Sunday, July 3, 2016

Peter Pan

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Title: Peter Pan


Format: 4 CD's, 5 hours, tracks every 3 minute

Published: Blackstone Audio, 2009, original book published in 1911

Genre: classic, fantasy, adventure

Obtained: library




Summary:   Wendy, Michael, and John Darling fly with Peter Pan (the boy who wouldn't grow up) to Neverland where they have great adventures with the Lost Boys and Tinker Bell, a fairy.  Their greatest adventures involve Captain Hook (the pirate with a hook for an arm) and the crocodile who ticks because he swallowed a clock.

Thoughts:  Peter Pan first appeared briefly in another book written by Barrie for adults in 1902.  Barrie then created a play in 1904 (making some changes to Peter) which told the story he later developed into the novel.  Some say the creation of Peter Pan was inspired by five boys to whom Barrie grew close.  Others say Pan was born from the death of Barrie's older brother, who died when he was only 14 in an ice skating accident.  Still others say it was a combination of the two.  Since then, Peter Pan has been adapted into many different forms.  The portrayal of Peter Pan and story that I always think of is Disney's cartoon version from 1953, probably because this is how I was introduced to the character.  I was surprised to find that the Disney adaptation held true to the original version in many ways, although the movie was made lighter by taking out some of the darker parts.
     I listened to this book on a long car ride with my two sons, 8 and 13.  Both enjoyed the book, although the 13 year old said it was the "weirdest story he ever heard".  The narrator had a pleasant voice, read with just the right emotion, and the pace was good.
     What did I like about this book?  The details the author added to the story that were woven throughout is one of it's greatest strengths and made the story intriguing.  Also, the characters showed unexpected traits.  For example, children were not portrayed as innocents like they are in most children's stories today.  The creativity and originality of, well everything- the characters and their way of life, the setting, and the story itself, is amazing.  
     This is a book that can be enjoyed by all ages.  The book contains symbolism and there are many underlying ideas throughout.  It would make for a very interesting discussion for a book club.


                                                                    



                                 
Company: Joy's Teaspoon

Tea: Sunny Passion

Obtained: purchased









     Sunny Passion is a blend of Pai Mu Tan (white tea) and three green teas- Lung Ching, Chinese Sencha, and Yunnan.  Added to the tea leaves are rosebuds, pineapple flakes, mango cubes, and pear flavoring.
     The tea was packaged in a small, good quality sample tin.  The leaves were long- some brown and some green.  There were a couple of fruit chunks visible.  The scent was of sweet fruit.
     I poured 8 ounces of water over my tea ball which contained 1 tsp of of leaves.  I let the leaves brew for 2 minutes (2-3 minutes were recommended).  The liquid was a very pale yellow.  The scent was of tropical fruit with a floral background.  The taste was of a delicate tea with some sweetness.  After I swallowed there was a tropical fruit taste that lingered.
     Fruit teas are not my favorite.  I find many are overpowering with their strong, sweet taste and others have a sour taste that I do not find pleasant.  This tea, however, was blended nicely.  It was not overpowering, but refreshing and light.  There was no sourness, it was definitely sweet.  The tropical fruit taste did linger for quite some time.

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