The Golden Compass

[DianaB]

Originally Posted by katepoet

My son and I read the first book and thought it was interesting so got the others and were extremely disappointed and dismayed. And that wasn't even on religious values but on human values and what kids should be exposed to and how depressing the books were. So the thought of a movie based on these - no way unless they change it drastically.

I'm glad that someone has knowledge of these books and agrees that they are NOT for children. Thanks Kate!

[katepoet]

I believe that children have fragile minds that are influenced strongly by what they read, hear and see, don't you? For example, I have had a cub scout who at age 7 was reading books written for adults that were violent, without an adult discussing the books with the child. No guidance. His play with legos and balloons became violent and scary.

The books have become popular with teens and I did let my son read them in his teen years but not before we discussed the issues the books raise and the level of personal violence in them. They are a fantasy series which makes people think "kids" I suppose, but that genre can have a lot of violence, racism, fascism - it all bears discussion and an informed adult reading along with a young person.