Hook

Poor Peter Banning is living his life in the fast lane, making deals, making deadlines, attending meetings, and getting ahead. But, if there's someone he's not getting ahead with, it his children. But, when his children are kidnapped, Peter suddenly finds himself thrust into a world beyond his imagination. It seems that his children were kidnapped by Captain Hook...that's right, the villain of J. M. Barrie's story. It seems that Hook has this far out idea that Peter Banning is really Peter Pan. To rescue his kids, Peter is going to have to reach deep inside himself, and find something that he lost. But, will he do it in time? In 1991, director Steven Spielberg produced yet another great movie - Hook. I absolutely love that movie. (I think it is directed more towards fathers than kids!) So, when I saw the book, I jumped at it. In this book, veteran fantasy author takes the story of Hook, and presents it in story form. Now, it must be admitted that this book does not go beyond the movie, being a faithful novelization of the movie, and nothing more. But, that said, this is a very good book, one that brings back the magic of the movie to you when you are sitting trapped in an airplane, or God knows where. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it.

Granted, this book is a novelization of a movie, and a very faithful one at that, so much of the credit goes to the makers of the movie rather than to Brooks, but he does succeed in taking a marvelous story and telling it wonderfully, fully capturing the spirit of the story with his tone, as well as the events in it.And a wonderful story it is, too. A superb sequel to the original Peter Pan story, answering the question "What would Peter be like if he ever DID grow up?" in a very plausible, indisputable way. Further, it is a perfect primer on how NOT to be a father, and what effects it can have on the children of someone who's falling down on the job, as well as showing a good example of how to do it right for comparison. Additionally, it is, like the original Peter Pan, an excellent story of the magic of childhood, but this one discusses how an adult can (and indeed MUST, if they want to avoid becoming unbearable) hold on to some of that magic, even while growing up and becoming responsible. And that sometimes, even people who HAVE lost that magic still don't learn how to be particularly responsible.I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is truly wonderful; do yourself a favor, and track down a copy. It will be worth the effort. Then settle in for a good evening's read. You won't regret it.

I thought this book was wonderful. Not only would Disney himslef be pleased but the original author of the Peter Pan books would also be pleased.It is also classic Brooks. Filled with his enriched details and his way of writing that draws the reader into the book. I have read almost all of the books that Brooks has written, including all of the Shannara books and the Landover series.He is a wonderful writer and is able in his own way to make the reading of a book not only enjoyable but also very stimulating.His way of bringing the reader into the novel is so wonderful that you can not put the novel down.Brooks stayed true to the Peter Pan story and offered us a look at what Peter Pan might have been like had he actually grown up.For a "What If" book, I give this book, not a 5 star rating but a 10 star rating.