From the Bookshelf of Catching up on Classics (and lots more!)…

Peter Pan

J.M. Barrie

Start date: November 1, 2014

Finish date: November 30, 2014

Discussion: New School Classics- 1915-2005

Why we're reading this: New School Classic Group Read, November 2014
[close] New School Classic Group Read, November 2014

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New School Classics- 1915-2005

The Stepford Wives - Spoilers
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What Members Thought

Oct 24, 2008 Nola Tillman rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: children-s, fiction-fantasy, fiction-young-adult

Michael and I have been reading Peter Pan as part of our nightly bedtime routine. In all honesty, I didn't have high hopes for it as a kids book, despite it being a classic, just because it is so long. But it has quickly become one of my children's favorite. The language is so lighthearted and humorous that it is funny to read, and as usual I am amazed by what my children understand. We were happy to meet our old pal, Captain Flint, of "Treasure Island" fame, even in passing, and it was enjoyabl Michael and I have been reading Peter Pan as part of our nightly bedtime routine. In all honesty, I didn't have high hopes for it as a kids book, despite it being a classic, just because it is so long. But it has quickly become one of my children's favorite. The language is so lighthearted and humorous that it is funny to read, and as usual I am amazed by what my children understand. We were happy to meet our old pal, Captain Flint, of "Treasure Island" fame, even in passing, and it was enjoyable to see that evil as he was, he was afraid of Captain Hook. The kids picked up on the whimsical nature of the story, and I think there were parts that I missed that they got!

In passing, it is worth noting how much times have changed since Peter Pan was first published. There were words and customs that I did not know the meaning of (shocking, I know); most of the problem, I think, came from the 19th century English setting and culture. I'm still trying to figure out where Captain Hook matriculated from - Eton? Oxford? Somewhere else? Of course, this was quite painful for my inquisitive children, who wanted to know what was being said, and while I wanted to say "let's look it up", the novel's role in our bedtime routine made that quite unlikely. However, there is a good chance that we will make liberal use of the dictionary and encyclopedia when we read it in daylight hours (Dawn is already clamoring to have it to herself).

It was interesting, as always, to note how many changes were made when Disney created the movie. I also appreciated how much the movie “Hook” brought back from the story; I think Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal was an excellent example of the vicious pirate, though I had never realized it before. I particularly enjoyed learning that Peter’s directions of “First star to the right, and straight on ‘til morning” are, in fact, NOT the coordinates of Neverland! Shocking, isn’t it? I won’t divulge its real location, however; you will have to open the book and find out for yourself.

Anyone familiar with the stage or screen versions will recognize many of the events in the novel. It is the characterization and attention to detail that really make this story shine, however. So much is explained in such colorful language that no child can fail to be charmed. And, though the Lost Boys and Peter Pan did not display the most excellent example, they provided a great discussion of how not to behave and (my personal favorite) why a mother is so very important, needed, and wanted. Children of all ages will be delighted by this classic, and, if mine are any indication, will clamor for it again and again.
...more

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Mar 16, 2014 Gaijinmama rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: kids, classics, fantasy

This was, to be honest, just OK. I enjoyed it as a cultural artifact, but as a story...not so much. It certainly isn't something I'd read to a young child. It is sexist (if not downright misogynist), racist, and some of the language is incomprehensible to a 21st century reader. It's also a lot darker than any of the film versions I've seen. The Lost Boys are carrying actual weapons, people actually get killed, and Peter is pretty much a sociopath.
Consider it a weird little piece of history, and ...more

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Jan 28, 2023 Patti D'Ambrosca Taylor rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: own-it, young-reader

There were several times as I was reading that I would pause and ask myself, "What did I just read?" I found many sections of the book simply disturbing. Overall, just not my cup of tea. Your mileage may vary. ...more

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Feb 26, 2011 Laura rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 3ms, e-books, children-ya

Certa noite, um menino um tanto quanto diferente e especial chamado Peter Pan convida Wendy Darling e seus irmãos a voar, com a ajuda da ciumenta fada Sininho, em direção à Terra do Nunca, uma ilha mágica habitada pelos meninos perdidos que não querem crescer.

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