I’ve been pegged to read this book by all my kids, and Christina wanted to know my thoughts. I must admit, I was pretty interested in seeing what all the hype was about. I am going to review this novel–both as a huge fan of Harry Potter and YA/Children’s books in general, and as an adult reader. I’m not going to summarize it, so read it here if you need.

Let me say this first: It was an enjoyable read. Action-packed, humorous, and engaging. It only took me two sittings to finish, and I know I laughed out loud a few times. I will probably read the sequels just to find out what happens. If you just want something fun and easy to read, it will not disappoint. I can certainly see why kids like it. But what if you’re looking for more? Hear me out and decide for yourself.

Let me get the Harry Potter stuff out of the way first. For those who are not aware, one of the biggest criticisms against the Percy Jackson series is the shameless resemblance to Harry Potter. As a loyal HP fan, I was ready to be disgusted. This one review from amazon comes to mind:

… Young demigod Percy Jackson, bedeviled by monsters, prophecies that he can’t figure out, and nasty plans laid out by fellow a demigod, the evil Draco–oops, I mean Luke, son of Hermes and co-conspirator with Voldemort–oops, I mean Kronos–who wants to destroy Hogw–yikes! I mean summer camp! Sheesh! Where the mudbloods–I mean mortals–rely on a halfblood prince–I mean heroes–who–oh, forget it! …
-James Webster “Storyteller”

Turns out, it wasn’t so bad. Most of the similarities were just age-old archetypes. Nothing new. (However, “Half-Blood Camp” and the “Houses” were pushing it.) I think the most notable resemblance is that Riordan managed to create a world parallel to ours and then explained all the reasons why we have been unaware of it until now. But Rowling wasn’t the first to do so, and so why should she be the last? It seems to be the most effective way to draw an unconventional reader into the world of fantasy without weirding them out. I have many friends turned off by the thought of reading a fantasy novel from sheer cheesy-geeky factors. Somehow once that fantasy world is introduced through the eyes of a sensible, normal, real-world character, everything is a little easier to swallow. I raised an eyebrow here and there, but for the most part, I forgive the HP resemblances.

Kids who prefer a more “hip” and action-packed book will prefer Percy to Harry, hands down. I know we can’t all have the same preferences, but it makes me sad. Personally, I like the charming and slower pace of HP. It gives the characters time to grow and develop in response to smaller, everyday situations. You really feel the characters maturing through their experience, so when that dramatic moment comes when they are tested, you are confident they will do what is right, and their motives are convincing. In that respect, I felt the Percy Jackson series sacrificed depth for action. For this reason, I think this series will not stand among the great, but fade out of popularity soon enough. But hey, at least it got some kids reading.

As an adult reader, there was one thing in particular that rubbed me the wrong way. I felt Riordan was trying way too hard to appeal to the down-trodden kid of America. Percy’s grades are average because he has dyslexia, but that’s because he’s a demigod and his brain is wired for ancient Greek. He has ADHD, but that’s just his battle instinct to notice details and keep him alive. His beloved mother is victim to a smelly and abusive step-father, but she stayed with him because she knew his scent would keep Percy hidden and safe. (Although, I’ll admit the dyslexia and ADHD were pretty clever, but the bit about his mom is weak at best.) Not that I want to crush the hopes of children everywhere with harsh realities, but c’mon you can’t shelter them forever.

But what bothers me more than the oozing pathos, is the message. Frankly, this “escapist” view of life presented to kids is a little annoying. I am compassionate and like to help, but I despise pity. Disadvantages, setbacks, and handicaps should either be embraced, or overcome. Not given pretty explanations to make us feel better, or used as excuses. It is an insult to those who have managed to succeed in spite of everything.

In a nutshell: Enjoyable, but nothing to go out of your way to read. I thought I would be turned off by the HP resemblances, but there were other things that left a greater stench in my nose.

I recommend to: Anyone who just wants an fun book to read and learn about greek mythology while they’re at it. Just hope you don’t read into like I did. It might leave you on fire with ideology rants.

Did you guys ever have DEAR time at school? Drop Everything And Read. That was good stuff. They ought to have it more these days. My top three fiction books of all time:

The Count of Monte Cristo – Alexander Dumas

A thirilling story of revenge. Lengthy, but totally worth it. The plot is so intricate, you’ll be wanting scrap paper to keep track of everyone. Literary merit? Probably nothing. This is just a fantastic story that’ll keep you turning pages into the wee hours of the morning. Much thanks to Mikey for telling me to read it.
Read the full text online!

It’s kinda… long. Isn’t there like, a shorter version or something?

Didn’t I say it was worth it? But yes, just about every English transation of it has been abridged, so feel free to pick one of those up. You’ll only miss out on a few tid bits of false history and back story. No biggie.

The only thing I regret about the abridged version is that the descriptions are rather clipped. With the full text, you forget it’s being narrated and you rather feel like you’re part of the story. The abridged versions leave you feeling a little… detached.

So like… can’t I just watch the movie instead?

Don’t even think about it! The only thing that movie has in common with the book are a few proper nouns. Ferdinand was never his friend, Albert was never his son, he never slept with Mercedes, Edmond was never gay enough to fly into his own party on a hot air balloon, the list goes on. I suppose that’s the best you can do with only 130 minutes. Although, if you throw out the book, the movie itself isn’t half bad.

Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen

I know men generally don’t read books by women, but if you like social criticism, this is good stuff. The best romantic comedy of all time. If any guy wants to woo the ladies on charm and wit alone, they better read, devour, and internalize this novel. Again, much thanks to Mikey for giving it to me (even though he himself has never read it!!). Just for the record, there was no prejudice on my part, I liked Darcy the moment they introduced him.
Read the full text online!

No thanks, I rather not read about giggling girls and sappy guys.

And you think I like to? Elizabeth and Darcy are far from that description, but I won’t speak for the other characters. Just remember it’s social criticism, we’re laughing AT the giggly girls and sappy guys. It’s much better on this end.

So like… can’t I just watch the movie instead?

The Keira Knightly (2005) one isn’t bad. In terms of plot, I think everything is covered just fine. Anything with Judi Dench can’t be bad. If anything, the snide comments and narrated criticisms are replaced by meaningful looks and facial expressions. So unless you’re real good at picking that stuff up, it’s much more fun to read them.

The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint Exupéry

I came across this when it got compared to my favorite anime of all time, Kino no Tabi. I’m pleased to hear it is one of the most translated books in the French language. It’s more of a childrens novel, but don’t let that fool you. The statements are pretty profound and philosophical. If I had to sum it up in one word, I’d say it’s “delightful.” A complete breath of fresh air. If you feel this world has got it’s priorities mixed up, this is for you.

Wow, you do read short books!

Yes, this one is a novella, you can probably read it in one sitting. It’s even illustrated by the author himself! Preview it on google books.

This seems familiar somehow…

That’s because Le Petit Prince has cropped up all over the place over time! Here’s a select bunch of pop culture references from the good ol’ Wiki:

The videogame Katamari Damacy is overtly based on this story, as the main character is the diminutive prince of the cosmos, while the menu system is a little planet.

In the Futurama episode “The Route of All Evil”, the kids Cubert and Dwight get a space paper route and can be seen delivering newspapers to The Little Prince in an asteroid belt. He is later seen being knocked from his asteroid by a newspaper, into space, where he cries ‘au revoir!’

In the newspaper parody website The Onion, the plot of the story is related as personal experience by the ghostly founder of the newspaper in an opinion column.

In the music video for Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence”, the visual imagery is very close to the themes and storyline of the book.

In the anime Prince of Tennis, Fuji Syuusuke always carries a copy of “The Little Prince” in his backpack.

Other notables…

Agatha Christie – I think she’s sold more books than anyone except the Bible and Shakespeare. I didn’t include her because it’s impossible to find a favorite! You like one, you like them all.

When it comes to murder mysteries, there are those that focus on the method–locked-room tricks, impossible suicides, clever execution. Then there are those that focus on motive–the people, psychology, cause and effect, probability. Agatha Christie is of the latter type. Just picked up anything with her name on it and be prepared for frightening insights into human nature you never thought could come out of a little old lady.
Read 2 of her works online!

Harry Potter – It’s just plain fun to read.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky – Heavy stuff. I personally like a little humor when I read, so this didn’t make top 3, but the psychology here is good stuff. I can’t imagine this novel being humerous anyway. Much thanks to Grace for sharing it.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller – You don’t know crazy until you’ve read Catch-22. No plot. Seriously. Just 256 shades of crazy. You’ve been forewarned!! That’s all I’m gonna say.