One of the best books I've read in a long time! I'm not sure why so many people are up in arms about these books. Actually, I take that back. Many people are frightened and offended by ideas that contradict their own, especially if those contradictory ideas seem to call religion into question. Lots of people have called these books anti-Christian. I think that's inaccurate. I'd definitely call them anti-Authoritarianism; anti-Blind Obedience; anti-Groupthink. But not necessarily anti-Christian or anti-Religion.

The books follow two children as they set out to unwittingly save thousands of parallel universes from destruction. Constantly flowing under the exciting story of these two kids is Pullman's fascinating philosophy about the meaning of life, purpose of religion, role of consciousness and agency, and innocence. More than once, I had to stop reading and think deeply about the ideas that were being presented. While I didn't always agree with Pullman, I found his arguments engaging and thoughtful.

Granted, Pullman presents his philosophy in ways that many may find uncomfortable, with a God character that doesn't necessarily match Christianity's view of God. The God of Pullman's universes is an angry, controlling, power-hungry God. The Church in Pullman's universes is more concerned with controlling people's choices by destroying agency and consciousness than it is with teaching humans to be better beings. This is where people get their knickers in a twist, obviously confusing Pullmans novels with the Bible.

With that in mind, I'd recommend the books to any open-minded individual interested in exploring ideas of good and evil, agency and consequence, death and afterlife, love and loss. I can't wait to hear what you all think.