I'm also a bit confused about the name change. The set I have are titled "The Golden Compass", "The Subtle Knife", and "The Amber Spyglass". This is the first I've heard of "The Northern Lights". Is that the original UK title? And if so, why this mad compulsion to rename books when they're brought to the United States? I'm smart enough to know what a "Philosopher's Stone" is, I should damn well be smart enough to know what "The Northern Lights" are.

I enjoyed the first book, I loved the second book, and then I was left cold by the third book. I simply stopped reading it right in the middle, I completely lost interest. I felt like the plot dissolved and took odd directions I wasn't enjoying. I'll be very interested to know if you feel the same way after reading all three.