Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Theif A-3

Name: Joseph Van Duren
Class: A-3
Book Title: Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Author: Rick Riordan
Pages: 375
Rating: ***

Recommendation: Anyone could read this book and enjoy it. However, those in their early teens would probably enjoy it the most, especially if they are into mythology. It is an easy read with characters the age of early tees.

Summary: Percy Jackson is the son of Poseidon, the sea god. He is raised by his mother who is married to a man Percy calls Smelly Gabe. She married him in order to cover up Percy’s demigod sent in order to protect him from the monsters that seek to kill heroes. Percy is sent off to boarding school every year, and he really struggles thinking that some of his special gifts are really just learning disabilities that he must cope with. His best friend Grover turns out to not be an awkward cripple but a satire. His favorite teacher who is always encouraging him turns out to be a centaur. They help him get out of harm’s way from the monsters and receive proper training at Camp Half-blood. His mother gets captured by a Minotaur on the way. He and his friends are awarded a quest that takes them on a whirlwind of adventures that takes them all the way to and from the underworld and to the top of Mount Olympus, now the Empire State Building, as they fight deception and try to unravel the mystery behind Zeus’s missing master thunderbolt before Zeus and Poseidon go to war with one another. Read the story of how it all pans out.

Explanation of Rating: I enjoyed this book; however, it was not the best book I have ever read. I am sure I would have enjoyed it more a few years ago when the book would have been more on my level. It would have helped if I knew a little more about mythology. I was never the best at knowing the mythological history. However, you do not have to know that much to still be able to enjoy the book and the ability of the author to capture human nature at its best and worst as the heroes battle their way through seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Favorite Passage: “What I did next was so impulsive and dangerous I should’ve been named ADHD poster child of the year.”

I like this quote because it captures Percy’s personality very well. He is always getting down on himself and his inadequacies despite his unordinary courage and talent.