I read this book when I was 11 and it's been one of my favourites ever since. Granted, I'm an avid reader, but I think kids will be engaged by this book all the same even if it is a little higher-end intellectually. Gives you a lot to think about, for sure. It does have some graphic images though, like this guy called Silas hitting himself with a spiky belt (I think) because he was under the illusion that enduring pain somehow was a kind of way to show that he loved God. However, that scene was in no way a mindless insertion of violence - it made me wonder about the power of belief and believing, and how there's more than meets the eye more often than not (for example, some may dismiss Silas' behaviour as insane but who's to say what insane is since he's simply believing in something and going by his own beliefs?) Some parts of the book may also have more vulgar words but no f-words, I'm sure. Controversy and religious issues aside, I think this book does have a rather intellectual theme that may require more thinking in order to understand. But 11 isn't too early to start reading such books because kids actually understand a lot more than some adults give them credit for (I personally think with almost the same complexity now as when I was 11). It's a good read and something different from the usual thriller, at least.

This is my favorite book. I bought it CHEAP at Walmart and read it right away. The book isn't excessively violent, but does have it's moments. Barely any language, couple of h and d words, no f bombs. Good religious discussions can come from this book.

This was a good book...I didn't agree with every conspiracy in the book..but all-in-all a phenomenal and well-written book.

This book is based off of no fact. It teaches that everything is fact. Its like a Democrat saying that we don't have the right to bear arms. Arms is guns idiots. This book doesn't use common sense.

Though not Dan Brown's best piece of literature, The DaVinci Code offers an intricate plot that will captivate the reader. A lot of stigma surrounds the "anti-catholic" devices Brown uses, it must be remembered that this is a novel, and nowhere does it claim to be otherwise (Brown states that references to geography and artifacts are correct, which seems logical since it's a work of realistic/historical fiction). For anyone looking to be entertained in a way that won't rot your brain cells, Brown has you covered.

Common Sense's despcription of "too arcane for younger kids..." is a bit of a laugh. Dan Brown is probably the most simplistic author I've ever read, considering the size of his books. His writing is not very impressive, when taking into thought the hype his work gets. They're riddled with cliches, boring similies, and relatively unengaging characters. So why did I give this book four out of five stars? Because the actual plot is brilliant. Why would I complain so much, yet not muster the willpower to put this book down until I finished it? It was THAT intriguing. The same holds true with Brown's "Angels and Demons" (which, I daresay, is a teensy bit more interesting than "The Da Vinci Code"). It is for THIS reason - Brown's genius storylines, not his writing abilities - that I look forward to his next book, which will be released this year.

I loved this novel! It was so incredibly well researched and I have to say it does make logical sense if you are willing to set aside the fanatic religious views and give it a chance. Really, a great book!

Wonderfully complex, but the last chapter did fall short. A mature 12 year old who is an advanced reader could handle it with no problems. Some 12 year olds could not, though. It depends on the kid in question. It's great for those 12 year olds bored with books that are their grade level. Great for adults and teenagers as well.

I simply can't believe that common sense disregarded this book as "poorly written." IT'S GENIOUS! Dan Brown's ideas are well-thought out, abd the novel amounts to a pulse-pounding, hari-raising and incredibly complex thriller. Each time you think that you have it figured out, it throws another curveball and keeps you guessing. And Dan Brown has written it wonderfully, Common Sense must have read it with their eyes closed. As for the content, it's a little violent but not much else. Of course, there will be those that find the book insulting because it doesn;t exactly follow their religion, but they just need to keep an open mind and realize that it's a FICTIONAL NOVEL!!! And, before I forget, let me tell you to read the book and skip the film. I don't know how it happened with people like Tom Hanks and Ron Howard at the wheel, but the film just kinda sucks.