First, read all the books. Then, listen to the books on tape. Then, read the books again while you listen to the audio. Then, you might, just might...be ready. If this is as good as LOTR or even the Narnia movies, we are in for a treat this holiday season!! I hope its three movies instead of one long condensed story. There is so much from the Polar Bear warrior, the animal spirits and Lyra herself along with her villanous mom with her shadow self, a monkey and her dad. Characters to beat the band and a transcendent story that rivals CS Lewis in his christian analogies and references. It is good on so many levels. With Harry resolved, we need more to keep us warm during those long winters.