Percy Jackson & the Olympians

Percy Jackson & The Olympians (Books 1 & 2)
The Lightning Thief & The Sea of Monsters
by Rick Riordan

I feel the need for a disclaimer. These are works of fiction. I do not believe in greek gods any more than I believe there is a land called Narnia or that Harry Potter's world exists. These are fiction books telling a fascinating story.  That being said I think that parents should again discuss these things with their kids. I found it pretty cool actually to be thankful that our God is not like the greek gods which are way too much like humans for my liking. We have a God who never leaves us, who loves us. He's not a God confined to the sea or sky. He is God of everything and controls all. He is not limited in any way. We have an awesome God!


Ok, so back to the books. I devoured the first book. I really enjoyed the epic story that Riordan unfolds. Percy Jackson is a "normal" kid who has trouble in school. He is dyslexic and has ADHD and that makes it hard for him. But all that changes when he finds out he is a half-blood. His dad is a greek god apparently. This knowledge puts him in incredible danger. He ends up on a quest with another half blood and satyr to find Zeus' missing lighting bolt and spare the world of the war that will ensue if he fails. 


It was a fun read because some of the characters they run into are ones I remember learning about in greek mythology growing up. It's a great tool to use for teaching that class. There were monsters and creatures and gods and lots of action around every corner. And at the end of the book you close it knowing that it's only the beginning and wanting to find out how the rest of the story will play out.  Which is why I had to read book 2 right away.


(Sidenote: forget about the movie. It was so awful I barely made it through. They changed so much of the plot and it was not nearly as good as the book. Too many significant changes)


Book 2 did not let me down. This time Percy learns of a half brother he has. Things at the half-blood camp are getting bad and he, his brother and friend Annabeth find themselves on a another journey to rescue their friend Grover the satyr and find the only hope to rescue the camp. They run into plenty more traps and monsters and close calls with death. 


The story continues to develop though and I continue to be as curious as Percy about the prophecy that may or may not be about him. As evil continues to grow stronger what adventures will these half-bloods encounter next. I can barely stand the suspense. 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Rodrick Rules

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Rodrick Rules
by Jeff Kinney

This is the last review I will do for this series unless something changes. I might finish it out only because I am curious to see if the author makes any positive changes as the story goes on and the boys grow. Plus they read super quick so it might take me all of a few days to finish it. 


I have been extremely disappointed in this series so far. I really do like the concept but it's a shame that what it is teaching middle schoolers is that parents are completely clueless and life is always unfair. It teaches that doing the right thing is over-rated and even when you treat your friends really bad they will still be your friends. 


These characters have no sense of morals though they it does say they go to church. Obviously it's not a faith that makes a difference to them or their parents. Though the mom does take some disciplinary measures in this book the dad is a complete pushover. 


I just don't like the characters. They are mean and always looking out for themselves. I really just don't see anything worthwhile in these books that would make them good reading for young people. If your child is reading them I would suggest you do as well and talk to them about what's going on in the story. 


My verdict is sadly disappointed in a great concept gone wrong.

That Hideous Strength

That Hideous Strength (Space Trilogy Book 3)

by C. S. Lewis

I managed to finish this book in a week, which seemed a monumental task to me considering the weight of the subject matter. Now I had read the book in college but oddly enough I didn't remember very much of it. 

Of the 3 books in the trilogy this was my least favorite which is really a bummer since it's the one I've now read twice as well. Oh well. There was a funny sentence in the book that I will mention later that gave me pause to think. I know I have mentioned before how wordy I think that Lewis can be. This book was no exception. However there was much more science garble in this read which led to me read and re-read sometimes up to 3 times certain paragraphs and still not really grasp what was being said. I think I took away the generally idea and that was ok with me. 

This story actually takes place on Earth. Ransom finds himself with a cast of characters on his team "fighting" the evil that has presented itself in the name of science and the progression of humanity, namely one very evil group that has pretty much taken over a small college town and is on the verge of something much larger. British history comes into play as both sides are anticipating the awakening of Merlin (the wizard of King Arthur's Day). This is where it gets a little cheesy and just goofy to me. By the end of the story I feel let down. Good wins, as always but the story just seems to get a little strange and ends abruptly almost like he ran out of time to write the end. I know that's not the case but I can't say I was a huge fan.

One thing I will take away from this book though is a thought for all of us women to consider. I'm sure our husbands will be very glad if we do. Two women are conversing about their marriages and one, Ivy, a younger woman and newly married is recounting a conversation she had a while back with an older woman married a long time, Mother Dimble.

"I remember one day - it was before you came - Mother Dimble was saying something to the Doctor; and there he was sitting reading something, you know the way he does, with his fingers under some of the pages and a pencil in his hand - not the way you or I'd read - and he just said, 'Yes dear,' and we both of us knew he hadn't been listening. And I said, 'There you are, Mother Dimble,' said I, 'that's how they treat us once they're married. They dont' even listen to what we say,' I said. And do you know what she said? 'Ivy Maggs,' said she, 'did it ever come into your mind to ask whether anyone could listen to all we say?' Those were her very words. 

A good question to ask I'd say!