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Most Helpful Favorable Review
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
A Yearning to Read Review
I put this story off for a long time. I've owned the book for maybe a year, but I didn't have a desire to read it until about a month ago. And to be completely honest, my interest was piqued only when my younger sister read it first and said it was one of the best books...Read More
I put this story off for a long time. I've owned the book for maybe a year, but I didn't have a desire to read it until about a month ago. And to be completely honest, my interest was piqued only when my younger sister read it first and said it was one of the best books ever written...
Now, I can completely agree. It was written beautifully, the imagery was vibrant, and the humor was impossible to miss. When I finished the last page and set the book down, all I could do was sit and stare at it for a moment, amazed at how much I had been missing out on all these years.
Could you call it inspiration? Ummm...yeah. You could say that.
Now, almost anyone on the street knows who Peter Pan is, or has at least heard the name before (either that or Tinker Bell). However, a lot of people, and I think I can safely say most, don't know the real story. Either they've heard it from their parents, siblings, friends, etc., or they've watched the Disney version. Besides me, my sister and two friends, I don't know anyone who has read the original story as James Barrie wrote it. The one that lifts you up, carries you off to Neverland, and then brings you back with a deeper understanding of what it means to enjoy your life, growing up and all.
There's one thing I must say: while the Disney version is cute, and holds to the book fairly well, what you wouldn't know is that the real story, the one that James Barrie wrote, is so so so much deeper. The book holds a story a bit darker and more realistic than the average happy fairytail. There is a very mournful undertone throughout the book that is masterfully drawn out by a man who lived, to be honest, a tragic life.
I don't want to give the wrong impression: while Peter Pan isn't quite the "happy" story we all thought it was, there are a multitude of emotions running through each letter of every page: love, joy, and hope are just the beginning. Because of this, it is one of those books that musn't be merely enjoyed. It's much too beautiful. It's different from other fairytales... It is the story of a boy who wanted to never grow up, to always have fun. It has a certain quality to it that makes one believe that it could actually happen, that it actually has happened. That Peter and Tink will someday show up within the frame of your window, ready to fly away with you and have grand adventures. And yet as the story comes to a close, even though you want it to go on forever and ever, you feel an intense satisfaction and an understanding that all children must grow up.Show Less
Now, I can completely agree. It was written beautifully, the imagery was vibrant, and the humor was impossible to miss. When I finished the last page and set the book down, all I could do was sit and stare at it for a moment, amazed at how much I had been missing out on all these years.
Could you call it inspiration? Ummm...yeah. You could say that.
Now, almost anyone on the street knows who Peter Pan is, or has at least heard the name before (either that or Tinker Bell). However, a lot of people, and I think I can safely say most, don't know the real story. Either they've heard it from their parents, siblings, friends, etc., or they've watched the Disney version. Besides me, my sister and two friends, I don't know anyone who has read the original story as James Barrie wrote it. The one that lifts you up, carries you off to Neverland, and then brings you back with a deeper understanding of what it means to enjoy your life, growing up and all.
There's one thing I must say: while the Disney version is cute, and holds to the book fairly well, what you wouldn't know is that the real story, the one that James Barrie wrote, is so so so much deeper. The book holds a story a bit darker and more realistic than the average happy fairytail. There is a very mournful undertone throughout the book that is masterfully drawn out by a man who lived, to be honest, a tragic life.
I don't want to give the wrong impression: while Peter Pan isn't quite the "happy" story we all thought it was, there are a multitude of emotions running through each letter of every page: love, joy, and hope are just the beginning. Because of this, it is one of those books that musn't be merely enjoyed. It's much too beautiful. It's different from other fairytales... It is the story of a boy who wanted to never grow up, to always have fun. It has a certain quality to it that makes one believe that it could actually happen, that it actually has happened. That Peter and Tink will someday show up within the frame of your window, ready to fly away with you and have grand adventures. And yet as the story comes to a close, even though you want it to go on forever and ever, you feel an intense satisfaction and an understanding that all children must grow up.Show Less
posted by yearningtoread on April 28, 2011
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Terrible format
The formatting with this book is terrible. The sentences are laid out in narrow columns of a single word or two, and nothing I tried to do would fix it. I wouldn't waste any money with this one!
posted by Loverien on August 17, 2011
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A Yearning to Read Review
I put this story off for a long time. I've owned the book for maybe a year, but I didn't have a desire to read it until about a month ago. And to be completely honest, my interest was piqued only when my younger sister read it first and said it was one of the best books ever written...
Now, I can completely agree. It was written beautifully, the imagery was vibrant, and the humor was impossible to miss. When I finished the last page and set the book down, all I could do was sit and stare at it for a moment, amazed at how much I had been missing out on all these years.
Could you call it inspiration? Ummm...yeah. You could say that.
Now, almost anyone on the street knows who Peter Pan is, or has at least heard the name before (either that or Tinker Bell). However, a lot of people, and I think I can safely say most, don't know the real story. Either they've heard it from their parents, siblings, friends, etc., or they've watched the Disney version. Besides me, my sister and two friends, I don't know anyone who has read the original story as James Barrie wrote it. The one that lifts you up, carries you off to Neverland, and then brings you back with a deeper understanding of what it means to enjoy your life, growing up and all.
There's one thing I must say: while the Disney version is cute, and holds to the book fairly well, what you wouldn't know is that the real story, the one that James Barrie wrote, is so so so much deeper. The book holds a story a bit darker and more realistic than the average happy fairytail. There is a very mournful undertone throughout the book that is masterfully drawn out by a man who lived, to be honest, a tragic life.
I don't want to give the wrong impression: while Peter Pan isn't quite the "happy" story we all thought it was, there are a multitude of emotions running through each letter of every page: love, joy, and hope are just the beginning. Because of this, it is one of those books that musn't be merely enjoyed. It's much too beautiful. It's different from other fairytales... It is the story of a boy who wanted to never grow up, to always have fun. It has a certain quality to it that makes one believe that it could actually happen, that it actually has happened. That Peter and Tink will someday show up within the frame of your window, ready to fly away with you and have grand adventures. And yet as the story comes to a close, even though you want it to go on forever and ever, you feel an intense satisfaction and an understanding that all children must grow up.5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Surprisingly Heartbreaking...
This is not your typical Disney version of Peter Pan. This version is actually very heart wrenching. It tells the story of Peter Pan, Tiger Lily, and the Lost Boys of course, but the Disney version only sugar coats the story where everyone lives happily ever after. This is not the case in this original tale of a boy who never grows up while everyone in the real world does. Heart breaking. Love this version, though. Everyone who is a fan of the movie, or who never wants to grow up should read this. I guarantee you wont after reading.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Fanya
Posted January 8, 2009
I Also Recommend:
A Fantasy Trip
Peter Pan
I read a book called Peter Pan by the author named James Matthew Barrie. This book in an amazing book to dive in for an adventure. The book is full of magic and fantasy. You will get swept of your feet while reading this book. This book is set during the early 1900¿s with a family named The Darling¿s. In the story the family members are Mr. and Mrs. Darling, Wendy, John and Michael. Another character that is important in the book is Peter pan of course, he can be categorized the main character of the whole story. This book was inspired by author¿s older brother dying when he was only fourteen year old. The author¿s mother said that since he never got the chance to grow he will always remain a boy. The story of Peter Pan is mostly set in Neverland where Peter lives. Neverland is a magical world where fairies exist and many of your dreams may come true. The book only has 197 pages to read so it¿s not too long but it¿s not too short.
If you enjoyed this book you can also read a book about fantasy written by Lewis Carroll called Alice in Wonderland.3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted May 13, 2008
Very Interesting Book.
Peter Pan. Peter Pan is an exiting fantasy book about a young man Names Peter who finds a your girl named Wendy and her brothers named John and others who have fun adventures together. The beginning of the book was ok I particularly liked the part where they flew off into the night and to the neverlands. The book got better as it moved along like when captain hook and pan got into the fight. That by far was the climax of the story but when Pan had to catch wendy from falling off the blank that was ok. I didn¿t like the part when they were at the indians though for some reason I found it boring. Another part I found boring was when peter and Wendy got into a fight and they wouldn¿t talk to each other. I thought this book was fairly good. I thought there could be some more action in this book. I like the way the author put this book in its order because it made it easier to read. The setting is first in a urban apartment until Peter Pan came and took them away to the Neverlands. When they got there it was very wooded and they had lots of fun. The author J.M Barrie was a man who didn't want to grow up. So i¿m assuming that the reason he wrote this book is because he was very childish and wrote books in his wildest imagination. He was a nice person though. He was born on May 9, 1860 in Kirriemurir, Scotland and died on June 19,. 1937 in London, England. He had a wife named Mary Ansell '1894-1909'. He also had a son named Liewelyn Davies. He is notable for his book: ¿The Little White Bird¿ . One of the parts that was kinda boring but got kinda exiting as when they went to the indians place and they were smoking and when they got dancing it got better. Peter Pan is a very exiting book that makes you want to read more about it. I had Fun reading it and I would recommend it to people who like fantasy.
3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted August 29, 2007
SO Good!
I loved this book! After I read it, I felt like going out and having a adventure! It really makes you think about how your living life. I recommend not reading the last chapter though-it's sad.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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kyliekelly
Posted June 3, 2011
A story of child like innocence
I am not one to enjoy some thing just because it is a classic, but this story is worthy of being a classic. J.M. Barrie eloquently transports the reader to their own Neverland. Barrie has written a timeless story that people of all ages can relate to. I mean who would not want to go to their own Neverland where you don't have to grow up and every thing is possible?
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Worth every minute!
Peter Pan may be a children's book but I recommend it highly to anyone who feels like they need to get in touch with their imagination. Trust me, there is truth that lies in it for all ages.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Peter Pan
arrie, J.M. (2003). Peter Pan. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.
0689866917
It seems with several movie versions, Hook, Finding Neverland, and the actual play, nobody could escape knowing something of the story of Peter Pan. However, it seems that only a small number of people actually read the book these days. Those that do, will discover a shockingly complicated and difficult text. Jumps in time and point of view, numerous metaphors, images, cultural and historic references and an interrupting narrator will make this a challenging read for many young readers.
Plus Peter is really forgetful and potentially annoying.
Nonetheless, there are uses for this book and exercises that may be completed. Just don't do them with too young of a crowd. If I were to use this book in the classroom it would be with high school students. Since there are so many rich themes and metaphors and since most students are probably familiar with some version of the narrative this book could be of good use in introducing analysis and literary theory.
It is undeniable that Barrie captured a sense of magic, fun, and childhood that most children's writers cannot help but desire to equal. And because of this, there are great fun exercises that can be done, such as having children create or draw their own maps of Neverland. Since the book is also a play, it lends itself to being reenacted. This could help with visualization.
Also, a special note if teachers use the edition of the book forwarded by author Susan Cooper-Her comments would influence anyone's reading of the text. For me, most striking is the delicate description of Barrie as "yearning for little-boy love" (p. XVI).
Activities to do with the book:
Have students create their own Neverlands, analyze the book's literary themes, enact scenes, research Barrie's life, discuss the imagination and separation between reality and fantasy, consider issues of power and the conditions of motherhood, the construction of masculinity and femininity etc.
Students could also discuss the many reinterpretations and sequels to the narrative.
Favorite Quotes:
"All children, except one, grow up" (p. 1).
"To die will be an awfully big adventure" (p. 123).
"I'm youth, I'm joy" (p. 195).
FOR MORE OF MY CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEWS SEE http://sjkessel.blogspot.com/2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted July 7, 2008
A reviewer
This is the absolute best faerie tale of all time. If you have not been acquainted with the story of the boy who will not grow up then you mustn't waist another moment. Neverland awaits.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted June 17, 2008
One of our favorites to read and watch
My children and I often read this book together and then watch the movie afterwards. This is the ultimate do-gooder book for any child, especially those who seem to know better than their parents.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted December 31, 2007
Good
Peter Pan was an exquisite story. However, the side notes kind of were dragging on, on many pages. I found there were too many of them...
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted March 19, 2007
Wonderful
The writing and the story in Peter Pan are both wonderful, and the hardcover edition with the Gustafson illustrations is absolutely beautiful--I highly recommend it. The illustrations are just wonderful.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted May 31, 2006
An incredible look into an old-fashioned adventure!
In a world full of weak, sappy and utterly meaningless books, sometimes it's nice to sit back with a cup of tea on a rainy day and crack open your grandfather's worn copy of Peter Pan. With its whimsical heroes and frightening villians, this book is more than just a thoughtful, exciting adventure. It's a look into the Victorian world through a child's eyes. Get past the mousiness of Wendy, the arrogance of Peter and the carefree exterior of the Lost Boys and you'll find a hauntingly beautiful tale about love and how precious a life is, no matter how short it may be. I highly recommend this book!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Biscuit1KL
Posted March 20, 2012
Highly recommended for all ages!
This is a most delightful story.....easy to read and quite enjoyable.......all ages could and should indulge in some make believe!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted February 13, 2012
Heart wearming
This is a great book if you like fantasy! It brings kids dreams to life! The end is sad though ! Tinkerbell says a bad word but the book is so good i would give it 5 stars
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Loverien
Posted August 17, 2011
Terrible format
The formatting with this book is terrible. The sentences are laid out in narrow columns of a single word or two, and nothing I tried to do would fix it. I wouldn't waste any money with this one!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted January 12, 2011
Poorly binded
The cover looks beautiful, but when you turn the book to the side, the pages were bound horribly. I am very dissapointed.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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OctoberHoliday
Posted March 19, 2010
I Also Recommend:
Still My Favorite Book
I read this book for the first time when I was 12 years old. It was so exciting to go back to Neverland, see all of the characters I grew up with and loved. J. M. Barrie created a beautiful, magical place of make-believe and pretend, and I don't doubt that each of us went there at least once as a child.
The thing that astounded me was the great depth of the book. There were undertones and messages of mortality and acceptance. For instance, in the case of Captain James Hook, he stays in Neverland for his chance to take Peter Pan's life, but in the form of the ticking-crocodile, time is already after him and he has it on his mind, and he is frightened by it. Then there is the sadness of Peter Pan himself, the lost enigma that he is, locked forever out of a great happiness; family. There is so much hidden in the story, things that children would never quite understand.
And that brings me to my favorite part about this story: as you grow older, reading this book as you become an adult, the story changes for you unlike anything I've ever known. As a child, I saw it as a happy adventure. As teenager, I see it as a rememberance of my own childhood slipping away, and my wanting to go back or keep that childhood inside of me. I've no idea what it'll mean to me when I'm an adult, and since I'm still a teenager I'm in no hurry to find out.
The writing of J. M. Barrie is interesting and satirical, but also slightly childish. The world he created is magical and accessable, somewhere you can go in you imagination, a place to go away to, and for that I thank him. My only qualms with this version are the illistrations; not accurate and not fitting. Otherwise, still my favorite book.1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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star12
Posted June 5, 2009
I Also Recommend:
A must read
Have you ever drempt about flying? If yes, READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Anonymous
Posted May 7, 2008
A Beautiful Story
I absolutely love this book and definitely recommend it. It is so beautiful and sad! You fall in love with the characters, especially with Peter with all of his cockiness and forgetfullness. You learn more about Captain Hook, Peter Pan, and Neverland in the book than in the movie. The story is also written beautifully and is intriguing with all of its adventures and characters. However, more than that, the themes of youth and growing up are the factors that make the story so wonderful. I cried at the end of the novel because it is very touching and leaves a lasting impression on your heart.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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