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likethebabyfood's review against another edition
4.0
Some of the essays can be boring, but mostly it's interesting to see how people react to the books you love.
liz_keeney's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.75
cmbohn's review against another edition
2.0
I found this book disappointing. I absolutely love the Percy Jackson series, but this seemed to me to be rather poorly written, loosely organized essays written for young readers who wouldn't notice the difference. Every once in a while, I would smile or come across a new idea, but not often enough. The forward by Riordan about how he got the idea for the series was by far the best part. This one is for die hard fans only.
scostner's review against another edition
3.0
This collection of essays about Percy Jackson and the Olympians is very entertaining. Each of the contributing authors chooses an aspect of the series that appeals to him/her and then discusses it. The topics cover everything from how the concept of heroes has changed over time to assigning grades to the parents in the books. Since the authors are already writers for young adults, they know how to make their essays appealing and fun. This is not a glamorized collection of book reports written by adults, but instead it is more of a conversation with friends about things in the series that caught your attention. For those whose interest in Greek mythology has been awakened by reading about Percy and his friends, this is a good introduction to how the old myths relate to the newest version of mythological characters described by Riordan.
I would recommend this book to tweens, teens, and adults. More mature elementary students might enjoy it, but their parents might not approve of words like badass, or descriptions of gods seducing mortals (even though there are no graphic details given).
I read an e-book version provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
I would recommend this book to tweens, teens, and adults. More mature elementary students might enjoy it, but their parents might not approve of words like badass, or descriptions of gods seducing mortals (even though there are no graphic details given).
I read an e-book version provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
bookreader02's review against another edition
4.0
I actually enjoyed this. I had read it over my phone and it wasn’t very long so I had been able to read it in 1 day. Although it’s not on my favorite list I still give it 4 stars. It was interesting.
poetpenelopee's review against another edition
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
alexiajackson's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting takes on the Percy Jackson books and Greek Mythology.
smashattackash's review against another edition
Read this at Smash Attack Reads! http://www.smashattackreads.com/2011/07/review-demigods-monsters-your-favorite.html
The Percy Jackson books are some of the best middle grade fiction I’ve ever read, and I think Rick Riordan is a god in his own right. He owns that market, and it is well deserved. When SmartPop offered to send me some of their catalog for review, I jumped at the chance to read other authors’ thoughts on Percy and friends. Rick Riordan’s introduction was very interesting and heartfelt. He created Percy, flaws and all, to validate his son’s dyslexia and ADHD. His introduction was the best part of the book, and quite uplifting.
I enjoyed the life lessons some of the authors discussed. Topics included finding your identity while remaining unique and not conforming, as well as embracing and working with your differences and disabilities instead of letting them rule you. Some brought up the message that everyone is flawed, even heroes, and that sometimes disabilities can be advantageous. Good messages all around.
One essay titled Eeny Meeny Miney Mo(m) analyzed what it would be like to have the Greek Gods and Goddesses as parents. That was a pretty fun analysis. One author lectures the reader on how to spot a monster. And for those that need a refresher, the book also has a Glossary of Ancient Greek Myths.
Unlike The Girl Who was on Fire essays, which I found excellent, this set of essays did not win me over as much. I think it was because the essays were less on Percy and the books and more on Greek mythology. Don’t get me wrong. I love Greek Mythology. A lot. But I wanted a more direct focus on Percy and gang, and not just comparisons and such. Not that the essays weren’t great and interesting, but just not what I expected.
The Percy Jackson books are some of the best middle grade fiction I’ve ever read, and I think Rick Riordan is a god in his own right. He owns that market, and it is well deserved. When SmartPop offered to send me some of their catalog for review, I jumped at the chance to read other authors’ thoughts on Percy and friends. Rick Riordan’s introduction was very interesting and heartfelt. He created Percy, flaws and all, to validate his son’s dyslexia and ADHD. His introduction was the best part of the book, and quite uplifting.
I enjoyed the life lessons some of the authors discussed. Topics included finding your identity while remaining unique and not conforming, as well as embracing and working with your differences and disabilities instead of letting them rule you. Some brought up the message that everyone is flawed, even heroes, and that sometimes disabilities can be advantageous. Good messages all around.
One essay titled Eeny Meeny Miney Mo(m) analyzed what it would be like to have the Greek Gods and Goddesses as parents. That was a pretty fun analysis. One author lectures the reader on how to spot a monster. And for those that need a refresher, the book also has a Glossary of Ancient Greek Myths.
Unlike The Girl Who was on Fire essays, which I found excellent, this set of essays did not win me over as much. I think it was because the essays were less on Percy and the books and more on Greek mythology. Don’t get me wrong. I love Greek Mythology. A lot. But I wanted a more direct focus on Percy and gang, and not just comparisons and such. Not that the essays weren’t great and interesting, but just not what I expected.