Book Report Day

Well, one area of my life that doesn't differ too greatly. : )

I've been blitzing against time and the library system the past two weeks, and I think I'm starting to win. Yesterday I finished the last Philip Pullman book, the Amber Spyglass. It was interesting read, and I know its directed at teens, but jeez talk about some controversial topics. So first off, I wouldn't let my nephews touch this until they were in high school where they have the opportunity to be exposed to a lot more ideas and opinions from other people as well as moderation to dicuss them. Random House thoughtfully has teacher materials on their website for this purpose.

I say this because of the HEAVY religious themes that are in these books (the Golden Compass, the Subtle Knife, and Amber Spyglass), not in the presence of trying to influence in favor of religion, or one sect versus another, but heretical concepts to those who are religious or have been of religious upbringing. Angels and humans, church rebellion and government, saying God isn't God - but an old decrepit angel who took the name despite not being the Creator... deep stuff. If you don't feel comfortable having these kinds of ideas or themes challenging you, don't pick up this series.

Despite the themes, it is a different flavor of literature for the age range. That is the redeeming factor in its favor. Well developed characters and plot, the only detracting point being the ability to suspend disbelief against pre-existing ideas such as religion, nature, standard fantasy/fiction, and science. If the reader can keep an open mind, His Dark Materials is a marvelous journey across many worlds and filled with peril.

Definitely PG-13 here, kiddies. Some sexually suggestive content, war, violence, deceit, cruelty, sadness, manipulation... but it's a good read - four out of five stars so to speak.