it in one day though and I'm glad I did.  So much going on constantly in the book - if I'd have put it down I would have lost the plot a bit!!

I'm reading Angels & Demons at the moment - not got very far yet as it seems to start off a bit slowly too.  I'm probably jumping the gun a bit but from what I've read so far it seems to be written in a very similar plot style to Da Vinci Code - Langdon saves the day and a female relative who needs his help to solve the mystery!!  :-)

I thought it was a great read.I read it in two days, I'm reading Angels and Demons now but I can't seem to get into it. I'm looking forward to the film although I'm not sure about Tom Hanks playing Langdon.

Ange, I can't see Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon either.  I think that  'George Clooney' would have been a better choice!  Who do you see as 'Sophie'..............Nicole Kidman?

Naomi Watts maybe although I think the Amelie actress is a good choice.

I thought 'Clan of the Cave Bear' was excellent.  I love books that show you different ways of looking at life and different types of lives.  The view of Neanderthals was wonderful.  Also loved early Stephen King but felt he lost the plot after 'It' and now needs a damn good editor.  Never read Richard Laymon but will look out for him as I enjoy a good scare. (Ususally supplied by the 'phone bill when the kids were at home).

Has anyone read the Alexander Mc Call Smith 'Number One Ladies Detective Agency' books? What did you think?