Have finally read one of the 'must read' books people go on about . . .

[chrissnow]

Northern Lights - found it on a charity shop trawl for 95p.. mightily impressed. I read it in 2 days (well 2 interupted by children quarter days I suppose!).
Now what are the odds of me completing the trilogy from charity shop bargains?!? think i'll be on amazon later.
I also picked up the Lovely Bones.

You should be able to find them in charity shops - I used to work in Oxfam Books and we used to get them coming in all the time. Can understand you wanting them NOW though - they are fab!

In fact NOW is not acceptable. I want them yesterday so I can be reading them now!!! I really was very impressed.

is this not a children's book?

oh i read them in one gulp too. (pre-child of course) they'll have loads of copies in the library, RUN quick go get them.

It's not a children's book per se. It is suitable for older children but many of the motifs and themes within it are more aimed at an adult audience. What I get out of the trilogy is very different to what a 12 year old would I am guessing. They are highly crafted and subtle texts with a readership of many ages.

good, I'll go to the library then, they are bound to have a few copies.