My book club just finished the first book of this trilogy
and most of us really enjoyed it. The time in the arena dragged in a few places
for me, and although I saw a certain setup coming (which shall remain nameless), it still worked! I cried
my eyes out!
My favorite parts involve the creativity the author puts
into the staging and the stylists and the interviews. I liked the costumes. I
also liked the irony in the fact that Katniss is forced to please the very
people she despises.
I do think so much more could have been done with the Peeta
relationship, but maybe the author wanted to keep it tame for a PG audience. The
violence though makes it PG13, I would think (though I was surprised that one of
my friends found the violence too tame). Racier feelings could have gone along
with that level of violence. I just didn't feel enough sexual tension in that
relationship, but not everyone in my club agreed.
Overall, I recommend this book.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
His Dark Materials Trilogy
I am fascinated by the many worlds and characters Pullman has created in The Golden Compass (or The Northern Lights), The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass.
I was curious to see what all the hubbabaloo was about "killing God," and, now that I've read it, don't think that's what the author was doing. I understand the story as showing a tyrannical "authority," who is not the true creator but an angel imposter, who has inspired the religious leaders to oppress its peoples by spreading lies and keeping them in ignorance, and it is Lyra and Will's duty to help Asriel and others overpower this imposter and his minions and establish a new kingdom of heaven that fosters knowledge and tolerance and diversity.
But the new Adam and Eve have to pay a price in order to help their respective worlds to succeed.
Both The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife were FAST reads full of intrigue and delightful creativity. The Amber Spyglass was equally delightful in the amazingly creative worlds and inhabitants, but much more slowly paced. Over all, I highly recommend the entire trilogy.
I was curious to see what all the hubbabaloo was about "killing God," and, now that I've read it, don't think that's what the author was doing. I understand the story as showing a tyrannical "authority," who is not the true creator but an angel imposter, who has inspired the religious leaders to oppress its peoples by spreading lies and keeping them in ignorance, and it is Lyra and Will's duty to help Asriel and others overpower this imposter and his minions and establish a new kingdom of heaven that fosters knowledge and tolerance and diversity.
But the new Adam and Eve have to pay a price in order to help their respective worlds to succeed.
Both The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife were FAST reads full of intrigue and delightful creativity. The Amber Spyglass was equally delightful in the amazingly creative worlds and inhabitants, but much more slowly paced. Over all, I highly recommend the entire trilogy.
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