The Golden Compass

His Dark Materials* Book 1
The Golden Compass
Pullman

Significance
I chose to read this book because my friend suggested it, and it was my librarian’s favorite author. This book is valuable because it won the Carnegie Medal in 1996, which is similar to the Newbery Medal in the U.S. so I knew that it had good content.
The theme of this book is good versus evil with a twist. Also the book had to do with free will and making choices.
A person who likes fantasy, battles and animals would enjoy reading this book.

Perspective
Philip Pullman is the Englishman who wrote this entertaining book, however some people might find this book controversial.
Someone of a conservative religious practice might find parts of the book against their beliefs. The part about Adam and Eve surprised me but I was able to except his interpretation of the story and move on. Since parts of the book were written from the main characters perspective I could understand her cultural life.

Evidence
The argument Pullman is trying to make is that people should have free will and be able to make their own choices without religious interference in their lives. Pullmans claim about free will is for most peoples beliefs, including mine is not true. The author, being an Atheist, influenced his use of enchantment such as the compass, the daemons and ability to create another worlds. Many religious people have found the content of this book be offensive and controversial. On the other hand, many people have chosen to ignore the religious views presented by Pullman.

Connection
The ending of this book had a connection to the book
Wrinkle in Time. It also has a connection to all fantasy books with witchcraft and unbelievable actions. Today this book has been made into a popular major motion picture. However have not seen this movie yet. After his success with this book Pullman chose to write two other books in this series. This novel might encourage me to read the other two books in this saga.

Supposition
The world would be a very different place if everyone believed like the characters in this book. The author’s perspective on religion could have changed the whole story. If the information in this book would be less controversial it would have been more of a crowd favorite. What I have noticed is how Pullman chose to include ideas about witchcraft, a Golden Compass (which is like a crystal ball) and also changing the Bible to try to make you rethink your values.