That being said, I really hope Ellen does her homework on this one. Before I felt I could give an honest and accurate assessment of these books, I’m actually reading them, which is more than Bill Donahue has done, or Ellen, for that matter.

I’m halfway through the second book now, and I am enjoying the story very much. There are indeed some elements believers might find offensive (for starters, everyone in this alternate universe has their own “daemon,” a sort of animal spirit which is the manifistation of their souls), as well as other issues (such as child kidnapping, torture, and murder)that certainly wouldn’t be appropriate for younger children.

I really don’t have any idea what the movie will be like, but I have a feeling that, as is the case with most adaptations of rich and complex literature, much will be lost in translation.

I think the point of all this is for parents, no matter what their politics or worldview, to take an active interest in what their children are watching and reading. Not every children’s book is appropriate for every child, and the distinction between children’s and adult literature is becoming increasingly vague.

Give em hell Ellen! They know they want it.

The second book really starts to take shots at the church, but it does so with factual claims.

I am really looking forward to finishing the series over the holiday weekend.