I have this idea that the first book was my favorite but I can't remember why. Maybe because it introduces the world in such a compelling way.

Maybe it's just that the mixed reviews lowered my expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. Among my group that saw it, the only real complaint was that the final battle dragged on a bit long. I have heard that much of the anti-religion material was cut from the movie; maybe so, but I think the theme still came through quite clearly.