Peter Pan syndrome: 7 books with characters who can’t seem to grow up

Have you ever heard of Failure to Launch syndrome, also known as Peter Pan syndrome? The names pretty much say it all.

It’s a pattern of behavior that includes lack of ambition, reluctance to make decisions, fear of commitment and resistance to making and sticking to plans.

The idea originated with author J. M. Barrie’s character, Peter Pan, the quintessential boy who never grew up, trapped forever in a seemingly idyllic realm called Neverland. There, he never has to deal with hardships that come with age, or, as we now call it, “adulting.”

The seven books below highlight characters with “Peter Pan” syndrome who learn to mature — or can’t.