I have greatly enjoyed the book thus far, and am greatly disappointed that I had to take a break from reading in order to make this entry. I think that the reason that I am so engrossed is that it connects with something I want. The NSA sounds like a really cool place to work and it is playing on the classic male weakness of technology and “secret agents”. How can you resist a book with such a good-looking super-secret rich cryptographer like Susan Fletcher? David Becker also sounds like a guy I would want to be, and the fact that he can speak so many languages is amazing. The TRANSLATR and security surrounding the NSA really fascinates me. Strathmore sounds like a good guy… almost too good. I think trouble will stem from him not telling the director or President about the situation. I think he has a hidden motive and that there is a real reason for calling Susan in other than the fact he couldn’t send the program. Phil Chartrukian could also be heading for a major development in the plot. I’m also interested in furthering the Numataka and North Dakota relationship and deal. However, what I really want to know is what happened to Tankado’s ring.
The book is still very captivating and enthralling. I am really being drawn in by all the unanswered questions that I just must know the answer to. Pierre Cloucharde, the Canadian, was an interesting character and I very much enjoyed watching Becker “play him like a fiddle”, to use a simile. The character of Greg Hale was also introduced, and might I say he seems a bit shady. He sounds like he has no loyalties to the NSA and he is only there for money. I believe that he could turn on Susan in an instant and that he is in life to solely look after himself. David Becker is continuing to impress me with his amazing deductions of what to do next, as well as his ability to speak in different languages and accents to get what he needs. I am still in the dark as to who the man with the wire-rimmed glasses could be. He is obviously a antagonist, but who is he working for and what is his motive? He could be working for North Dakota, but I want to know more about him. I do have one prediction to make, and that is that North Dakota is in fact Strathmore. Strathmore would be the perfect person to turn out to be evil. Every event thus far would support my theory. He is the only person to know of the crisis, he sent a civilian to Spain, he is in a position of power with many connections, etc. but what I don’t know is his motive. I really like Strathmore and I truly wish that he turns out to be on the good side, but on the other hand I do know that Dan Brown’s books have unexpected twists and turns.
I still have no real complaints about the book and I am still enjoying every page of it. My suspicions against Strathmore are supported by the quote “Susan thought of Strathmore, nobly bearing the weight of this ordeal on his shoulders, doing what was necessary, staying cool in the face of disaster.” The book is just making Strathmore look way too good. I was very confused about why Hale aborted the tracer program. I don’t accept the fact that he understands what is really going on with TRANSLTR trying to break the code. I also am having trouble believing that Hale is North Dakota, there must be something more to it than the simple way Susan stumbled upon the emails. I enjoyed the way that Becker tracked the ring to the German, such as by tricking the concierge. I also liked reading the excerpts of German and trying to guess what they said before reading the English. The murder of the German and Dewdrop caught me by total surprise, and I really want to know more about this assassin. The story is just beginning with the information that he was deaf since age 12. The story of Brinkerhoff and Midge must lead to some more important part of the plot, but I just don’t know what. I am starting to wonder if Digital Fortress is really dangerous to TRANSLTR and in reality a bug. The line of “who will guard the guards?” was a nice touch.
For some reason I feel that in the last sixty pages the book has lost some of its excitement. Nothing really captivated me. The punk rockers made things interesting and I could easily picture David dealing with Two-Tone. I must admit that David physically scaring Two-Tone and then outwitting him did bring a smile to my face. I am very interested in knowing who this girl is that David met in the airport bathroom. I believe that she is the punk rocker he is looking for, but that she changed clothes for her return to her parents. David is really having a hard time, and I think that the wire-rimmed glasses man is killing everyone who has physically seen the ring. I am still not sure of his motive though other than to keep the ring a complete secret. What is going on in crypto is getting confusing. Hale supposedly killed Chartrukian to avoid a manual abort of TRANSLTR, but I think there is more to the story. Strathmore’s actions still persist on baffling me. He is hiding something involving the fact that he wants to look at Digital Fortress’s algorithm. Also, Hale and Susan’s struggle seems a little odd in that Hale is behaving differently that I would have expected. Susan mentions fear in his eyes. Midge, Jabba, and Brinkerhoff will soon learn that there is indeed something fishy going on, but I don’t know what will happen next. I get bad vibes from these three characters, but yet I think they may turn out to be the good guys. We shall see.
Well, Dan Brown has certainly put in plenty of twists and turns, and a couple of U-turns if you catch my drift. All of my thoughts and predictions were turned upside down, but then some were turned right-side-up again. I’m not really sure on what to believe as to who killed Chartukian. Did Strathmore kill him to keep TRANLTR running, or did Hale kill him in fear that it was discovered he was snooping on Strathmore? I do not think that either man would have the ability to commit murder, but obviously my notions are wrong with one of them. Director Fontaine coming back should lead to something, and it was a very interesting turn when I learned of Fontaine spying on Strathmore. Strathmore, it turns out, did have a genius plan. Most all of my questions were answered such as why he would keep TRANLTR running, why he wanted the pass key, etc. Strathmore showed his genius once more in faking the phone call to security to scare Hale and then throwing his loafers to trick him. I am still in the dark as to what another NSA team is doing in Spain, and I want to know what happened to the Learjet. Finally, the thought that Digital Fortress was in fact a virus had crossed my mind many times. I’m guessing Susan will have to rise to the occasion to save TRANSLTR and the NSA from certain disaster from a virus. I’m also willing to wager that Jabba, Midge, and Brinkerhoff all turn out to help save the NSA despite being told to leave the matter alone. This has been a confusing sixty pages, by an enjoyable one. If you really think about it, it all makes sense.
Wow, this book is like nothing I have ever read. First of all, how many times is Becker going to dodge death? It seems a little farfetched that he has dodged that many close calls. Statistically, I think he should be dead by now. For example, the fact that Becker could see a reflection on the chalice and later dangle out a window seems to be a little unlikely. Also, I don’t think a teacher could kill an experienced assassin (no offense Mr. Vasquez). After reading these sixty pages I have decided I severely dislike Strathmore. I will admit he had a brilliant plan, but all of the flaws and deaths outweigh the possible gain. He used Becker to get the passkey and to get Susan. He was also responsible for the deaths of Chartukian and Hale. He told way too many lies and got himself in too deep to the point where taking lives became necessary. I am not really sure what my final thoughts on Hale were. I don’t think he deserved to be murdered, but on the other hand he did spy on Strathmore, bother Susan, cause problems for the NSA, and he did become pretty scary when he took Susan hostage. As for right now, I want to find out if David survives. I am betting he does by some miracle. I also wish to continue reading to learn more about the two men in military uniform.
Overall I enjoyed the book and looked forward to its twists and turns. I knew that “SUSAN” would be the password to the elevator. I also knew that the word “element” referred to chemical elements. In fact, I was confused and had to reread the passage in order to understand what was supposed to be my first instinct. I also predicted that the difference in the two elements would be their isotopes and I knew that Tankado was holding up three fingers. Once I knew what the ultimate end was going to be, I pretty much had it figured out. I think it was very smart and savvy that Fontaine sent his own team in, and I liked learning that the two military men were actually good guys. I enjoyed the military expertise in that the men realized Tankado did not expect murder because he did not look around for his attacker. I would have never thought of that. After finishing the book, I realize that Dan Brown very rarely throws useless information into a novel. For example, the history of cryptography with Caesar turns out to be crucial knowledge in the end. The book was very movie-like and had that classic adventure feel to it. David managed to slide in a smooth one liner with his “Will you marry me? This time I have a ring.” Also, the final seconds with all of the technicians running around, the countdown, the three display screens, etc. all reminded me of your everyday government action movie. Lastly, I think that the Numataka-Tankado relationship was an interesting wrap-up, but was largely unneeded. In fact, I think that the entire character of Numataka could have been omitted. However, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it.
Didn't the passage of background information say that Antigone was a victim of Creon's hubris? Some of you are suggesting that Antigone is the tragic hero. Thoughts on that.
7 comments:
Digital Fortress
Dan Brown
Page 1-74
I have greatly enjoyed the book thus far, and am greatly disappointed that I had to take a break from reading in order to make this entry. I think that the reason that I am so engrossed is that it connects with something I want. The NSA sounds like a really cool place to work and it is playing on the classic male weakness of technology and “secret agents”. How can you resist a book with such a good-looking super-secret rich cryptographer like Susan Fletcher? David Becker also sounds like a guy I would want to be, and the fact that he can speak so many languages is amazing. The TRANSLATR and security surrounding the NSA really fascinates me. Strathmore sounds like a good guy… almost too good. I think trouble will stem from him not telling the director or President about the situation. I think he has a hidden motive and that there is a real reason for calling Susan in other than the fact he couldn’t send the program. Phil Chartrukian could also be heading for a major development in the plot. I’m also interested in furthering the Numataka and North Dakota relationship and deal. However, what I really want to know is what happened to Tankado’s ring.
Digital Fortress
Dan Brown
Pages 75-122
The book is still very captivating and enthralling. I am really being drawn in by all the unanswered questions that I just must know the answer to. Pierre Cloucharde, the Canadian, was an interesting character and I very much enjoyed watching Becker “play him like a fiddle”, to use a simile. The character of Greg Hale was also introduced, and might I say he seems a bit shady. He sounds like he has no loyalties to the NSA and he is only there for money. I believe that he could turn on Susan in an instant and that he is in life to solely look after himself. David Becker is continuing to impress me with his amazing deductions of what to do next, as well as his ability to speak in different languages and accents to get what he needs. I am still in the dark as to who the man with the wire-rimmed glasses could be. He is obviously a antagonist, but who is he working for and what is his motive? He could be working for North Dakota, but I want to know more about him. I do have one prediction to make, and that is that North Dakota is in fact Strathmore. Strathmore would be the perfect person to turn out to be evil. Every event thus far would support my theory. He is the only person to know of the crisis, he sent a civilian to Spain, he is in a position of power with many connections, etc. but what I don’t know is his motive. I really like Strathmore and I truly wish that he turns out to be on the good side, but on the other hand I do know that Dan Brown’s books have unexpected twists and turns.
Digital Fortress
Dan Brown
Pages 123-179
I still have no real complaints about the book and I am still enjoying every page of it. My suspicions against Strathmore are supported by the quote “Susan thought of Strathmore, nobly bearing the weight of this ordeal on his shoulders, doing what was necessary, staying cool in the face of disaster.” The book is just making Strathmore look way too good. I was very confused about why Hale aborted the tracer program. I don’t accept the fact that he understands what is really going on with TRANSLTR trying to break the code. I also am having trouble believing that Hale is North Dakota, there must be something more to it than the simple way Susan stumbled upon the emails. I enjoyed the way that Becker tracked the ring to the German, such as by tricking the concierge. I also liked reading the excerpts of German and trying to guess what they said before reading the English. The murder of the German and Dewdrop caught me by total surprise, and I really want to know more about this assassin. The story is just beginning with the information that he was deaf since age 12. The story of Brinkerhoff and Midge must lead to some more important part of the plot, but I just don’t know what. I am starting to wonder if Digital Fortress is really dangerous to TRANSLTR and in reality a bug. The line of “who will guard the guards?” was a nice touch.
Digital Fortress
Dan Brown
Pages 180-242
For some reason I feel that in the last sixty pages the book has lost some of its excitement. Nothing really captivated me. The punk rockers made things interesting and I could easily picture David dealing with Two-Tone. I must admit that David physically scaring Two-Tone and then outwitting him did bring a smile to my face. I am very interested in knowing who this girl is that David met in the airport bathroom. I believe that she is the punk rocker he is looking for, but that she changed clothes for her return to her parents. David is really having a hard time, and I think that the wire-rimmed glasses man is killing everyone who has physically seen the ring. I am still not sure of his motive though other than to keep the ring a complete secret. What is going on in crypto is getting confusing. Hale supposedly killed Chartrukian to avoid a manual abort of TRANSLTR, but I think there is more to the story. Strathmore’s actions still persist on baffling me. He is hiding something involving the fact that he wants to look at Digital Fortress’s algorithm. Also, Hale and Susan’s struggle seems a little odd in that Hale is behaving differently that I would have expected. Susan mentions fear in his eyes. Midge, Jabba, and Brinkerhoff will soon learn that there is indeed something fishy going on, but I don’t know what will happen next. I get bad vibes from these three characters, but yet I think they may turn out to be the good guys. We shall see.
Digital Fortress
Dan Brown
Pages 243-303
Well, Dan Brown has certainly put in plenty of twists and turns, and a couple of U-turns if you catch my drift. All of my thoughts and predictions were turned upside down, but then some were turned right-side-up again. I’m not really sure on what to believe as to who killed Chartukian. Did Strathmore kill him to keep TRANLTR running, or did Hale kill him in fear that it was discovered he was snooping on Strathmore? I do not think that either man would have the ability to commit murder, but obviously my notions are wrong with one of them. Director Fontaine coming back should lead to something, and it was a very interesting turn when I learned of Fontaine spying on Strathmore. Strathmore, it turns out, did have a genius plan. Most all of my questions were answered such as why he would keep TRANLTR running, why he wanted the pass key, etc. Strathmore showed his genius once more in faking the phone call to security to scare Hale and then throwing his loafers to trick him. I am still in the dark as to what another NSA team is doing in Spain, and I want to know what happened to the Learjet. Finally, the thought that Digital Fortress was in fact a virus had crossed my mind many times. I’m guessing Susan will have to rise to the occasion to save TRANSLTR and the NSA from certain disaster from a virus. I’m also willing to wager that Jabba, Midge, and Brinkerhoff all turn out to help save the NSA despite being told to leave the matter alone. This has been a confusing sixty pages, by an enjoyable one. If you really think about it, it all makes sense.
Digital Fortress
Dan Brown
Pages 304-363
Wow, this book is like nothing I have ever read. First of all, how many times is Becker going to dodge death? It seems a little farfetched that he has dodged that many close calls. Statistically, I think he should be dead by now. For example, the fact that Becker could see a reflection on the chalice and later dangle out a window seems to be a little unlikely. Also, I don’t think a teacher could kill an experienced assassin (no offense Mr. Vasquez). After reading these sixty pages I have decided I severely dislike Strathmore. I will admit he had a brilliant plan, but all of the flaws and deaths outweigh the possible gain. He used Becker to get the passkey and to get Susan. He was also responsible for the deaths of Chartukian and Hale. He told way too many lies and got himself in too deep to the point where taking lives became necessary. I am not really sure what my final thoughts on Hale were. I don’t think he deserved to be murdered, but on the other hand he did spy on Strathmore, bother Susan, cause problems for the NSA, and he did become pretty scary when he took Susan hostage. As for right now, I want to find out if David survives. I am betting he does by some miracle. I also wish to continue reading to learn more about the two men in military uniform.
Digital Fortress
Dan Brown
Pages 363-430
Overall I enjoyed the book and looked forward to its twists and turns. I knew that “SUSAN” would be the password to the elevator. I also knew that the word “element” referred to chemical elements. In fact, I was confused and had to reread the passage in order to understand what was supposed to be my first instinct. I also predicted that the difference in the two elements would be their isotopes and I knew that Tankado was holding up three fingers. Once I knew what the ultimate end was going to be, I pretty much had it figured out. I think it was very smart and savvy that Fontaine sent his own team in, and I liked learning that the two military men were actually good guys. I enjoyed the military expertise in that the men realized Tankado did not expect murder because he did not look around for his attacker. I would have never thought of that. After finishing the book, I realize that Dan Brown very rarely throws useless information into a novel. For example, the history of cryptography with Caesar turns out to be crucial knowledge in the end. The book was very movie-like and had that classic adventure feel to it. David managed to slide in a smooth one liner with his “Will you marry me? This time I have a ring.” Also, the final seconds with all of the technicians running around, the countdown, the three display screens, etc. all reminded me of your everyday government action movie. Lastly, I think that the Numataka-Tankado relationship was an interesting wrap-up, but was largely unneeded. In fact, I think that the entire character of Numataka could have been omitted. However, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it.
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