Troubled by the controversy surrounding the Golden Compass series? Don't be. This article provides a a few great reasons to read the books this Christmas.
The exciting blend of fantasy, adventure and science fiction. Do you think it's hard to find anything interesting and well-written in those long shelves of bookstores and libraries? This series is an excellent blend of two very popular genres that will spark imaginations and give your children a story to remember.
The religious context. Far from pushing atheism, the Golden Compass series is highly suggestive of a pantheistic understanding of existence where all life shares divinity and consciousness. Moral lessons abound, and the characters exhibit bravery, honor, and a deep understanding of evil. If you are concerned with al the controversy surrounding these books, read them with your children, and determine for yourself if they're right for your family.
The brilliantly written characters. The main characters are portrayed in great depth, often seeming very realistic, yet very much original individuals. The books are filled with character development as the young characters interact with the world and grow, struggling against the forces of evil.
The massive, expertly created world. Philip Pullman creates a story about a massive war between two giant opponents taking place among all parallel universes. There are many opportunities for the prose or descriptions to become weak, but it never happens. Characters move from city to city and world to world, and the environments are all well-written and engaging.
The quality of Philip Pullman's writing. The first book in the series, Northern Lights (The Golden Compass) was recently awarded the Carnegie of Carnegies, an extremely prestigious and rare award. It is extremely difficult to find a children's book written so well, akin to the level of Madeleine L'Engle's Time Quartet and Peter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn. The series is very popular both within the United States and across the globe, and it is definitely worth checking out.
