The Book of Q: A Novel

Just superb. Best thriller I've read in years. History, theology and action all rolled into one. A must-read for any Katherine Neville or Umberto Eco fan.

A friend recommended this book, and I was a little unsure if it would be something for me. As a practicing Christian, I was concerned about the subject matter, but found Mr. Rabb's treatment of faith to be surprisingly non-dogmatic, yet serious enough so that it didn't get lost in the rather wonderful story he tells. This is a thriller, but far more. I discovered things about the early Christian church I had never known, and about the development of the liturgy, canon, etc. When a book can teach you that much while sprinting along at such a fantastic pace (I read it in three days), it deserves a lot of praise. Wonderful read, and I recommend it highly.

I couldn't help but think of Umberto Eco's Name of the Rose when I read this. Rabb has the same ability to take esoteric information and make it jump off the page. The cryptograms were amazing, and the description of the monastery in Greece and the "Vault" were fantastic (a little Indiana Jones there). I also like it when a writer knows a city as well as I do (Rabb has clearly spent a lot of time in Rome). That just makes it more authentic for me.I agree with the other reviewer who said this isn't really about Christianity. Religion just happens to be the setting for a story that explores other issues like mass manipulation, self-doubt, and the power of language. That it all takes place in a totally gripping novel makes it even better.