Pan and Potter

Here on the island, Mondays are my unofficial library visiting days.

Last Monday, I was perusing the children's book section when I happened across J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan and Wendy. It was a special edition, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the beloved tale. I picked it up, flipped through the pages and was immediately absorbed into the make-believe world of Peter Pan.

I spent the next few days anxiously awaiting the moment it was time to go to bed - as I had self prescribed bedtime as my storytime (otherwise I would have read the short story in one sitting). The moment I opened the book I bravely fought alongside Peter and the Lost Boys as they took on Captain Hook and the pirates. I flew with Wendy, Michael, and John over the Mermaid Lagoon, past Tiger Lilly and the Redskins, and into the treehouse below ground where Tinkerbell strutted in her chambers.

It was with mixed emotions that I turned the last page in this child's tale - for I did not want the adventures to end but at the same time, was keen to prove to myself that I had, and never will, let the child within me die.

The book I brought home from yesterday's visit to the library is both a continuation of my Pan stubbornness to never fully grow-up and a bit of homework. I am currently stretching my imagination to its fullest as I hurriedly turn page after page in the fifth book in the Harry Potter series. I only opened the book yesterday and I'm already on page 626 in the 870 page book.

Yes, I've previously read this book cover to cover, but must refresh my memory of Harry's life in the wizarding world in preparation of book number six to arrive in stores in a matter of days. I've spent the last two days immersed in the tales of Harry, Hermione, and Ron as they battle through their fifth year at Hogwarts and attempt to stop He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named from making a full-fledged return to power.

Even though I already know the outcome, I still turn page after page in apprehension of learning the secrets of the wizarding world and cheering for good to overcome evil. And when I must come face to face with reality (i.e. put the book down), I find myself daydreaming about life through Harry's eyes. That is the true power of our imaginations - when the lines between what is real and what is fictional become blurred.

Why adults do not read lighthearted stories like Pan or Potter on a regular basis is beside me. It is a chance for us grown-ups to escape our daily, routine-filled, stressful lives and experience the full glory of our imaginations. It's also an opportunity for those of us with a little extra time on our hands to revisit the stories told to us as children and playfully attempt to turn back the hands of time.