It was lightweight fiction. I don't really see why it became popular. OK plot, but from a theological view I considered it blasphemous.
The problem that I see with this book (I am not a Catholic nor have I read the book) is that too many people are treating a pice of fiction as though it was true.
The sad thing is that many can't tell the difference between biblical truth and a fictional novel.
They get their history lessons from Oliver Stone and vote for candidates based on 30 second political ads.
Part of its popularity is that it's anti organized religion...in this case Catholicism. Most liberal publishing houses will go out of their way to buy, print, and promote to the hilt a book like The Code.