His Dark Materials Trilogy - Philip Pullman

update - the 2nd book sucks. The third brings back some glory of The Golden Compass, but still has many frustratingly boring or not-make-sense-y parts. My advice on this trilogy - stop after #1 and always wonder what might have happened (because it's probably better than what Philip Pullman decided happened...)


The Golden Compass - Many novels written for children are written in simple language (like the language that we insist for some reason to use when speaking to children), have little mystery or intrigue, and no build-up to climaxes or foreshadowing. The first 100 pages of this novel are guilty of all but the first of these plights. But look out for the rest of the book, because you won't be able to put it down.
A young girl must leave her childhood home for what turns out to be a fight for her life (and the lives of many others), and a destiny to be fulfilled. Souls in the shape of ever-present animals, mysterious Dust that has something to do with the Aurora, witches, hot-air balloons, worlds in other dimensions, zombies, and the best part of all - Iorek Byrinson the armoured bear, add up to an exciting story of mystery, betrayal, secrets, lies and finally finding out the truth!
Children's books aren't just for children, folks - for all you guys who "don't read," try something easy and fun and short! But if you are going to choose ONE children's book to read, (re)read "Mrs.Frisby and the Rats of NIMH." Seriously. That book rules even more now than it did in grade 3.

p.s. I know now why everyone I went to see this movie with was so disappointed with the ending!

The Subtle Knife - Am just getting into this book after the beginning was so annoying!! This novel is written with such a more casual voice than The Golden Compass, and that was so distracting! I think it's gone back to normal now, or else I am getting used to it, but I almost put the book back on the shelf (or in the trash). I'm so far glad I didn't, although some sentences still stick out as not making sense, not being something that character would say, or making the character seem stupid when he/she is supposed to be super-smart. And the overt contempt for organized religion was definitely too much. It's as though this book was written by another author, but I'll bet it was just a different editor who thought that this is the type of crap-writing that children want to read.
Stay tuned for how the third book starts...