Daemon Voices

"while i'm a bit eh on his repeated conflation of marxism with both totalitarian stalinism and fundamentalist christianity, this is an excellent book into the mindset of storytelling. pullman's work has influenced me for almost as long as i can remember, and his writing and appreciation of others' writing is beautifully textured. his acknowledgement of his own ignorance and his future problematic themes is refreshing. too many authors dig in their heels and refuse to grow or acknowledge flaws (and pullman is not without flaws, like unthinking racial stereotypes and a lack of understanding other, diverse cultures), but pullman's emphasis on the forever incomplete understanding of science and to methodically try to prove yourself wrong in every way you can conceive, lends him less hubris, more openness and empathy. plus the end has a nuanced opinion on problematic creators once we're aware of their behavior; that once we know, our understanding of them should become more complex. highly recommend this book."