The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography

by Simon Singh
The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography cover
Good Books rating 4.67
Technical
  • ID: 5614
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
beta.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
intriguing 4.50

The reviewer found the book enthralling and couldn't put it down. They were left with a mix of emotions, including indignation, confusion, intrigue, and disgust about all forms of faith. The book sparked deep thoughts and questions about religion and personal responsibility.

The reviewer was captivated by the book, describing it as enthralling and impossible to put down. They experienced a range of emotions, including indignation, confusion, intrigue, and disgust, particularly about the Mormon faith and its practices. The book led them to question the nature of faith and personal responsibility, sparking deep thoughts and reflections. They appreciated the book's ability to provoke such strong reactions and encourage critical thinking. The reviewer also highlighted the book's exploration of the history of polygamy and violence within the Church of Later Day Saints, which left them with a negative view of the church. They hoped for a different perspective from LDS believers but were left to their own conclusions.

Quick quotes

    I don't know where to start with this book -- I couldn't put it down. It was enthralling.

    There is a certain appeal to having no choices. Sometimes religion is comforting because obedience to a provided list of rules removes personal responsibility.

    I will never be a Mormon, for many reasons. First, in the Mormon faith, if you realize the highest echelon of Mormonism, you will get your own planet to run after you die. If you're a man, that is. If you're a woman, you can join your man on his planet... if he invites you.

barnesandnoble.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
fascinating 5.00

The reviewer found the book fascinating and educational, despite some disturbing content. They appreciated the author's research and interviews, which provided a deep understanding of the Mormon religion and its offshoot sects. The book raised thought-provoking questions about faith and belief, and the reviewer ultimately gave it a high rating.

The reviewer was pleasantly surprised by this book, which they picked up as part of their TBR list. They found the detailed account of the murder committed by the Lafferty brothers to be hard to read, but the rest of the book was both fascinating and disturbing. The reviewer learned a lot about the Mormon religion and its history, as well as the current status of the LDS church and its offshoot sects. They appreciated the author's research and interviews, which provided a deep understanding of the subject matter without feeling like a history lesson. The book also raised thought-provoking questions about the nature of religious belief and the line between insanity and faith. The reviewer was particularly interested in the story of DeLoy Bateman, a fundamentalist who lost his faith but struggled to leave the church. Overall, the reviewer found the book to be a compelling and educational read, and they gave it a high rating.

Quick quotes

    The scenes about the murder were hard to read. It was very detailed in the description and the brutality of it was jarring.

    I learned a lot in this book about the current LDS church and the offshoot sects that exist and Krakaur did a great job of not making it feel like a history lesson while teaching me so much.

    The later chapters that questioned the line between insanity and religious belief were really fascinating to me.

    Overall, I was hooked and really learned a lot from this book. Five out of Five Stars.

theguardian.com · Unknown · 2000-05-24
engaging 4.50

The book provides an exciting and hard-to-put-down exploration of the Mormon Church and its history, offering a fresh perspective for those with a Mormon background. It delves into the controversial practices of polygamy and the extreme actions of the Lafferty brothers, making for a compelling read.

Jon Krakauer's book is praised for its engaging and well-written analysis of the Mormon Church and its tenets. Readers appreciate the historical context provided, which includes the controversial practices of polygamy and the extreme actions of the Lafferty brothers. The book is seen as a significant exploration of religious fanaticism, making it a compelling read for those interested in the subject. The book's insights are particularly relevant in the context of modern political and social issues.

Quick quotes

    Jon Krakauer's book was exciting and hard to put down.

    The lifestyle is workable if it has complete agreement from the women.

    An engaging and well-written historical analysis of the Mormon Church and its tenets as well as an exploration of religious fanaticism generally.

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