His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman (The Golden Compass)

Now that The Golden Compass film it out in theaters,  the controversy returns. The ironic thing is that if it were not for the people complaining about the books, I would not have heard about them, therefore would not have read them at this time. Currently I am reading the third book of the trilogy called the Amber Spyglass. I listened to the first two, The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife, in audio book form, and I couldn’t stop listening. I have now purchased the third book as a hardcover to experience the story as a reader as opposed to a listener. So far it is hard for me to put the book down. Even-though I have just started the third book, I really cant figure out what the hubbub is all about. I don’t want to give anything away, but I would highly suggest that anyone upset about the idea of Philip Pullman creating a book to spite religion, should try reading it before taking someone’s word for it. As I read through the books (or listen), I don’t know how these books can be categorized as Children’s Books.  I have not read the Chronicles of Narnia or any of the Harry Potter books, but the Pullman books seem to be a little graphic. I would suggest that parents  read the books themselves first and make a judgement as to wether or not they would want there kids listening or reading the material. As far as the controversy, whether or not I was Christian or any sect of religion, I would want to expose my children (if I had any) to as much information that I can so that they can make a decision for themselves when they were old enough to make such decisions. I would explain my thoughts about the book and what my take on them are and move on. No harm no foul. After all, they are fictional books, with fictional characters. The last time I checked, animals do not have the capabilities to speak, even though I do talk to my dog all the time. Does that make me crazy? In the end, please read the books, I highly recommend them. (The Audible.com version of the book is really good also!)