I actually read THE DA VINCI CODE and THE LOST SYMBOL before reading the first book in the Robert Langdon series, ANGELS & DEMONS. I picked the hardcover copy up for a buck at the swap meet in Costa Mesa, CA.

I actually think this is the best book in the series. The formula is very similar to the other two books (dead body, clues to unravel, etc.), but the setting and story of this book was far more interesting than the other two (the other two were still great, though.) While Brown does take a lot of liberties with the "facts" he presents in his books, his novels are smart and full of intrigue, and hard to put down.

I'm now re-reading THE DA VINCI CODE, and I'll follow that one up by re-reading THE LOST SYMBOL.