If it weren't for my book club, "The Golden Compass" is probably a
book I would never have decided to read. I picked up a copy of the
book from the library, only to have my 22 yr old daughter start it
and tell me I was going to have to get another copy if I wanted to
have it read in time for my next book club meeting. So I did...and
I started reading with mixed feelings, wondering how a fantasy
novel written for youth was going to capture my attention. Twenty
pages in and I was hooked.
I thought the language might be intended for younger readers, but
it's really not...this book is well written and challenges you to
think. With all the religious controversy that I heard about this
book I was prepared for that aspect, but instead found myself not
necessarily paying any attention to anything but the story that the
author, Philip Pullman, is telling.
To end this review: I loved "The Golden Compass"...I fell in love
with the Lyra and her daemon, Pantalaimon...with the armoured bear,
Iofur Raknison...with Farder Coram. I have the second and third
book in the trilogy waiting for me...after the quick mystery that I
decided to fit in first.