The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman with Laura McAsh

About this episode

This episode features a discussion about 'The Golden Compass' with guest Laura McAsh, exploring its themes and characters.

To support Drinks in the Library and listen to ad-free episode and additional bonus content, subscribe on Patreon Set in a world where every person’s soul exists outside their body in the form of an animal companion called a dæmon, The Golden Compass follows a brave young girl named Lyra Belacqua as she uncovers a sinister plot involving kidnapped children. Lyra journeys from the halls of Jordan College to the frozen Arctic in search of answers to her questions about power, knowledge, and free will. Laura McAsh a writer of whimsical worlds and a creator of quirky characters. A library clerk by day, Laura is a neurodivergent nerd passionate about diversity, inclusion, and representation. Beginning her undergrad at the University of Guelph, she completed her Bachelor of General Studies (Arts and Sciences Designation) with distinction at Athabasca University. A collector of hobbies and interests, she is a lover of all animals and is always down for grabbing nachos with friends or snuggling with her cat, Dinosaur. Don’t miss her debut novel Alison’s Adventures in Time ! Our drink this week is a Hungarian Wine, a reference to a scene in the story where Lord Asriel, Lyra’s uncle is…

People in this episode

Host: Gigi Howard

Guest: Laura McAsh

Topics covered

• fantasy literature
• character analysis
• diversity in writing
• book discussion
• neurodiversity
• adventure

Keywords

• The Golden Compass
• Lyra Belacqua
• fantasy
• book discussion
• Laura McAsh
• Hungarian wine
• neurodiversity
• adventure

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Guelph, Athabasca University

Products: Kiwi Cuvee Pinot Grigio

Books & works: The Golden Compass

Places: Hungary

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