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Posted by: Dreamteam Mar 2 2008, 05:46 AM

Well, its now seven months since Deathly Hallows was published and we do want to continue discussing that in the forums and groups but we also thought it might be fun to start looking at JKR's possible influences for the series in a non-Harry Potter Book Club which we'll be opening soon.

We've been looking through the list of books recommended by JKR during chats and interviews, which can be found http://www.thecauldronshop.com/product.php?cid=186&l=us&p=1 in the Cauldron Shop, and we've picked out a few for you to choose from as the first book to discuss. So please vote and let us know which book you would like to read and discuss first.

Like the Harry Potter Book Club, which will continue, there will be no need to join or be sorted, you will be able to just come along and discuss as and when you wish in the same way that you can with any of our forums.

We're really looking forward to this new venture and can't wait to see what book you choose first.

This poll will close on Wednesday and the results will be posted.

Posted by: MuggleQueen Mar 2 2008, 06:34 AM

I would like to read Northern Lights - it is a great book and I think it's very similar to HP in the target audience and with all the author's inventions. I think there would be a lot to talk about.

Posted by: dumbleydore18 Mar 2 2008, 08:18 AM

I voted for I capture The Castle. I will be reading Pride and Prejudice and Emma and I've already read The Golden Compass. Comparing the last two I think I Capture the Castle would be interesting to read because it's about a young girl and her used-to-be wealthy family now living in poverish state. I think it would be interesting to read about her.

Posted by: wendybird3 Mar 2 2008, 08:49 AM

The only ones I wouldnt read are the Golden Compass/Northern Lights. I am in for any of the others though.

Posted by: Snufflespup Mar 2 2008, 09:41 AM

OMG I am so excited for the non-Harry Potter book club! I don't know what to pick, I love the Golden Compass, but I already read it and Emma is on my reading list, but the other's seem like good choices, too! I am going to have to think about this for a while.

Why? You never know if you don't like something untill you try it.

Posted by: jaimedanser Mar 2 2008, 10:28 AM

Actually, I'm going to go with The Little White Horse. I've never read it, but it sounds SO interesting

Posted by: Moose_Starr Mar 2 2008, 12:04 PM

I voted for The Little White Horse because it's the only book on that list that I own and have read, although I have seen P&P My mom might have P&P -the book though so, I could maybe borrow it from her. I've also seen Emma. It looks as though I need to buy some books

Posted by: SnapesSister Mar 2 2008, 12:08 PM

I voted for Pride and Prejudice, because it's one of my favourite books. The only others on the list that I have read are Emma and Northern Lights. (The Golden Compass) I love them as well, but P&P is my absolute fave.

Posted by: futureweasley Mar 2 2008, 12:44 PM

I voted Pride and Prejudice. I really love Jane Austen's works, and seeing as Jo is a huge fan of Jane Austen as well, it might add some insight as to elements of Harry Potter. Just a thought.

Posted by: davidenglish Mar 2 2008, 12:56 PM

I agree with MuggleQueen. His Dark Materials ought to be next. (And why was the first movie so short? Another hour was really needed.) I also think Diana Wynne Jones' Chrestomanci series might be a good transition series.

Posted by: FredFan Mar 2 2008, 02:05 PM

Although I'm happy with any of the options, I voted for The Little White Horse because of it's influence on JKR when she was a child. It might be nice to start with that one and work our way up progressively to some of the later books.

Posted by: ginginkat Mar 2 2008, 02:06 PM

I went with Jane Austin. Sorry to say that I have not read anything by this author and something new sounds interesting. Exploring the pages of a book I have not read here would be a blast and getting everyone's comments from a fresh angle. I have heard so much about Pride and Prejudice but either book would be interesting.

Any of the books listed would be great though.

Posted by: wendybird3 Mar 2 2008, 02:24 PM

To be honest, some of what I read about it makes me think that it isnt for me, I will be glad to go into more detail if you are curious and since you read it may be able to give me more information and answer my concerns, so if you are interestd in talking about this book a little more PM me

Posted by: Aphrodites Lady Mar 2 2008, 02:53 PM

I voted for Pride & Prejudice. I've been waiting for a chance to crack it open for quite awhile now. I never knew anything about it until seeing the movie, and I became greatly intrigued by it. I've seen the newer version with Keira Knightley and the BBC series. The only reason I haven't read it yet is because so many other series I've been reading have recently released new installments I'm trying to finish.

I wouldn't mind reading Emma either. Actually, I've been wanting to read a lot of the classics from the 1800s. So this would be a fine second choice in my opinion.

The Little White Horse also sounds interesting. I hadn't heard of it until before just now. But reading the plot summarization sounds highly intriguing.


I do not want to read Golden Compass/Northern Lights. It sounds dull, and I think the only reason it's being so hyped recently is because the movie was released last December. And though the film version was considered quite a flop, the simple fact that "it was brought to the theater", has brought about more publicity to it than it would've otherwise have gotten.

Posted by: Essence_of_Insanity Mar 2 2008, 03:42 PM

I voted for Pride and Prejudice, even though I was torn between that one and Emma, which I'm trying my darndest to get through. I really love Pride and Prejudice, however.

Posted by: davidenglish Mar 2 2008, 03:59 PM

Well, I don't think I'd call it dull. No. I found it thrilling and funny and heartbreaking. What's nice about Pullman is that he has enough books that one could easily move from HDM to his Sally Lockhart series. That would make seven books there. And I particularly enjoyed his Clockwork and Count Karlstein. I think there's a lot of meat there to discuss things fully.

I love Jane Austen. But, since The Jane Austen Book Club became a movie, perhaps there should be a thread discussing film depictions of Austen. She seems to have spawned a thousand movies and TV adaptations --some thickly disguised.

I think Dodie Smith's I Capture the Castle is a good choice.

Still, I do think Pullman captures the true diversity of the LL. It has broad appeal. And who doesn't love armored polar bears?

Posted by: SnapesSister Mar 2 2008, 04:27 PM

I read Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials before there was ever any mention of turning them into films, and all three books have become firm favourites. I'm not in the least bit tempted to see the movie versions though, especially after the poor reviews.

Some books turned into tv series/films work very well, such as Pride and Prejudice and other Austen works. Others should be left well alone. I wonder if those people who don't wish to read HDM were put off by the movie version? That's not an assumption, I am genuinely interested if thats the case.

Getting back on topic, I am tempted to read the other books in the list, out of curiosity, and from what other posters have said about them, sounds like I wouldn't regret it.

Posted by: davidenglish Mar 2 2008, 04:33 PM

The movie wasn't bad. It was short. Way too short. It could have easily been an hour longer. And it only did poorly in America. Elsewhere it was well received. What I'd like to know is if the director filmed an extra hour's worth of material and if we'll be treated to an extended director's cut. That I'd like.

I have no problem with Pride & Prejudice, but I do think it weird that so many reader's think Darcy's a bad boy. He's not. And Austen's earliest version of the book was called First Impressions. Of course, one could do all six Austen novels. There's much that can be said.

Posted by: silverdoe23 Mar 2 2008, 04:34 PM

I voted for The Little White Horse because i've actually read most of the other books on the list and even though i enjoyed them all i would like to read something i havent yet.

Posted by: JaneMarple9 Mar 2 2008, 05:15 PM

Well I haven't read ANY of the choices, so after debating, I went for the Golden Compass
Only because it's should be easily accessable from libraries ... i hope!

Posted by: hedwig2323 Mar 2 2008, 05:23 PM

I voted Golden Compass/Northern Lights, though Amber Spyglass is actually my favorite of the HDM series so I'd really like to do all of HDM.

Posted by: HG_in_training Mar 2 2008, 05:32 PM

I voted for the Golden Compass....I really want to read it and this would make me read it, but I don't really care which book. I think this is a really good idea!

Posted by: stellasofia Mar 2 2008, 05:38 PM

I voted for The Golden Compass as well; I've wanted to read that for while but never got around to it, and a being able to disscuss it is an appealing idea. I would also be up for either Jane Austen, as they're on my list of things to read.

Posted by: blue4t Mar 2 2008, 05:43 PM

Can we have a poll for books we don't want to do as well? I don't want to do any of the His Dark Materials books, because I won't read them, and that means I won't be able to participate in the Book Club and I do want to participate. Don't tell me I won't know if I like it if I don't read it. It's about it being against my religion, thank you.

I voted for Emma instead of Pride & Prejudice, but either Jane Austen book works for me. I'm sure I can find a copy at the local library.

Posted by: wendybird3 Mar 2 2008, 05:47 PM

This is what I was getting out but didnt know if we were allowed to talk about that here since it could cause strife and I love it at LL and didnt want to ruffle feathers.

Posted by: Aphrodites Lady Mar 2 2008, 05:51 PM

What do you mean by "diversity"? To me that's seems like the least diverse option. To me it's fantasy novel. As HP is. So it's seems more likely that people are just assuming others would enjoy it simply because it's in the same genre.

Don't get me wrong, I love fantasy. But if this is going to turn into book club where all we end reading is fantasy themed books every time, then it won't be much of a book club at all. It'll just wind up being the latest hot commodity within one particular category.

I'm also not sold of the cuteness. I don't know what the appeal is? I guess there's just no way to sell me on a book that doesn't appeal to me. I can read less than 5 pages of a book, throw it aside, and never look back.



But maybe that could be sort of a rule for the book club. Like maybe this: "We can't any books to vote from the same genre for the next month." I'm suggesting this just so it keeps a fresh range of options instead every month being magic and fairytale, old classics, etc. Granted there's several good ones in each category, but it'd keep the range broader over a longer period of time.

Posted by: Essence_of_Insanity Mar 2 2008, 05:54 PM

I agree. There needs to be some diversity in the books we read in the book club.

Posted by: Dreamteam Mar 2 2008, 07:10 PM

Our plan is to work our way through the list of books recommended by JKR in various chats and interviews, the full list can be found http://www.thecauldronshop.com/product.php?cid=186&l=us&p=1 in the Cauldron Shop. Its a long and diverse list, nearly 40 books, and a poll with all of them would have been too long, so we made a shortlist to choose from for the first book and then we'll think later about what to read next. The full list contains Jane Austen's other books, Ballet Shoes, The Narnia Chronicles, The Van, Wuthering Heights, other books by Phillip Pullman, Hamlet, The Moonstone, Catch 22 and more and, at some point, we intend to discuss them all. I doubt that any of these books will be welcomed by every member, I know there are some that I can't wait to discuss and others that don't inspire me quite as much, which means I'll probably spend a lot of time in the discussions during some months and then not so much in others. I think the pattern will be that people will drop in and out of the book club depending on what book is being discussed.

When we start the first book club we'll have a thread to ask for suggestions for the next book and we'll start a poll from those, because we want a democratic decision on what we read. So whether the next book is another fantasy or not depends on what you all suggest and how you vote.

Hope that's explained how we expect the club to work a little better but please feel free to contact me or post in here if there are any other questions.

Posted by: Poet Mar 2 2008, 07:21 PM

I want to read The Little White Horse because Jo said back in 1999 in the Barnes and Noble chat that it's one of her favorite children's books. I know this isn't the only time she's mentioned it. So that's what I voted for. It was a toss up between that and I Capture the Castle, of which Jo said, "This book has one of the most charismatic narrators I've ever met."

Posted by: Aphrodites Lady Mar 2 2008, 07:22 PM

Unfortunately, knowing that just disheartened me greatly. Half the list looks boring to me. So I think you can safely count me out of this book club. Although, I was quite surprised nobody addressed JKR's interest in any of these books until just now. So I was waiting for somebody to say that as I knew a couple of them were recommended by her. But my tastes are obviously nothing like hers, and this is where I withdraw any attempt to participate knowing what's ahead.

Posted by: MysteryloverAnne Mar 2 2008, 08:10 PM

I voted for Pride and Prejudice but Emma would be fine also.

Posted by: fidelia Mar 2 2008, 10:04 PM

I think we are definitely spoiled for choice with this book list! As I'm already in a Jane Austen book chat, I would tend to lean more towards "I Capture the Castle". JKR said it best - the book has a completely engaging narrator and it is simply one of my favorite books of all time! And, sadly, it is rarely discussed.

I also read and was intrigued by His Dark Materials. I can see how they would stimulate some intense discussion!

Posted by: davidenglish Mar 3 2008, 12:04 AM

Does your religion officially condemn them? JKR was similarly banned. I should point out that the books have been recommended as part of Britain's Religious Education program by the Archbishop of Canterbury. I've linked in other threads to a debate between Pullman and the Right Revd Rowan Williams --more a polite discussion, really. Pullman is an intensely spiritual person --he doesn't like the term, but he has very little in common with other atheists.

Well, I mean that the books work on many levels for people of all ages. The Golden Compass is, on the face of it, an adventure story that should appeal to children. But it's also a philosophical story about sin and redemption, about free will and fate. It makes use of mythology and the Bible and science and fantasy in ways that are fresh and exciting. Cute? Well, I wouldn't call the armoured bears cute. And if your heart doesn't break when Lyra meets the little boy who's lost his daimon, I don't know what to say.

Of course, the book is controversial. But for the same reasons that Harry Potter was. Indeed, a Catholic school near to me removed all copies from its shelves when the movie came out. Apparently they had no problem with it before then. And yet the movie had stripped all mention of religion.

The book would be excellent for a book club because their are so many ways to look at it. And the second book, The Subtle Knife, just makes things more complicated. And The Amber Spyglass is really the retelling of Adam & Eve in the Garden. Good stuff.

I'll have a look at the full list. But I don't think Northern Lights/Golden Compass should be dismissed out of hand for the very reasons others dismissed Harry Potter.

Posted by: blue4t Mar 3 2008, 12:17 AM

I may point out that His Dark Materials is far more controversial than Harry Potter, but we really shouldn't get into that. This isn't the time nor the place for it.

So, we'll do all the books on the list (I haven't looked at the list). That's fine. I'll join in some book clubs and not others.

Posted by: Aphrodites Lady Mar 3 2008, 09:45 AM

I'm quite the stone. Emotionality is a complete waste on me in books. It's only happened twice ever. And fan that I am of HP, I wasn't even affected by any of it. Books don't get me emotionally involved. Actually, when the emotions get too excessive, I'm more likely to snore.

I knew about all the philosophy, religion, etc. And normally that would appeal to me. But this just doesn't. I think crossed the line where it's too cheesy to me. The movie is probably to blame for that, but yet, I can't imagine the movie blew things that far out of proportion to miss portray the characters. I thought the animals was one reason it seemed that way to me. There were other reasons. But as it was something I didn't care to see, I don't remember what all my reasons were. Only that I'd never considering touching it with a 10 foot pole. It felt too outlandish, which permanently shelved any potential for interest.

Posted by: davidenglish Mar 3 2008, 10:49 AM

Pullman cheesy? LOL. Well, that's not the word I'd ever apply to his work. Occasionally preachy, but never cheesy. And the other thing is his books reference Milton, Blake and Shakespeare. HDM is a rich tapestry of human experience.

Of course, I think it could be argued that Jane Austen is rather controversial. She subtly upsets the status quo of Church, Class and Gender. We don't always notice this as she's writing 200 years ago, but her continuing appeal rests in her progressive values and her dismissal of conventional wisdom.

Dodie Smith's I Capture the Castle would be a good novel to provoke discussion. It's very British with a cast of eccentric free thinkers. And there's certainly many literary allusions, a look at cultural differences between Americans and Britons, honest speculation on sex, love and marriage, and the nature of creativity.

I'm not sure I see how Pullman's HDM is more controversial than HP. Again, it would seem to be based on things that aren't actually in the books but are said about the author. The novel itself is most definitely set in an alternative universe and is not our world. And the problems Lyra faces are the problems we all face when growing up.

Posted by: Narya Mar 3 2008, 01:18 PM

I voted for Pride and Prejudice as it's such a fabulous read.

eta: I should add that I'm really looking forward to discussing all the books listed. I've read Emma (huge Austen fan) and I've also read His Dark Materials and found that completely unputdownable - ok, not a proper word but it's so apt in this case! I've never read the others but I'm a confirmed bibliophile so I'd try those with interest.

Posted by: hedwig2323 Mar 3 2008, 02:12 PM

I don't think the Pullman books are cheesy, but I can see how one would get that impression if they were judging the GC book solely by its movie.

I Capture the Castle sounds interesting. I love Austen, but I'd rather read something I haven't read before.

Posted by: LizetM Mar 3 2008, 05:50 PM

Woot for the Golden Compass!! I personally think we should do the whole trilogy, not only because I love it, but because all those who say they don't want to read it for one reason or the other, would actually end up liking it if they do read it.

I also wouldn't mind reading Pride and Prejudice. I had to read it for literature in my 12th year of high school, but I never really finished it. I've seen the BBC miniseries and the movie though, I love them.

Posted by: Snufflespup Mar 3 2008, 06:07 PM

Nice post, Davidenglish. This is what I like about Jo's favorite books. All of them will cause controversy to certain groups or affiliations. I do not see that as something bad about a book, I think it makes them all the more interesting. They bring up certain points or put it through a different perspective. I have not read a single great book that wouldn’t upset anyone. Besides, if I read a book, and disagree with it, I often find myself cursing the themes or ideas to anyone who will listen. Then I come to realize, only a great book can evoke such emotion out of me.

Posted by: eowyngirl Mar 3 2008, 08:04 PM

I voted for Pride and Prejudice because I've been wanting to read it anyway. I'll be thrilled to read any of them, though!

Posted by: Name Unknown Mar 4 2008, 12:06 PM

I voted for "I capture the Castle". I got it for Christmas and read it. I loved it! Besides, there was a reveiw sort of thing on the cover of mine and she said it was great, so why not!

Posted by: EricHP2 Mar 4 2008, 04:28 PM

I wouldn't mind read/rereading any of them. Golden Compass would be the most fun because we'd get to talk about the controversy.

Posted by: JeffHpFan Mar 4 2008, 06:02 PM

I chose Golden Compass. I've never read it before and would like to read it. Just never gotten around to it

Posted by: DorisTLC Mar 4 2008, 09:18 PM

I decided I can't choose, so I'm not voting!

I'm equally as excited to read any of them, and they all have so many elements we can compare to Harry Potter.

It's like waiting to see which present I get to open first!

D

Posted by: davidenglish Mar 4 2008, 09:30 PM

I'm surprised two Austen books made it. Shouldn't one Edith Nesbit book have made the survey? I think The Enchanted Castle, The Phoenix & the Carpet, or Five Children & It would all have been interesting successors to HP.

Posted by: DorisTLC Mar 4 2008, 09:51 PM

And we might look at those in the future - I admit that my only reading of Nesbit is http://www.indiana.edu/~letrs/vwwp/nesbit/railway.html, though I am familiar with the themes in the others, and they would make a lovely Post-DH read. I was thinking of The Amulet as my next Nesbit read.

We looked at books that Jo favored, and for our first read we went with things we were familiar with. We'll branch out and look at other things on her shelf over time!

Another wonderful thing about Nesbit, is that much of her work is available online at http://www.indiana.edu/~letrs/vwwp/vwwp-list.html.

Thanks for the suggestion, I'm sure over time we'll read many favorites, both old and new.

D

Posted by: davidenglish Mar 4 2008, 10:21 PM

I'm not complaining. I've already voted for The Golden Compass. I'm just bringing up other JKR picks. And, curiously, The Story of the Amulet is the one Nesbit story I haven't read. What I love about the three I mentioned is how they play with What Ifs and Wishes Gone Wrong. Very Potter-esque. The Enchanted Castle has some really lovely haunting scenes, including the creepy Wobblies (sp?). Although they're written for children 6-12, I think they're subversive enough to bear reading as an adult.

Posted by: Dreamteam Mar 5 2008, 07:47 AM

Just a few hours left for this poll, so if you haven't voted yet let's know what you think and if the book you want doesn't win don't worry, we'll get to it later. I have to say that I love both of the books in the lead so I'll be very happy with either of those and I look forward to discussing the others later. I haven't read I Capture the Castle so getting to that one will be fun (not to self: need to go and order that one so that I'm ready)

Posted by: Rinzy Mar 5 2008, 08:15 AM

Well I voted for Northern Lights (I refuse to call it The Golden Compass ) but I can't wait to discuss the Jane Austen books, or the Lord of the Rings...or the Chronicles of Narnia. Plus it could also be an excuse to read books, such as To Kill A Mockingbird, that I've always wanted to read, but never had time. Although, having just gone back to uni, I don't know how much time I'll have now to read books that aren't about invertebrates, Australian Historical Archaeology or the Bronze & Iron age in Europe

Posted by: sver/nor Mar 5 2008, 09:44 AM

I voted for the Golden Compass, because I have never read it. But I would like any of them, and plan on getting them in to my house and starting in on them.

I read Pride and Prejudice a long time ago but none of the others.

Posted by: rowena r Mar 5 2008, 09:48 AM

Oooh ! To Kill A Mockingbird. One of my favourite books !! I'm sure you'll like it. I hope we can get around to discussing it sometime too.

Jane Austen's Emma got my vote but just because I couldn't choose P&P at the same time. I haven't read it, but hope to soon.

Posted by: Dora87 Mar 5 2008, 01:18 PM

Pride and Prejudice... pleeeeeeease

I love Jane Austen.

Posted by: WaggaWaggaWerewolf Mar 5 2008, 03:23 PM

Although I voted for the Golden Compass because of the recent movie, I could see the benefit of having Pride and Prejudice either the first choice or a month later on. The non-HP book club would offer us all a chance to discuss this must-read book at leisure.

Pride and Prejudice is one of the all-time English Literature classics which is not only a good read but also has been on final exam reading lists for ever so long. We read it for senior high school when I was still at school, and it still featured on my children's high school reading lists by the time they did their final exams. It is also a good book to contrast with other English classics like William Makepeace's Vanity Fair or Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre which are similarly studied.

Posted by: Dreamteam Mar 5 2008, 04:05 PM

Aaaaaaaaaaand we have a winner!

The first book to be read by the Non-HP Book Club will be Golden Compass/Northern Lights. I'll post again shortly to announce the start date.

Thanks to everyone for voting.

Posted by: Dreamteam Mar 5 2008, 06:06 PM

The new book club, to discuss The Golden Compass/Northern Lights by Philip Pullman, will begin on Saturday 22 March.

I think we're in for a great discussion, I'm really looking forward to it and reading all your thoughts and opinions. When we open up we'll have a thread to ask for nominations for the next book to read so be thinking about what you'd like. The full list to choose from is http://www.thecauldronshop.com/product.php?cid=186&l=us&p=1, these are all books recommended by JKR in chats and interviews. When we have five or six books nominated we'll open up a poll to decide which one we want to read next so, even if you decide not to participate in the Golden Compass book club, please visit the thread to nominate and/or vote, the sooner we have the nominations and vote, the more time there'll be to read the book.