Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Yes, I Did It, Too

I happened to be listening to NPR this afternoon and heard one in a series of segments they're doing on what they call "buttonhole books"--"the ones you urge passionately on friends, colleagues and passersby." They're asking authors to talk about their favorite buttonhole books. Julie Powell talked about Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy.

I'm not a fan of the whole trilogy, but I thought the first book, known as The Golden Compass in this country, was incredible. Just breathtaking. I've probably said that here before. It was one of the first kids' books I recall crossing over and being popular with adults, too.

And I did go around urging it "passionately on friends." I believe I bought an audio version for a gift for someone who was going to be traveling with kids.

2 Comments:

Blogger Suzi said...

Hey Gail,
I so agree about the first book being excellent and awesome etc...and then the rest...well, let's not talk about my disappointment with Amber Spyglass (the WHITBREAD? Was that a make-up-for-not-giving-it-to-Golden-Compass or what?). I love The Phillip and his ideas, but Golden Compass has something the other two don't. And oh, speaking of YA books to buy for adults, I think Ellen Wittlinger's HARD LOVE is probably my top pick because the writing is so strong. If the others are science fiction or fantasy fans, I'd go for some Nancy Farmer (HOUSE OF SCORPIONS, er, not the exact title, or SEA OF TROLLS). Certainly not Catcher in the Rye. ;-)

1:55 AM  
Blogger Camille said...

My most recent buttonhole book(s) are the Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud. As Michele at Scholar's Blog would say, oh my giddie aunt, how I love those books.

6:31 PM  

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