Made in Richmond

When Ross and I went to see Pirates, they showed a preview for The Golden Compass, a film adaptation of the first book (of the same name) in Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series. I first came across this book in Libby Gruner‘s Children’s Literature class at the University of Richmond.

Much to Ross’s dismay, I am not one who typically goes for fantasy/science fiction. The whole concept of having to keep track of the rules in an alternate universe just never appealed to me. Naturally, I wasn’t super-thrilled to find out that Dr. Gruner’s course required me to read a book whose cover I knew would send Ross floating into nerd heaven. But I read it and loved it. I don’t typically read a book in one sitting, but I did with this one. I totally and completely loved it.

I actually felt butterflies in my stomach when I saw the trailer for the film. Nicole Kidman has been perfectly cast as Marisa Coulter and the role of Lyra (seriously, probably second only to Scout Finch on the list of literary characters whom I hope my daughter is exactly like-yes, I have a list like that because I was an English major and I am slightly crazy) is played by Dakota Blue Richards. I can tell already that she is going to be amazing AND she is the most beautiful child I have ever ever seen.

Alas, the movie doesn’t come out until December 7 of this year. So, I’m planning on reading the book over and over and over again to make the wait more bearable.