Education Books

Someone recommended this author to me and I almost didn't read the book when I got it because of the cover, it looked like it was for very young readers, but it was a great book! I have read almost all of Janette Rallison's books now and I really like them.

Loved it. Janette Rallison really knows how to keep a reader entertained and her brand of humor is so subtle. At times, I had tears in my eyes from laughing. Her protrayal of a high school play gone awry is priceless.

I wasn't expecting this book to be that great, but it was. The characters are very realistic. It's about a young girl who wants to be a star. She broke up with her boyfriend, but then wants him back. Meanwhile, a new boy shows up. Turns up that he is the son of a big movie star. Find out more! It's really good!

I used this book for a book report, now im not into reading much but this book was the best one i have ever read. I love to act so it was a great book for me. it took me about two weeks to read it but wonderful book. If your doing a book report there are lots of charaters. Ilove that book

There is simply no other way to put it-- this book is hilarious. I was lying on my bed reading it and laughing out loud! If you love humor with a touch of everything else this book is perfect. It ends off perfectly. At first I thought the book looked a little babyish, but it was just sooo awesome. Enjoy!

I read these book when I was a child and now I'm reading them to my daughter. She loves them as much as I did!

I loved this book as a little girl, and read it again when I found it while helping my parents move. When I read the first page aloud to myself the words felt familiar. The writing is more beautiful than most picture books intended for young children, not "speaking down" to them. Of course I also loved the pictures and the fact that the story is about a tiny flying horse.

I love this book. My grandmother bought it for me (hard cover version)when I was little & I still have it. It is about a very tiny winged horse named Flutterby who does not know what she is. As she tries to figure out who/what she is she tries to be a bee and later an ant. At the end a butterfly shows her her reflection and tells her that she is unique and that she should just be herself. I think this is a great story for any child to learn.

Do yourself a favor and save up for the hardback if they still make it. This book is very very very thin and flimsy in paperback form.

I first read this book as a little girl who loved it for the beautiful pictures of such a cute creature as Flutterby,as i grew older & began to understand the true meaning of the story I loved it even more.My hope would be that everyone can use the moral of this story for themselves-Find out who you are & dont be afraid to be yourself.

As the mother of a challenging teenager with a long list of `disorders', I cried while reading GENIUS! George and Joanne Lynn write with a raw honesty that cut straight to my core.

In the Editor's Preface, Joanne writes "Families such as ours live in a crucible, that chemistry lab vessel made of a material, steel or platinum or porcelain, that doesn't burn away in a furnace...George and I live in the furnace of our son's wild neurology, and our job is to contain him so that he can grow, without burning up in his own heat. And we must not burn out in the nurturing of him."

This beautiful book, is written from the intimate perspective of parents who have lived in the furnace with their own son, as well as their perspectives as therapist and poet. George Lynn writes with professional authority about attention differences - in particular AD/HD, Asperger Syndrome, bipolar disorder and Tourette Syndrome. Yet this is not just a book about coping with syndromes and disorders. It is about seeing the brilliance within our child. It is also about how we parents need to focus inward, nurturing our own genius, and giving it expression. Taking care of our own health, mind and spirit strengthens us to meet the challenges of living amidst the daily chaos. This book is like finding an oasis in the lonely desert of cultural misunderstanding and judgement. Thank you George and Joanne for this gift.

While acknowledging that ADHD and other "neurologically different" children can be disruptive and have problems affecting both others and themselves, the authors - whose teen son has been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome - acclaim these exceptional people as also having a "genius" or "guiding spirit" that can help them make important, even vital, contributions to society.

As a counselor of children and adults, George Lynn says many of his AD/HD adolescent clients "are sports champions or team captains at the high school level. As performers or musicians they tend to be creative and innovative composers, and charismatic on stage." And there are many examples throughout history of prominent achievers who are neurologically different.

This book is fantastic as well as all of his books. George Lynn is not only a therapist, but also a parent who has raised a child with many neurological challenges. I would highly recommend this to anyone!

This book will be high on the short list of titles I recommend to parents of challenging children who ask "which books are worth reading?" This title is clearly worth the investment of time, not only because George Lynn is a skilled therapist who has seen and helped scores of neurologically challenged kids, but because he has lived it as a parent. In addition to wise advice, this book records a very personal journey in which we can see what he and his wife experienced from the inside out.

I was particularly struck by his reminder that every human being needs a "Great Story" with which to frame their talents and strengths, something to serve as a beacon in darker times, a reminder that we each are much more than the sum of our liabilities. Kids with multiple difficulties need such a beacon especially, but while dealing with the stresses of daily living, it is all too easy to forget.

In the process of reminding parents and kids to seek the Great Stories they all have to tell, George Lynn has given the gift of a Great Story for himself.

George and Joanne Lynn know first hand that the process of taking care of a neurologically eccentric child is emotionally taxing and all consuming; so much so that the child's deficits tend to take center stage at the expense of an appreciation for their gifts. Many of these gifts, they explain, are the results of the very eccentricities that brought on the diagnoses. With empathy and amazing insight, Lynn helps us to appreciate and learn to cultivate these gifts in our children so that our children may develop the positive self image necessary to reach their potential. This potential may exceed our wildest imaginings. Their disabilities are an undeniable part of their genius and the tapestry of their lives telling a story of where they have been and where they are going. With care, their genius can be cultivated and become a powerful and positive force in their lives. The Lynn's emphasize strengthening the positive without denying the challenges of these children, as both contribute to the child's sense of self and their path thru life. In-as-much as every virtue when examined from a different perspective can be seen as a flaw, so the struggles and "symptoms" of these remarkable children can influence them in very positive ways. A very encouraging read for the parent who is lost in the sea of doctors, diagnoses, frustration, and hopelessness and may have lost touch with their child , their family, and even themselves in the process.

This second edition has many of the numbers updated which reflects the most current demographics being taken into account. Specific research includes data released during 2007. The new appendix makes the demographic situation of American Jewry even more clear. The book continues to be a great call for action. I recommend Getting Our Groove Back as a manifesto for Rabbis, Synagogue Presidents or anyone interested in the vitality of American Jews. Kudos to Mr. Shay for his candor and commitment to such important issues we face for the future of American Jewry and as it affects our children and future generations.

This book is a fantastic call to action. Mr. Shay has clearly done his research and used his qualified experiences and level-headedness to lay out convincing and practical solutions to the crisis that faces American Jewry. His dedication to American Jewry is refreshing and his optimism is inspiring. Because Mr. Shay writes to the point, the book is not dense and can easily be read by any individual regardless of education or religious experience. As a 23 year old recent college graduate, I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in seeing the amazing tradition, culture, and religion that has helped shape the lives of great Americans continue to shape the lives of others in the future.

Written by Scott A. Shay, Chair of UJA-Federation of New York's Commission on Jewish Identity and Renewal, Getting Our Groove Back: How to Energize American Jewry is a straight-on look at the numerous obstacles confronting American Jewry today. Chapters question whether Hebrew schools can ever be made to effectively transmit Jewish identity, why Jews are giving less to Jewish causes and what can be done about it, to the modern erosion. of the American Jewish population due to intermarriages without conversion and declining overall birthrates. "In my view, if we accept zero population growth as desirable - which not all people do - Jews should be exempt from this concern. Contrary to other populations across the world that have grown exponentially, the Jewish population has declined in the past fifty years. Jews still have a great deal of catching up to do, whether it be to restore the population lost during the Holocaust or simply to reach numbers proportionate to the level of population growth internationally and in America." Getting Our Groove Back also stresses that the state of Israel is utterly important to the Jewish identity, and encourages trips to Israel for all Jewish teenagers. A hardcore guide to strengthening the cultural identity and influence of the Jewish tradition among American Jews of all branches of Judaism.

Scott Shay's book, Getting our Groove Back: How To Energize American Jewry, is masterful. Mr Shay has applied his keen, scientific, problem-solving mind to important issues facing Judaism.
Jewish community problems are discussed with reference to today's best sociological research. Mr. Shay presents thoughtful, forward-thinking answers to help the Jewish community solve its issues.
Practical solutions are Scott Shay's contribution to the Jewish community.
Anybody who is serious about improvement and change within Judaism must read this thought-provoking, creative book.

I was intrigued by a review in the Jewish Week and devoured the book. I've since bought copies for the Rabbi and President of my Conservative Synagogue... bought more copies to give to our Seder guests.. Shay brings a thoroughly refreshing perspective on both the problems confronting American Jewry as well as possible solutions. He is totally non-partisan or denominational. His only agenda is securing the future of American Jewry. He's critical of Orthodoxy for assuming that if they are successful they can save us on their own. Shays shows they don't have the critical mass. He's critical of Reform for patrilinear decent and the havoc it creates.. and he's critical of Conservative Judaism for loosing it's position as the largest denomination... if they are loosing members... we all lose. You don't have to buy all his solutions.. but they will certainly make you think. Get the book. Read it. Get copies for agents of change and let's energize American Jewry!

This has been a fantastic addition to my 6th grade Language Arts classroom! I'm amazed at how well my "reluctant" students are doing with it and surprised at the general enthusiasm to continue the "story" each day. It allows the students to have a consistant "bell ringer" that isn't just busywork. It is also a great way to interact with the students on an individual level and assess needs as far as GUM (grammar, usage, mechanics) goes. I love the CD--I put the daily Caught 'Ya it on a Power Point and have a seperate slide for each period so I an correct in each period without having to rewrite.

This was a great buy and I can't wait to see how it works through the year!

I have used another Caught Ya for several year, but have moved from high school to middle school. I am really enjoying the Caught Ya specifically for middle school. I can tell a difference in my students' writing, especially in the area of punctuation and more varied sentence formation.

Sara Sherrill
Hurricane Middle School

My gifted class will not sit still for a traditional (boring) grammar lesson, but their writing skills aren't keeping pace with their creative ideas. The "Caught'yas" in this book keep my kids focused on doing their grammar...everyday! The lessons help them with their writing and introduce $100 words into their vocabularies. With the included CD, I don't even need to type or write the "Caught'yas." I just copy and paste into a powerpoint and put the daily work on the projector. Truly a great find!

The service I received was excellent. I received the book within 3 days in perfect condition.

This is the third "Caught 'Ya" book I've purchased - my kids LOVE this idea, and they are LEARNING!

I have shared this with friends whose children are 3 - 6 years of age and they all wish to have it read to them over and over. It seems to lift their spirit and create a calm for them. The reactions have been interesting. A great book to share with adults who wish to connect with the inner child too. The illustrations are beautiful.

Diana Long's simple title: "God is Here" appeals to adults and children alike - it bring us to the simple truth that: GOD IS HERE!! I highly recommend it.

Well known writers and T.V. stars are talking about purpose and self-worth. Diana Long sums up the same message in a delightfully simple way with her book God is Here.
Give the gift of her message, with love, to yourself - and everyone else you care about too!

This delightful children's book is a must for mothers of small children. It is simple and easy to understand the message that God is Love...As a former elementary school teacher and church resource director, I would highly recommend this beautifully illustrated and well written children's book. The message is simple and easy to understand. A wonderful gift book for birthdays and religious celebrations...

Diana Long has written a God inspired book to clearly establish the understanding that GOD IS LOVE. Our Children intuitively know this and really just want this book to remind the adults in their lives of this truth. I LOVE IT!

Rev. John Knight
Founder of the World Day of Prayer and author of "Change Your Conversations...Change Your Life"

Gary Haugen's book on social justice is a beautiful treatise on why Christians need to care for the poor, impoverished, and abused. He does a great job of mixing stories from his life with Scripture to inspire others to take a risk and stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves.

Faced with depressing realities on a global scale, many of us simply retreat into our own little world --- resolving to be kind to our kids, gentrify our own neighborhoods, and be good churchgoers. These activities are inherently fine to a point, yet they do not address the broader difficulties.

Haugen's book is a call to action, which we have heard before. What's different this time is that Haugen quantifies exactly what kinds of action we can take, and why such actions matter. With cutting-edge stories and keen insight into the reasons behind our inactivity, Haugen gets us up out of our La-Z-Boys and out into the streets.

Among this book's best features are the historical reminders that many of the most powerful social changes in North America are a direct result of Christ-followers engaging a broken culture and making a difference. From public schools to hospitals and beyond, some of our culture's best ideas flow from persons of faith, actively engaged in transforming society.

Note to persons of faith: now it's your turn.

Dr. David Frisbie
The Center for Marriage & Family Studies
Author of: Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

I highly recommend this book. I hope to use parts of it with my college students after we have viewed HOTEL RWANDA. This is a powerful follow-up to a movie that should shake you to your foundations.

Sometimes circumstances predispose us towards financial inequality that may further push us towards social inequality and one seems to falsely believe that there is no hope for our own future or for the generations to come. In such circumstances the only way to find a meaningful solution and to get oneself out of this vicious circle is to stand back and look at the big picture. At the heart of the problem are both external and internal factors. While we may not be able to control the external factors directly, being honest to ourselves we must resist the urge to focus solely on them. It is actually our moral obligation to directly address the internal problems, the key to which only we hold. If there is one undercurrent that makes it easier for things to get better, then that is inculcation of unwavering faith and strong family values and truly believing that there is hope for the future. These should not simply cease to exist for us the moment we step outside the church but must be reflected in how we live our lives and that is a profound lesson in life and religion. Closely intertwined with these are the values of gender equality as well as respect and belief in the dignity of every human life. There is no justification in pointing the finger outwards if we, ironically, are lacking the same values within ourselves that we expect others to demonstrate. We must look within ourselves to grow as better human beings. The ability to bring our dreams to realization is closely related to receiving the right education in the context of our innate potential, all held together by a strong and caring social structure that we can grow in. However, for all of this to take place the undercurrent of family values and faith and lasting marriages based on trust and mutual respect must be there. In this regard, from the religious perspective, it is also the responsibility of churches and religious organizations to bring to the limelight positive role models, help clean up bad social trends as well as leave no stone unturned for any broken family to get the much needed social support. Also critical is the need to provide constructive after-school programs as well as logistic and financial support in pushing children in the direction of their talent as well as receiving the right education such that each child is able to turn their dreams to reality...

Haugen is the president of the International Justice Mission, an incredible organization that seeks to demonstrate the compassion and justice of God in nations around the world. The book is first and foremost a defense of this concept - that we, as followers of Christ and children of God, serve a compassionate God who is concerned with and passionate about the particular travesties of injustice in every corner of the globe. Haugen takes the reader through dozens of scriptural passages and principles to make his point and leaves the reader asking what they can do to make a difference in the world.

Haugen next gives the reader not only a bird's eye view of the various injustices across the globe, but also a very personal look at several severe situations of injustice where IJM has made a difference in the lives of real people. Haugen calls for the body of Christ to be a body of action, engaged in various efforts to promote justice and compassion for the lost and hurting. A strategy is presented for the interested, but the primary thrust of the action is done through the channels of organizations like IJM who are already established and connected with resources to assist.

The book is an excellent read for any person who either is ignorant of the conditions of others across the globe or is questioning the concept that one person can't really make a difference. IJM is an outstanding ministry and opportunity for Christians everywhere to use their God-given time, talents and treasure to defend the defenseless. Micah 6:8 is a favorite verse of many and it reminds the follower of Christ what the Lord has told us is important in life - to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. Justice is obviously a key component of God's character and must be a key facet of the ministry of God's people here on earth as a demonstration of His nature and goodness in this lost and dying world. Good News about Injustice is a great reminder of this principle meant to shake a self-absorbed culture from its comfortable La-Z-Boy rocker!

As a first year graduate student, I was asked by my Director of Graduate Studies to read Semenza's "Graduate Study for the 21st Century" this summer before beginning the program. The book is a concise, easy-to-read introduction to graduate programs in the humanities that manages an excellent balance between useful information in the short term (how to approach seminar papers and comprehensive exams, for example) while also keeping the big picture in view (i.e. the looming job search). I found the book incredibly informative and worthwhile, full of the things that I wanted to know, but no one was telling me. A must read.

I've read "Getting What You Came For" and other highly recommended books out there about graduate school and academics, but this one is certainly the most up-to-date, detailed, and clearly focused on those who want a tenure-track job. Although this book is written for the humanities and I'm in a social science Ph.D. program I found it very helpful and it was easy to 'translate' to my field. If you know you want an academic career I highly recommend this engaging and well thought out book.

Finally! There's no better advice for graduate students in the humanities than what Prof. Colon Semenza offers in this incredibly detailed, thoroughly honest guide. I share other readers' regret that Graduate Study for the 21st Century wasn't available when I began graduate study in English. I've recommended this essential book to everyone I know in the humanities as well as the social sciences (where Colon Semenza's insights also apply in many respects).

I am a tenured professor of English (coicidentally, my specialty is Semenza's -- early modern drama -- I should say, however, I don't know him). For several years now I have been running workshops on the job market, serving as my department's "placement director. This is easily the best book on the topic out there, an essential work for any graduate student in the humanities. When I read it I immediately disposed of stacks of photocopies (sample letters, etc.) and stopped preparing a rather lame powerpoint presentation. Now, I simply recommend (read:insist) students take a look at this book.

This book was recommended to me by a well respected professor at my university. Because I am a fairly new graduate student who plans on getting a PhD in literature and teaching as a university professor, I figured it could only be helpful to give this book a serious perusal.
It is perhaps one of the smartest things I have done in informing myself about what lies ahead. There is a plethora of information offered to those who are automatically expected to know how to go about pursuing a tenure-track position in the humanities, but ultimately, do not.
This book covers everything from CVs to what, exactly, is expected from you in the way of teaching, research, and service. There is an extensive amount of material covering the importance of conferences etc. as well as a realistic lay out of what you can expect to be doing over the next decade of your life. The book can be intimidating, and downright scary, but serious scholars must understand that reality should always be preferable to a generous "sugar coating."
Perhaps what is most refreshing about this book is that it is laid out very simply...no bombastic and/or pedantic language! Nothing annoys me more than a scholar who tries to unload his entire lexicon in one page of information.
This book has proved to be invaluable to me and has given me a number of tools to help me further my career more quickly and efficiently.
Perhaps Semenza's best advice is this: "Do not pursue a PhD unless you are absolutely OBSESSED with your field"---with all that a person is expected to endure in his/her graduate program, this statement couldn't be more true.
So, if you have any questions concerning the proper path to take in beginning your career in academics/humanities, buy this book! It is worth every penny!

This was my favorite (so far, we'll see what #6 is like) of the Harry Potter series.

Harry is coming of age and starting to get caught in that horrible world between being an adult and being a child. Ron and Hermione are there and are going along for the ride.

The part I like best about this series, is that these are real kids. They act like it. They're not perfect, they screw up, and they are fiercely loyal to each other.

The plot is like most of Ms. Rowlings works. Lots of twists and turns and surprises. Plus a few things are explained that I had wondered about and a few things that I hadn't caught on to. I have never read an author who could reach all levels of readers. Whether you are 4 years old, 25 years old or 72 years old, you will enjoy this book.

I would greatly recommend this book to any science-fiction lover. However, reading the first two books or seeing the movies of the books would be highly recommended so you can keep up to speed with the story and not feel clueless.

When I first came across this book I was a little hesitant on whether I should read it or not since I have had a lot of opinions about the book, good and bad. Finally, after seeing the first two movies I decided to give this book a shot. This book was AMAZING!! After reading the first few pages of the book I was already hooked. This book is about Harry Potter and his 3rd year at Hogwarts. There is a mysterious criminal that has broken out of one of the toughest prisons in the wizarding world. And to make matters worse it seems that he is after Harry. Why is this person after Harry, and what is the true story behind this person? This is what you will figure out after you purchase this book A.S.A.P

Question: Can you have a better book than this? Answer: NO!!!!!If you like Harry Potter or just like to read you better buy this book! It rocks! It makes happy every TIME I read it. GO OUT AND BUY IT!!!!!! You won't regret it!

I love this book. The only book I have found better than this one is Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix. I have been reading it for years.

This book starts out with Harry doing his homework in the dark on his birthday. When he goes to the kitchen, a murderer called Sirius Black is being reported as and escaped prisionor and highly dangerous. The report doesn't say where he is from, and the Dursley's are angry. It turns out that Sirius is from the wizarding world and killed thirteen people with a single curse. He escaped from Azkaban, the wizarding prison, and became the only person to achieve that.

The whole book is based on his troubles in school and the extra security everyone seems determined to give him. In this book, Professor Lupin is intruduced and becomes everyones favorite teacher. Lupin has a mysterious thing going on in his life, but I won't spoil it for you. This book is a definate read, but I recomend reading the first two fist if you haven't already.

...
Reading 03
Book Report

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling is an instant bestseller. It is a book that everyone loves. No one can resist Rowling's mesmerizing writing. She uses vivid descriptions to make all of her characters come to life. In this book Rowling uses a sentimental ending and a theme of working together to capture every reader's heart.
The famous Harry Potter is returning to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his third year after spending a grueling summer vacation at home with his Aunt and Uncle. Harry's Aunt and Uncle are Muggles or non-magic folk. Harry almost got expelled for inflating his Aunt until she exploded. Luckily Harry didn't get in trouble. When he was only a baby, Harry was able to defeat the evil Voldemort. For this reason, people are worried that he will be the next victim of the escaped murderer, Sirius Black. Harry and his two friends, Ron and Hermione foolishly go looking for Sirius Black, only to find out something unexpected.
One reason that you will want to keep reading this book is because the characters are so memorable and life-like. Ron is Harry's best friend. He has a great sense of humor and is never afraid to say whatever is on his mind. Hermione, Harry's other good friend is somewhat of a know-it-all. She's obsessed with getting good grades and is a loyal friend. She and Ron are always getting into little verbal spats. Rowling admits that she based the character Hermione, on herself. Harry Potter's archenemy is Draco Mallfoy. Draco is a rich, spoiled "pure blood" wizard. This means that neither of his parents were Muggles. He is a classical villain. He teases Harry incessantly and pokes fun at Ron and Hermione too. He loves to bother Hermione about the fact that she is half Muggle. My favorite character is Albus Dumbledore who is the Headmaster at Hogwarts. I love him because in this and all the Harry Potter books, he always gives out good, real life, advice. The lessons he teaches are for everyone, young and old.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is what a fantasy genre is all about. The magic in the book is infectious. One has to keep reading on to see what will happen next. It draws the reader so deeply into the story that he or she finds himself or herself dreaming and wishing that it were all true. A class in Potions would really liven up the school day for me! I could really get into a class called Defense Against the Dark Arts too. I whole-heartedly recommend this book for all ages. The best part about Harry Potter is that the books are a series so the magic never ends. I find it truly inspirational that this whole story was born out of the imagination of a woman who wrote it down in little bits and pieces, on scaps of napkins and papers. She was a single Mom who was struggling for the survival of her family and now her name is known everywhere in the world. Don't miss this or any of the Harry Potter sequels.

my love for and obsession with his dark materials began when i saw the national theatre's production in january '04. so it's only fitting that i would recieve the script version from my sister. obviously, it's not nearly as detailed as the trilogy, with entire characters (such as mary malone) not even appearing, but for a quick read-through, it's perfect. and it brings back, for me, the fabulous memories of seeing it all on stage.

In the guise of a young adult's fantasy, Philip Pullman has written a masterpiece. Inspired by Milton's Paradise Lost, the trilogy deals with some very adult themes, adventure, love, death, betrayal, sacrifice. I was moved to tears. A great, great pieces of work. Suitable for older children and adults as well.

Phillip Pullman's trilogy "His Dark Materials" is one of the most ambitious and compelling modern works of fiction that I have ever read -- an expertly crafted and exceptionally imaginative adventure story, a daring morality fable, and an intellectual jigsaw puzzle built on the outlines of Milton's Paradise Lost. Moreover, its nonstop suspense and emotional power makes this book an intense cardiac workout for the reader.

Book One, the Golden Compass, introduces the twelve-year-old heroine, Lyra, an apparent orphan who lives among scholars of Jordan College of Oxford, in a world not our own but eerily similar. In her world, humans are accompanied by "daemons", animal beings embodying the soul. The daemon's dialogue with its owner serves as a window into the character's thoughts and feelings, and is reminiscent of the internal dialogues that children have with their imagination. The story follows brave Lyra as she is propelled by fate into a dangerous adventure of unknown purpose, guided only by her truth-telling alethiometer. Her journey is filled with colorful characters, exotic peoples, armored bears and witches, and increasingly hostile encounters with agents of the powerful Church as she follows the footsteps of her Uncle Asriel to the barren North, finally to step out of her world entirely. Book Two, the Subtle Knife, introduces Will, another independent, fearless young teen who cares for his ill mother near the real Oxford, England in our own world. The story then follows the adventures of Lyra and Will as they meet, acquire the Subtle Knife, search for Will's missing father, and pursue their mysterious mission through a multiplicity of parallel worlds. Meanwhile, multiple, parallel plot threads flesh out Pullman's inverted retake on the traditional stories of Adam and Eve and the war between God and Satan; the narrative pulls the reader along at a furious pace from one powerful, artistically conceived scene to the next. Love in all its forms, mortality, loss, and sacrifice are constant themes, and Pullman's juxtaposition of the familiar and strange reinforces a mood of nostalgic sadness, as when one visits a place of one's childhood many years later. All is wrapped up in the final book, the Amber Spyglass, which is especially intense with its poetic imagery, enormous contrasts in mood (a major portion is devoted to a harrowing journey through the World of the Dead), and supremely ironic plot twists. The ending left me in tears.

The potential fly in the ointment of this great work is Pullman's increasingly open hostility towards religious authority, despite his fascination with Judeo-Christian mythology. For some readers it will be not a fly but an elephant, obscuring Pullman's wisdom in matters of the heart as well as his central, humanistic message -- which, as a follower of Jewish tradition, I interpret as "Tikkun Olam", repair of the world through good deeds. Pullman presents this message in a literal realization of the divine light-filled universe of the Kabbalah, and offers it as a consoling and healing gift to Lyra, Will, and the rest of us (surely all adults) who have been touched by deep loss.

Not that there's anything wrong with Harry. But Lyra, rather than being portrayed as a slightly inept side-kick, is THE HEROINE. Her adventures through the Dark Materials have many levels, in which both adult and older child will find many meanings both metaphorical and physical. I couldn't put this down until I'd read all 3 books in the series. I'm leaving for vacation with all three again after being away for 3 years -- I want to do it all again! I hope you enjoy this wonderful trilogy.

This particular book is an adaptation of the HDM trilogy for the stage...something I'd have bet money couldn't be done. It would be a bear (armored bear? ;} ) to stage, but I'd love to see it that way. Some things got elided, but the main points remain. A real tour-de-force.