Pan: The Lost Symbol

     Being the avid reader that I am (or think I am, rather), I have established a couple of rules for myself when it comes to tackling a book. 1) If I start a book, I must finish said book and 2) the decision to reread a book can be made only after determining that said book is declared above and beyond in worthiness. Admittedly, I have broken Rule #1 on two occasions: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson and Committed (ironic?) by Elizabeth Gilbert. Just couldn't get into them. Rule #2 is highly selective and reserved only for the elite of the elite. Namely Harry Potter (three times thinking about a fourth) and Wuthering Heights. Classic!

     As it is so out of character for me to reread a novel, I was surprised to find myself wanting to pick up The Lost Symbol for a second time. A few months ago, I purchased this gem at the local Half-Priced Books in the clearance section for $1. I've read all of Dan Brown's novels and have yet to be disappointed in any of his stories. However, for some reason I just couldn't remember the plot to this one at all. I could tell you where I was when I first read it--sophomore in college living in an apartment complex on campus--but that's about as far as it goes.

     The Lost Symbol is the third novel in which Harvard professor Robert Langdon involuntarily plays the role of detective. This guy must be a magnet for mysteries and madmen, as indicated by his previous adventures in The DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons. In Symbol, Langdon is summoned by an old friend of his, Peter Solomon. More specifically, Peter Solomon's assistant (this is important, I promise). The assistant asks if it is possible for the professor to come to Washington, D.C. to deliver a keynote address for a charity function, as the initial speaker has unexpectedly cancelled. Langdon flies to D.C., only to discover that there is no charity function and that he is now in the midst of a hostage/solve the puzzle/wild goose chase kind of a situation. He realizes fast that the "assistant" to Peter Solomon is in fact the criminal in all that is going on. The novel is written from multiple point of views, three of which are most prominent: Robert Langdon, Mal'akh the kidnapper, and Peter Solomon's sister Katherine Solomon. The Lost Symbol focuses on the Freemason society and highlights important symbolism within the unique community as well as various rituals that are required for each degree of membership.

     Brown's writing is so fun and so exciting to read, his books are just too difficult to put down. I love how he incorporates American history with modern-day science into this particular novel and as I finish this, I can't help but think I learned something new with a fiction thriller. As the CIA becomes involved in Langdon's quest to solve the multi-faceted puzzles of the Freemasons, the reader is able to experience Washington, D.C. landmarks like never before. It is easy to see that Dan Brown's 1.5+ years of historical research regarding the city monuments, Noetic science, and the Smithsonian Institute was not in vain and makes for great read. I am so excited for his next novel, believed to be released in the next year.