Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
Harry Potter discussion forum for movies, books, and more! - The Leaky Lounge _ Book Club: The Golden Compass/Northern Lights _ Love it, hate it, or...
Posted by: Pyxis Mar 15 2008, 03:02 PM
How did you feel about this book? Are you glad you read it? Take a moment to tell us what you liked or didn't like about The Golden Compass/Northern Lights.
Posted by: Mary Wanguard Mar 22 2008, 07:54 AM
Oh, goodie - the first vote 
Well, I've just finished reading it and I'm really glad that I did that. I'm certainly going to read the rest of the series. I saw the Golden Compass movie first and got interested to learn more details. So, I decided to read the book, and I think, it's great My favourite things in the book are Lyra's character and the concept of daemons.
Posted by: DorisTLC Mar 22 2008, 09:12 AM
I've read this book a couple of times from the teacher's point of view. So it was refreshing to read it just to enjoy it.
Once I started I had to read the entire series! 
Posted by: Pyxis Mar 22 2008, 09:21 AM
I just finished the book for the second time, and I have to say I don't like it all that much. I'm still trying to puzzle out exactly why I don't like it, and at the moment I think it is the overall tone of the book. I don't find much joy in it, it seems to have a very oppressive feel. Maybe that is what the author is going for, but it doesn't appeal to me. I do plan on reading the rest of the trilogy, and I am glad to have read it because I like to judge a book for myself, rather than relying on someone else's say-so.
Posted by: Dreamteam Mar 22 2008, 11:36 AM
I have to admit that I loved the later books more than the first one, maybe it was just a case of getting to know the characters, I remember not falling in love with the HP series until PoA came out - of course I've been hooked since then - so sometimes it just takes time to get into a series. Now I'm eagerly awaiting the new book about how Lee Scoresby and Iorek Byrnison first met.
Posted by: sherman Mar 22 2008, 11:57 AM
I loved Northern Lights! The books were incredible! It was my second favourite of the series, following The Amber Spyglass. I love the entire concept of dæmons. I think they are wonderful, and fascinating!! I love the way Pullman writes, and I love the characters that he's created... Lyra, Pan, Iorek, Will, Lee, and everybody!
Posted by: shadow_onthesun Mar 22 2008, 01:35 PM
I really enjoyed reading this book for the most part, it starts of really well, and we have interesting characters and a good plot but there comes a point once they are up in the north where things dont seem to fit properly for me. I found it to be very jarring the way that the bears and to a certain degree (although not as much) the witches where introduced. the witches seem to just about work in pullmans world for me but seeing as how apart from the daemons we havent really had any exposure to talking animals in lyras world the bears and thier whole society just dont work for me. I always enjoy the first half of the book but find it gets a bit 'silly' towards the end. I went on to read the rest of the series after studying northern lights, but im not sure whether i would reread and reread them as i have some of my other books. i reread northern lights before the film came out and may do so with the other two for their films but they are not books id choose to reread without reason.
Posted by: lilinferi Mar 23 2008, 07:39 AM
I got hooked on the first of the series straight away. I did find a fair few things that annoyed me, on the hoovering on a minute point for so long. It was too much at points. I didn't like the sequel, but enjoyed the last part very much. I can't explain the magic in the books, I mean, I don't recognise much in the books, except for the Dutch in Nothern Lights 
. I loved the witches! Also in the movie, which was a great disappointment.
I recommend it to Potter Fans, but more to the literary obsessive than to the magic fanatic.
Posted by: davidenglish Mar 23 2008, 12:25 PM
The books are very rich from a mythological/psychological point of view. The story isn't as upbeat as Harry Potter, but that's because there is much more a sense of the loss of innocence. And I suppose that has more to do with the governing genre. Whereas HP is a heroic adventure where Harry is someone akin to Tom Jones, Lyra is more akin to Voltaire's Candide. I'd say Harry is closer to comedy, while Lyra is closer to tragedy. And I think that, in that sense, we can see the two series as complementary.
Posted by: Patricia421 Mar 23 2008, 03:06 PM
Overall I enjoyed the series and the farther into it I read, the faster I read, and the less able I was to put it down. A friend requested that I read Northern Lights before the film came out. I did, and we enjoyed the film immensely. I was so disappointed in the morning of the release date when the reviews were 2 stars, but we went anyway at 7pm to a very empty big screen theater. We loved it. I still do. I went again. All of the weak points in the book, lags, unnecessary details, were fine tuned to a fluid film that was understandable even to a virgin audience. After that, I picked up book 2 and was surprised at the change of direction, but it is done wisely. Every time you start reading a new scene you first wish the previous chapter would continue, but very soon wish this one would continue on, and it switches back. Some things left me a bit sad when it was so comparable to HP, such as dementors (in where TGC books were written first). I think I have not read enough scifi to see how many similar creatures are in various novels. So overall I would say I liked the first book. I am not planning on reading it for a second or third time (or the dozen I have with all my beloved HP books), but I am glad that I read them.
Posted by: FredFan Mar 23 2008, 05:38 PM
I've got to admit to not being a fan of the book. I picked it up and started reading it with an open mind, but had a lot of trouble going back to finish. I finally forced myself to read the second half in one sitting after having walked away from it for a few weeks. That's not the sign of a good book to me. A good book is one that I regret putting down even for a few minutes.
The other thing that bothered me about The Golden Compass is that I felt there were no characters of integrity. I couldn't see what was special and redeemable about Lyra. Her name suited her quite well because she spent so much of her time lying. In one way this book reminded me very much of Vanity Fair when you open the book to it's title page where it says, "A Book Without Heroes". That's very much how I felt about The Golden Compass.
Maybe I will bring myself to read the last two books later on, but I feel like I've got too many other good books I want to read to force myself to read something that left me feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Posted by: Heidy Mar 24 2008, 06:23 AM
The other thing that bothered me about The Golden Compass is that I felt there were no characters of integrity. I couldn't see what was special and redeemable about Lyra. Her name suited her quite well because she spent so much of her time lying. In one way this book reminded me very much of Vanity Fair when you open the book to it's title page where it says, "A Book Without Heroes". That's very much how I felt about The Golden Compass.
Maybe I will bring myself to read the last two books later on, but I feel like I've got too many other good books I want to read to force myself to read something that left me feeling a bit uncomfortable.
The first time I read Northern Lights it took me forever. I felt just like you FredFan. Lyra got on my nerves and I didn't immediately fall in love with any characters. However, I finished it and went on to the next 2 books. I don't think the subject matter and the characters allow you to feel what you felt for Harry from day one because it is a different kind of hero. Lyra is annoying, a liar and overall not someone easy to love, but the books are certainly worth reading. Hang on til book 2, The Subtle Knife, at least. You may change your mind a litte. By the way, for some reason, these books are better as Audio books. I have the whole collection, so if you or anyone would like to listen to them, I don't mind lending
Posted by: Prenz13 Mar 24 2008, 07:34 AM
The book took me forever to read, and it took many re-reads before it began to grow on me. Plus, the characters weren't ones you could really really connect to. I mean, Lyra seemed sweet, innocent, but there was nothing in her that made me want to read her story. All-in-all it was nice, but not as good as expected.
Posted by: fidelia Mar 24 2008, 08:12 AM
I just wanted to say, along with so many others, that I am so glad that I read NL/TGC.....but that I found the overall tone to be dispiriting! It's quite a conundrum to me that a work that is so intellectually stimulating should leave me so cold on an emotional level. By way of comparison, HP did leave me feeling not only intrigued but emotionally connected to the characters - and chomping always at the bit for the next installment!
That said, Pullman's ideas are fascinating. I love the Gyptians, the concept of daemons, the whole alternative historical timeline......the intellectual debate is going to propel me further into the trilogy. I love the comment that we have before us a "book without heroes". Lyra is not a character with whom I had an instinctive rapport (perhaps understandably so, given her circumstances......) With this perspective in mind that we have before us a cast who is flawed yet representative of human nature at its best and worst, I'm going to watch Lyra's development carefully - and wonder how she's going to evolve.
Posted by: marielle Mar 24 2008, 09:22 AM
I really love the series overall, the end was a bit a a deception, not that is was necessarily easy to guess, won't say more not to spoil, but overall that was the part I like less.
I really enjoyed seeing how Mrs Coulter character has evolved and grown over the course of the series. And i know some of you didn't really like the Lyra not being a real hero, she has many many flaws and I have to say I found it refreshing to see such an imperfect character, it makes a read that is very different from other heros series, and in a way very much more close to the real human being we are!
Posted by: abstracted Mar 25 2008, 01:55 AM
I love His Dark Materials.
The thing that sucked me in was the originality. Pullman took a concept that is commonly discussed and gave it its own world. Plus, from the view of Lyra, it was most amusing. I don't know, but I loved Lyra's character. Her lies weren't shallow lies told in fear...they were witty ways to avoid trouble. She was a trouble-maker, a young girl who refuses to become a lady! It was hilarious.
But as you'll see, she grows up from Golden Compass, to Subtle Knife, to Amber Spyglass. For those who thought her lies made her immature and unlike a hero...her lies are a significant part of the story. Even though her lies save her throughout the series, she learns her lesson about lying, trust me.
So many of the characters were dynamic. They weren't just good or just bad; they had their depth. (Of course, some characters were purposely static, but that's because they were soul-less.) Like Marielle said...Mrs Coulter's character was most fascinating. You can never completely hate or like her. It's SO much fun when you're not given one solid view of a character. I mean, that's what made us love Snape so much, right?
I admit, a few parts of the series were slow, but that's because the series requird a lot of explanation. I think His Dark Materials is a harder read than Harry Potter, simply because it deals with some difficult or controversial concepts, like "dust" and evolution.
The ending isn't the happiest one...it left me feeling a little unsatisfied...but I won't say too much for those who haven't read the series. Even though it's not that happy, I thought it was brilliant. To have given it a happy ending would've made it too much of a fairy tale. The actual ending gave it more depth and made you think so much more of the sacrifice taking place. It's quite beautiful, I think.
Posted by: L.J Mar 25 2008, 05:12 AM
HDM has always been one of my favourite series, and I think it always will. I first read Northern Lights when I was about 14 (10-ish years ago). I can't really remember my first reaction to it, other than I loved it. I know that with each re-read I've loved it more and more (I read it at least once a year - this will be my 3rd time I've read the series in the past year, though ).
I love that Pullman isn't afraid to show the flaws in his characters, and also that he doesn't go for the "Happily Ever After" scenarios. Although I was sad at the ending to the series, I'm glad it was written that way - this is a coming of age story, and, as you get older, you have to learn that not everything can/will work out how you want it to. I think I would have had less respect for the books and Pullman if he had gone for the soppy fairy tale ending to the story, as I read the series as more of a tragedy (though I will love if something can be worked out in the future - maybe in The Book of Dust!).
Posted by: Rotfang Apr 9 2008, 04:44 PM
HDM is an excellent, deep series. On recollection, i read the first book when i was... 9 years old (5 years ago) and absolutely loved it. However, being 9 i didn't grasp some of the main issues portrayed in the book like religion etc and re-read the series about 6 months ago. All i can say is - i loved it. Northern Lights was my favorite until the TERRIBLE film adaption was released, and now Amber Spyglass is my favorite. All in all though the whole series is a modern classic. LOVE THEM!
Posted by: equuslover22 Apr 9 2008, 04:52 PM
I love these books! I read them all in like a week last year! My favorite characters are the armored bears. 
I saw the movie and was kinda disappointed. Although the bears looked really good.
-equuslover22 
Posted by: Mary Wanguard Apr 10 2008, 10:30 AM
I haven't yet read any of the other books, but I'm already fascinated by the all of the characters. I actually like that there're no real heroes in the book - the characters are just too flawed. They probably won't leave me so emotionally attached as HP characters, but it's interesting to read about them.
Posted by: monkee_appelz Apr 12 2008, 04:03 AM
Second that! I loved it! It took me around three and a half weeks to get through the trilogy, so compared to my usual reading speed, that's quick for me!
The concept of alternate worlds and the war really kept me captivated throughout the whole series. Oh how I wish I could have a daemon too! Overall I really loved it, though I felt that The Subtle Knife was a bit bland after the Northern Lights. And to be honest, I actually watched the movie before I started the series, but it was the movie that actually drew my interest into the books! And of course the book was better!
Sorry, I trailed off a bit there because this post is supposed to be about book one, but yes a potential classic! Though the issues that evolve through the series may become a bit contreversial, it really had be engrossed. I think it was the concept of daemons and all the various characters(armoured bears also being my favourite!) in Lyra's world that had me fascinated in NL. Definitely a spellbinding read!
Posted by: {{voldy}} Apr 12 2008, 09:32 AM
I dunno....I can't say that I didn't cry a bit at the end of The Amber Spyglass. XD So yes, definitely read the next books!
And I agree with basically what's been said; I was immediately drawn in by the originality of the books, the theme, the wonderful, three-dimensional characters....A very deep series with so much soul. And some have already called it the newest fantasy classic, so I don't think potential is the right word anymore.
Posted by: etnutter Apr 12 2008, 07:39 PM
I think of "His Dark Materials" series as "the Anti-Potter." Similar themes and character elements but 180 degrees on things that are important to me.
I did not like The Golden compass for almost all the very reasons I like Harry Potter - While it was rich in description and atmosphere, it was so empty. I did not like Lyra or her attitudes towards .... well everything.
She did not rise above her circumstances - rather she seemed to wallow and stagnate in them. I hated the bear - Perhaps because I interpreted him as analogous to Hagrid - but a brutal and heartless murderer.
I liked Scoresby, butthe witches were both intriguing and apalling to me.
True, there were very imaginitive situations, but as one book lead from one to the next, I felt more hopeless.
I can't go on in detail about by dislikes because they are woven into the other two books, ank I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.
I will give him credit for a very thought provoking and sometimes profound set of scenarios - but I truly disliked the outcomes of most of those scenarios.
In the end on a positive note, they did make me want to read Paradise Lost in more detail - as the inspiration, it has to be better than this book.
If the story is a reflection of Pullman - I think he must be a very sad, negative and alienated man - and while I suspect my final view will not be well received, I feel a lot of sympathy for him.
Posted by: The Crimson Artist Apr 15 2008, 09:37 AM
"Eh, it was okay." I was neither crazy about nor opposed to it. I don't know why, but I just never got attached to anyone. Also, it seemed like I disliked nearly everyone but Lyra. Probably the best part of the whole story was the ending with Roger; that made me cry.
As for the other books, I despised Will and how he treated Lyra all through the second book. The only character that I grew to like more was Mrs. Coulter, though I still hated her and Asriel. I think the only reason I even finished was (like with Lord of the Rings) to say I'd done so.
Posted by: Synesthesia Apr 16 2008, 09:51 AM
It's probably one of my favourite series in the whole world next to Harry Potter and Sandman.
It has everything I could want in a book, adventure, action, danger (though not much humor)
All of the characters are fascinating, especially Lord Asriel. The story keeps me on edge from start to finish.
I'm long overdue to reread it.
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)