The Subtle Knife

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman is book two in the "His Dark Materials" trilogy.

Much like the Golden Compass this series is turning out to be a very enjoyable read.

I had this series on my list of books to read but it was bumped up in priority due to the controversy about the meaning behind the books.

I'm glad the movie and books caused such an uproar because the stories are really enjoyable. I'm only a few pages into book three but I like it just as much.

Easy to read but not childish. The characters are fascinating. And I can't wait to find out who turns out to be what - there is a very ambiguous line between right and wrong, good and evil. And who can you trust.

The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak was picked up on a whim at Barnes and Noble one afternoon. I was browsing a section of the store where they highlight new, recommended, and featured authors. I walked up and down the row multiple times and on the third pass I noticed this book down on the bottom hidden in shadow. And it literally called to me. As I picked it up and started to read the description it seemed to vibrate in my hands. (And no, I hadn't had my coffee yet) I read the opening lines and I knew I had to get this book.

And several good cry's later, I am SO glad I did. This book is now one of my all time favorite books. I have been shouting from the roof tops that it must be read. My dad and a friend of his both went and got copies. And Dad said that from page one he was intrigued and hooked.

The writing is beautiful and mesmerizing.

This book will change you. I guarantee you will walk away a different person when you finish. The characters will have moved into your heart and they will become a part of your soul.

I can't tell you enough what an amazing book this was.

The Golden Compass

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman has been on my reading list for ages. I thought about reading it when the movie was coming out but of course there were other books that I just HAD to read. But then a friend said to me that she wasn't going to let her kids see the movie because it is about a couple of kids that set out to kill god. Well, hell, of course I had to read the book now. I need to find out for myself just what this series is about.

And though I still don't know what Mr. Pullman's message (if any) is, I do know that this is a fantastic series. I am about 100 pages into book two (The Subtle Knife) and at least thus far there is no mention, nor any quest to kill god. God really doesn't come into it yet. There is some hints and references to great beings, but nothing obvious or harped on.

All I know is, when I pick up the book and start to read the entire world around me disappears. And if I have to stop reading i have to pull myself out of the beautiful and fascinating worlds Mr. Pullman has created.

I can't wait to finish this series. It is marvelous. I'm thankful for the controversy or I might never have put this at the top of my oh so long reading list.