Tuesday, March 9, 2010

The Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

First line: Look, I didn't want to be a half-blood.

Why you should read this book: This well-imagined and jovial story posits that the ancient Greek gods have followed the heart of Western civilization for thousands of years and are still up to their same old tricks, except now, Mt. Olympus hovers over the Empire State Building, and the entrance to Hades is a recording studio in LA. Percy Jackson, dyslexic, ADHD, and all-around delinquent, is not sure how to react when he realizes that all his past problems result from being the son of a god, and his future problems will be exacerbated by frequent monster attacks. With the help of Athena's angry but well-prepared daughter, along with a hapless satyr, Percy must answer the hero's call, travel across an America suddenly overrun with vengeful mythical creatures, and, against the odds, intervene to stave off a war among all the Olympians.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You have ever suspected that you were not quite entirely mortal.

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