Angels & Demons – Dan Brown

Last week, I embarked on a brief journey, my first since the pandemic began. While away, I seized the chance to purchase a new book, as my local area, unfortunately, lacks bookstores. I sought something authentic, steering clear of the typical best seller self-help books that dwell on misery or prescribe a countdown from 5 as the secret to success in life.

I opted for fiction since fiction can sometimes teach you valuable lessons in an unpredictable way. It contains wisdom that subtly creeps into your subconscious, and makes for both a learning and fun experience.

I visited a bookstore shortly before I departed back home. Not knowing what to get beforehand, I was inevitably subjected to a case of decision paralysis. I solved it as any sane man would. I went with a long-forgotten recommendation from a former roommate (Hey, Nawfal if you're reading this!).

What I thought

I had no expectations of the author since I never read any of his books. All I knew was that some of his work was being translated into movies.

I completed the book in just two days, a testament to the authors' skillful use of cliffhangers. However, even this couldn't make the book to a great read, at least not for me.

As I delved into the book, I couldn't shake the feeling that its plot was somewhat "commercial" and mundane, like the movies you impulsively choose on a Friday night at the theater. The writing lacked creativity, seemingly tailored to appeal to a broad audience. Some sections felt unnecessarily drawn out, perhaps to increase the book's length. However, I must acknowledge that the book was well researched. It left me with a deeper understanding of the history of Christianity.

To sum up, the book wasn't dreadful, but it certainly didn't make my list of super-secret-super-awesome books that I come back to whenever I need a great read on a cold winter night.