Reality on The Secret Island

[Courtenay]

We were always taught at school that burn creams aren't good and you should definitely always just stick a burn under cold water. Fire safety is a big thing in Australia (because of the danger of bushfires) and we're all taught from a young age how to evacuate safely, what to do if someone's clothing catches fire, how to treat burns and so on. Another thing I don't think Enid's characters ever had to deal with!

[Fiona1986]

Thanks, Daisy. I have bought myself a special cushion for at work and that helps a lot. Unfortunately there are few treatments for a damaged / dislocated coccyx short of having it removed (which is a huge undertaking and can actually be more painful than the injury!) but the hope is that it will heal in time. At ten months it's a lot better than it was.

[Rob Houghton]

We were always taught at school that burn creams aren't good and you should definitely always just stick a burn under cold water. Fire safety is a big thing in Australia (because of the danger of bushfires) and we're all taught from a young age how to evacuate safely, what to do if someone's clothing catches fire, how to treat burns and so on. Another thing I don't think Enid's characters ever had to deal with!

I know in the old days, it was always suggested you cover burns with butter! I can't imagine how that would have helped, and indeed, I'm sure it would have made things worse!

[Chrissie777]

I really must get on and actually read the book (The Secret Island itself, I mean) now that I've got a copy and have finished all the other books I was reading first and have therefore run out of excuses!! I'll begin it today after lunch and before my work shift (I've got something else to do this morning and am just procrastinating now). And may "reality" NOT intrude on it.

Can't wait to read your review of "Secret Island", Courtenay!
I think it's one of EB's best.

[Courtenay]

Well, I'll be getting to it shortly!

[mynameisdumbnuts]

Joking aside, The Secret Island really is a good book with a wonderful atmosphere. I enjoy reading how the children solve their problems. Some of it's pure luck, like how well the crops grow; but Jack, Nora, Peggy and Mike really are quite creative.

[Rob Houghton]

I just hope everyone doesn't build it up so much that Courtenay ends up disappointed! I know that can often happen with books and films!

[Daisy]

I was thinking that too. Hope you do enjoy it Courtenay. It was my first Blyton novel, although I had "I'll Tell you a Story" a bit earlier. It is still one of my favourites.

[sixret]

Hope you will enjoy it, Courtenay.

[Jack400]

We were always taught at school that burn creams aren't good and you should definitely always just stick a burn under cold water. Fire safety is a big thing in Australia (because of the danger of bushfires) and we're all taught from a young age how to evacuate safely, what to do if someone's clothing catches fire, how to treat burns and so on. Another thing I don't think Enid's characters ever had to deal with!

Sounds like very good advice, Courtenay. Perhaps the best advice is that if you can 'reasonably' do without tablets/painkillers you are better off doing so- as your body will ultimately have to filter out and dispose of the toxin - i.e. the painkiller that you have ingested.

[Jack400]

If I didn't imagine it someone was asking when the need to go to the toilet was a plot item. Then today I watched "Jumanji"- the latest version- and a woman that selected **spoiler alert** a male character needed the toilet - and wanted a male character to show her how(!). While I consider the original Jumanji to be little short of brilliant i can't say the same of the 'follow-on/ rip off.
I also read in the mid/ the late 70s a book called " A Chance To Kill"- sorry I can't remember the author's name. That mentioned the toilet. ("can") too.

[Chrissie777]

Joking aside, The Secret Island really is a good book with a wonderful atmosphere. I enjoy reading how the children solve their problems. Some of it's pure luck, like how well the crops grow; but Jack, Nora, Peggy and Mike really are quite creative.

When I feel down, then I love to read "Secret Island". It's as if I'm diving into another world.
Works for me each time.

[Courtenay]

If I didn't imagine it someone was asking when the need to go to the toilet was a plot item. Then today I watched "Jumanji"- the latest version- and a woman that selected **spoiler alert** a male character needed the toilet - and wanted a male character to show her how(!).

And there's one plot twist you REALLY wouldn't find in Enid Blyton... the mind boggles.

[Courtenay]

I just hope everyone doesn't build it up so much that Courtenay ends up disappointed! I know that can often happen with books and films!

Well, you’ll all be pleased to know I’ve started it and I’m certainly not disappointed yet... it’s just a gorgeous story so far!

[Rob Houghton]

That's good to hear! Its actually not one of my top favourites (unlike many on here) but I think its a very good read, and I've read it several times. Each time I think I appreciate it more, as its so different from her later books in many ways.