My favourite book of the century so far, partly because the wonderful second chapter - The Subtle Knife - is about a knife that you can use to cut out of one world into another. Since I was in Belmarsh Prison (for crimes that never took place) when I was reading it, it meant even more. Will is also my favourite character (like Hermione was in Harry Potter). So far this series has been great. Looking forward to The Subtle Knife.

I was a bit disappointed with Episode One; I think Ruth Wilson is nowhere near as good as Nicole Kidman - her Mrs Coulter has no charm at all; seems permanently sour. And I'm afraid I'm not keen on either of the two child leads. But let's give it time.

I suspect many of you haven't read the books (very few seem to read books these days); I strongly urge you to do so. It is odd that the movie was so disliked (I loved it and thought it captured the essence of the story fantastically). I really far prefer the casting in the film. Almost every actor in the TV series is wrong.

JK2006 wrote:
very few seem to read books these days


Ebooks have taken over, I think. They're so easier to read when working, commuting and travelling.

You can have several (even hundreds) - literally at your fingertips - on your smartphone.

With no need to carry the tomes around. On my commute today by train, nobody read a book - everyone watched their devices.

Most would prefer to turn the pages (although you can do that on Kindle), but practicality has to be the winner.

Haven't tried audiobooks yet - also available via smartphone!

Book sales in the UK were up very significantly in 2019, but mainly because of an increase in non fiction sales, fiction down a bit. Physical book sales and bookshops are another tragic victim of lockdown in 2020. Kindle fiction sales have benefitted!

I have read the books, after years being snobbishy put off by the "childrens" label. They are for older children to 100! and are marvellous. A cliche; but couldn't put them down. Don't be put off by the "fantasy" label either as I almost was.