What’s the first book you ever finished and still remember to this day?
Well if you ignore the phonics ones and things like Binkle and Flip the bad bunnies.
Peter, Jane and Pat the dog.
And of course:
I suppose I would go for The Hobbit.
Still occasionally read it most years.
Looking at Binkle and Flip there it does have a bit of an air of Mr Bunsy has an Adventure. (If you know Terry Pratchett books you will know which one it comes from).
Bogenwald 
Wow, that would be a Peter and Jane one round 1974. There wasn’t a lot to it. But I remember being very proud to have a “reading book” and bringing it home from school to show Mum and Dad.
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I think for me it was The Forever War by Joe Haldeman!
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Being an avid deader for the first time in the late 50’s and early 60’s I bought all of the Enid Blyton Famous Five books with my locket money. Growing up in a time when children should “be seen but not heard” the adventure and free agency of, in particular. Georgie and Julian, created the free thinker I became, and looking back made life for my parents difficult!
The Famous Five books by Enid Blyton have attracted criticism and in recent decades their portrayal of gender roles, social class, and certain ethnic and travelling communities.
Written between 1942 and 1963, the stories reflect many of the assumptions common in middle class Britain during the mid twentieth century. Female characters such as Anne are often portrayed in traditional domestic roles, while the children frequently display attitudes towards social class and authority that modern readers may find dated.
Critics have also pointed to stereotypical depictions of foreigners and travelling people, as well as the strong sense of British social hierarchy that underpins many of the stories. In response, publishers have revised later editions, altering language and removing passages considered offensive or inappropriate for contemporary audiences.
While these concerns are understandable, I regard many of the revisions as a form of censorship. The Famous Five books are products of their time and should be read in the context of the society in which they were written. They provide an insight into twentieth century British attitudes, values, and assumptions, some of which are no longer acceptable but nevertheless form part of the historical record. Rather than rewriting the past, it is preferable to allow readers to engage with the original text and understand how social attitudes have changed over time.
I wonder if my Dinosaur combat rules ( https://www.amazon.com.au/Dinosaurs-game-ages-Guru-pig/dp/1764199413 ) will soon be censored because the famous five of TRex, Spinosaurus, Allosaurus, Velociraptor, and Gigantosaurus are considered “bullies”!
Here endeth the rant. Great post Bogey.
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