I recall little of the third book as well. One of my many bad habits is reading something I like very much too quickly. That is why I am re-reading Pullman slowly this time with space between the books to allow for digestion. I have just finished The Subtle Knife and shall wait for a week or so before beginning The Amber Spyglass.

Right! I can see no way at all to do the remaining books devoid of the anti-clericism. I read that the director and producer hoped to slip this first film through and have a great success in order to have the flexibility to be more true to the books in the sequels. Too bad it is not doing all that well at the box office.