The Golden Compass

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It's a hit!

I was turned on to this book when the previews for the movie started. I was intrigued by the story so I ran out and bought the book. In no time a... (show more)

I was turned on to this book when the previews for the movie started. I was intrigued by the story so I ran out and bought the book. In no time at all I was hooked.

The book is often taken to have an anti-Christian message but I believe that is because it is often taken too literally. Yes, there is a corrupt Catholic Church in a parellel universe but men are corruptable and the story is about power and corruption in the hands of men.

I found that the world created by Pullman is wildly imaginative and incredibly original. I have never quite read a story like this one. I have since read the other two novel which complete the trilogy. They are equally as brilliant.

While there has been some controversy over the ideas regarding religion. Please remember that this is an alternate reality with flying witches, talking polar bears, and people's souls living outside their bodies. The book is more about metaphors and warnings than heresy. Plus, if talking polar bears is going to make you question the foundations of your faith, it wasn't that strong to begin with. Enjoy! This is a great story. (show less)

 

 

by Nicholas McInerney

No, it's a flop!

I just finished reading this book after seeing the movie long ago. I've been meaning to finish it, but just never got around to it.

I'm not sur... (show more)

I just finished reading this book after seeing the movie long ago. I've been meaning to finish it, but just never got around to it.

I'm not sure quite what I was expecting, but I admit that I didn't fall in love with this the way I thought that I might. I wasn't put off that much by the anti-religious sentiment as it wasn't an overwhelming theme of the book (my understanding is that it ramps up a bit later in the trilogy, but I haven't got to those yet). I think that mostly, I just didn't care for the main character that much. The heroine just never really won me over. She relishes manipulating people and is characterized by lies. She just seemed a bit more anti-hero in my mind.

Additionally, I just felt like there were some things that needed to be explained more thoroughly, particularly in a young adult book. Why is Lyra so important? How is it that she is able to read the alethiometer? What is the purpose of the daemon? These things just felt a bit brushed over. If I gave the book to my daughter, I'm not sure she would be able to explain any of these things to me.

That said, there were some really great characters. I absolutely loved the armored bears. Absolutely fantastic. And I thought that the witches were very interesting characters as well.

Overall, this wasn't one of my favorites. I'm sure I'll get around to reading the rest of the trilogy, but it won't be a priority, that's for certain. (show less)

 

 

by Alise McCoy Wright

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  If you saw the movie, the book is way different and in an enjoyable way. I didn't get why the church disliked it so much until part way through the second book. The books really aren't anti-church as much as they are anti-oppression. The church has a history of trying to oppress the sciences and those who question the world around them. The books simply say to choose freedom of thought and to pick the side against the church depicted in these books because the church tries to decide what'... (show more)

  If you saw the movie, the book is way different and in an enjoyable way. I didn't get why the church disliked it so much until part way through the second book. The books really aren't anti-church as much as they are anti-oppression. The church has a history of trying to oppress the sciences and those who question the world around them. The books simply say to choose freedom of thought and to pick the side against the church depicted in these books because the church tries to decide what's best for mankind but the individuals in charge do not necessarily follow the rules they apply to other people. Interesting concepts that I do not think a typical child will get and the whole church outlash made me want to read it more because watching the movie certainly did not make any any anti-church impression in my mind. I simply did not get why ban this one with witches and daemons but not harry potter. Maybe if the intellectual church people thought about the concepts a little more, they would not ban these books. (show less)

   

  by Nikki Flatowicz on Apr 20, 2009 at 11:51PM

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  I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'd forgotten all the controversy surrounding it when it came out but have been reminded since I posted that I was reading it. Whew. Some people have gone way overboard in trying to read things into the story.

  It is not an anti-christian message. It is a question everything message. There is nothing wrong with this and it is, in fact, very healthy to do so.

  Most people just go through life believing what they were taught without exploring why. I t... (show more)

  I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'd forgotten all the controversy surrounding it when it came out but have been reminded since I posted that I was reading it. Whew. Some people have gone way overboard in trying to read things into the story.

  It is not an anti-christian message. It is a question everything message. There is nothing wrong with this and it is, in fact, very healthy to do so.

  Most people just go through life believing what they were taught without exploring why. I think Pullman encourages thinking about your faith/beliefs in a way that might appeal more to young adults.

  All the controversy aside, I loved this book! I enjoy exploring the world's in other people's imaginations and Pullman has a good one! I would recommend this book to most people I know and I will read it with my daughter when she is old enough to understand some of the more complex ideas! (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook-gebruiker on Aug 22, 2009 at 09:30PM

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