From: Denise Sciandra <deeceebee>
Date: Tue, 08 May 2001 13:57:08 -0700

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the different responses to Pullman's trilogy. They have helped refresh my memory regarding these books that I read half a year ago.

Personally, I found all three books to be real page turners. Once I picked them up, I could hardly put them down. I became very attached to several of the characters---Lyra, the brave and wise heroine; Lee Scoresby, the selfless hero and Iorek Byrneson, the compassionate hero. I loved the concept of daemons. I loved learning the language of the book. I shuddered in the Land of the Dead and could hardly wait to get out again.

I love Pullman's quote from the School Library Journal, "...organized religion---especially those religions that have...a monotheistic god---have been responsible historically for enormous amounts of persecution, of suffering and cruelty. And this is often forgotten... It's not acknowledged, especially in popular fiction and fiction...that's going to be read by young people. I wanted to give a sort of historical answer to the, so to speak, the propaganda on behalf of religion..." I like his take on organized religion in these books and am surprised that there has not been a stronger reaction to it.

Having said all of this, I thought the ending of "The Amber Spyglass" was a bit light. Even so, I would reread all three books, if only I could find the time.

Denise Sciandra Fresno, California
Received on Tue 08 May 2001 03:57:08 PM CDT