I agree with DWI and Thugged out that "The Da Vinci Code" is not rich in language and/or Literary expression. He has an exceptional plot which capitalizes on many of the "conspiracy theories" and secret societies. His strength: he brought history of Renaissance art and the occult to mainstream readers. I believe his wife is an art historian and his father, a professor of Mathematics. So Thugged Out, what else have you read? Clickerclick, how was "Blue Memosa"? SGal: I finally got to read "Half a Life" and it left me with a bitter taste in my mouth! What a waste of life for the 50 year old protagonist to have lived a life " that was not his"!!!! It struck a raw nerve for me because I have some friends who've lived without taking responsibility for their life and life's choices. SaveEarth, I have read a review on "Vipasana Meditation" by the same author but never got to read the actual book. "Reading Lolita in Tehran", a powerful book, passionately written.