I remember reading Peter Pan when I was little and not liking it at all. I now know why. Little Mary was somewhat of a responsible child. Seriously. Don't know where it went, but I was sort of an old soul for a kid. 

 

Now I go see Disney on Ice productions of Rockstar Disney characters. It's a weird thing. 

 

But Peter Pan, as a character, is irresponsible and a prick. I grew up with three older brothers. One of my brothers convinced me that if I held my middle finger up, that it was something not a lot of people could do and I should go show mom. That's how, at four, I told my mother to 'fuck off' without knowing what the hell I was doing. 

 

Peter Pan makes Wendy and crew fly for days without resting, without telling them how to stop, while laughing as they plunge to their maybe deaths in the water. 

 

I get that it's meant to show that Peter Pan doesn't know right from wrong, but all it showed me was that I thought Wendy should punch him in his stupid laughing face. 

 

I loved Wendy. 

 

But that sort of recklessness just doesn't jive with me. Peter Pan is a really good book, don't get me wrong, but I just didn't feel it because I wanted some parent to come around and tell Peter Pan to stop fucking around. 

 

Great book. Not for me. 

First off, I guess I have to be honest and say that until reading this book (for the first time!) my only impressions of Peter Pan were formed by the Disney movie. After reading the book, I have to say that Disney did stay rather true to the story, though adapted it to be more suitable for children.Interestingly enough, there are some rather dark and sinister bits and pieces throughout this short novel. Peter Pan is a bit more bloodthirsty than I think he was portrayed in the animated movie. And Captain Hook is certainly a much more violent character as written by Barrie--you never knew when he would tear one of his men with his hook! Another thing I found interesting, is that while the book is rather amusing and comical at points, there is a real sadness (a life without a mother's love) underlying the humor. One thing to note about Peter Pan--he is one cocky little boy! I actually found myself growing annoyed with him as I read the book and rolling my eyes from time to time when he had a tendency to be more obnoxious. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book--it is quite entertaining, though the last chapter is bittersweet. Barrie's writing is humorous and quick to read, once you get used to the language of that time period. I felt myself swept right up into the story, and even though I knew it wasn't meant to be, there was still a part of me that kept hoping for Wendy to stay with Peter forever.I also thought that this particular edition was helpful, because it offered a great deal of biographical information on Barrie, in addition to helpful footnotes throughout. When you read more about J. M. Barrie's childhood, you really understand how he could have created this story, and indeed, it makes the story that much more poignant.

I loved this, a long time ago, but I don't remember much about it. Definitely deserves a reread.Also, I loved the Disney Peter Pan, and Finding Neverland, but what in god's name was that horrendous live action effort they made a few years ago? Cheesy is not the word...

Aside from the stereotypes and biases and prejudices and bullying, this was a very fun read. Of course knew the story already, but I did not expect Barrie to be so witty in his writing.

First sentence: "All children, except one, grow up."
P. 99: "Tink darted up the nearest tree; but no one followed her, for it was at this moment that the pirates made their dreadful attack upon the redskins."
Last sentence: "When Margaret grows up, she will have a daughter, who is to be Peter's mother in turn, and thus it will go on, so long as children are gay and innocent and heartless."

Finally I read "Peter Pan", which I never read as a child. I really liked it, and I even think I wouldn't have liked it as a child, because I remember clearly I didn't like stories with too much fantasy in them, and especially not if it was about naughty children (I know, I know, I was a strange child).
But now I understand Peter Pan who didn't want to grow up. Most of us do feel a little sad sometimes realizing we did lose the naivety and innocence from our childhood.

Other thoughts/reviews:

The Project Gutenberg Project:
http://projectgutenbergproject.blogspot.be/2012/09/guest-review-peter-pan-by-jm-barrie.html

The Cheap Reader: http://thecheapreader.wordpress.com/2013/09/06/book-review-peter-pan/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCheapReader+%28The+Cheap+Reader%29