Yay! This week is finally over and I only have one class of tests left to grade!
*cue the heavens parting and angels singing*
My apologies for being sparse on the comments the past few days- finals almost killed me. But today I have a super awesome blog for you to peruse- Book Dreaming by Shannon O’Donnell. Her blog (and comments) are a buttery ray of sunshine when I log on every morning. And she loves books! And recommending them!
So today I’m going to recommend a book I’m not even done with. I recently plowed through The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver and Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. Both were good, but missing that spark to make me fall in love with them.
The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan sparks. A lot. It’s middle grade AND is all about Greek mythology. Hello? Where the heck was this book when I was in middle school? Not only is it great for us mythology geeks, I mean, er… super awesome geniuses, but the main character, Percy Jackson is hilarious. The book has made me laugh out loud so many times I’ve lost count. You must read it.
So here’s your random question of the day. Who is your favorite god in mythology? I always liked Athena because she’s tough and super smart. And Isis, the Egyptian god of magic is pretty awesome too. Who do you like?
I don't know much about mythology, so I won't answer that question, but I would like to say that I've heard great things about that book. I guess I'm going to have to go get it. Do you think my eleven-year-old son would like it?
Susan- I think an eleven-year-old would love this book. It does a great job weaving the mythology in so someone who knows nothing about the Greek gods still gets immersed. And it's totally an adventure story- I was just thinking this was a great boy book.
And there's five of them! That makes me happy because now I know there's four more books I'm going to enjoy.
Can I be predictable and say Zeus? Okay, I'm going to: Zeus.
I have to admit that I started this book earlier in the year but got side-tracked and never finished it. I've been meaning to go back and finish it though.
Her Sarcasticness (my wife) has the Percy Jackson series, so I'm looking forward to reading them once she's done.
As for the ancient god? I'd probably be Odin. Except, you know, without missing the eye.
I like Hera. She isn't smarter or prettier than the others, she just dosen't give an eff what people think. For example, she dosen't care if people think she's a jealous hag, she's still gonna turn that skank into a bear or something. She seems like someone I'd like to write about, being imperfect.
I'm clueless about mythology too!
I've visited Shannon's place and her spirit shines through. A lovely stop for every writer to make.
Happy you can exhale from finals!
Obviously my favorite is Thor. But I'm pretty sure anyone who reads my blog already knows that 🙂 I'm also quite partial to Athena and Ra, though, and I wish that I had been able to do more with Ares in my book… Maybe next time.
First: I love that you're loving Percy Jackson!
Second: "Shiver" didn't quite make it for me either… felt flat…but I love wolves sooooo…. yeah.
Third: Favorite mythological creature? More recently I've been intrigued with Norse Mythology…my favorites being The Valkyries. Maybe because part of my name is mixed up with theirs…but mostly cause they are so kick ass.
Loki, hands down.
The Percy Jackson books are really great. I'm worried about the movie, but whatever.
As for favorites from mythology…no idea.
Stephanie- I can see how there's a lot of potential for the movies. I hope they get it right!
Bane- That doesn't surprise me. 🙂
Valerie- I'm glad you felt that way about Shiver too. It was okay, but it just didn't pop for me.
Amalia- I thought you'd say Thor. Have you read the Percy Jackson series? You might get a kick out of Ares.
Tamika- Shannon does have a wonderful spirit. Her comments always make me smile, both here and at other blogs.
KatieGrrr- I didn't even think of Hera. She does have that I-Don't-Give-A-Damn attitude, doesn't she? I like that.
Matt- Two eyes is good. I think you'll like the series. They're fun! Of course, I only just finished the first one last night after posting, but I'm assuming the rest are as good.
Jade- I thought of picking Zeus. I like being in charge. 🙂
A great place to learn about Gods, IMO, is http://www.godchecker.com/ … nicely organized by country/culture.
Stephanie- I haven't, but I'm interested. Isn't there a movie coming out soon, too, based on the first book?
Well, I wrote a whole book (and had a series planned) about the north wind. Probably her, just to advert myself. 🙂
I am getting these books for Christmas (I hope). I want to read them so badly! Even though I avoided them for a time because I was worried they were too similar to my own.
Anubis. The history and evolution of his myth and cult are very interesting. Which is why a made him such a major character in one of my novels. There were a huge number of gods in that one, but he was my favorite.
Im way into mythology so for me this is a hard question. Buy I would probably go with Thor but I really like your choice of Athena too.
Runners up for various reasons would be Set, Apophis, Loki, Crom, Mitra, Lilith, Perkunas, and Votan.
What a nice surprise! Thank you so much Stephanie for your sweet comments about my blog – I think my heart is dancing again! 🙂
I like Hera. Ditto to Katie's comments. And I LOVE Percy Jackson. My son has read them all and he loves them, too. @ Susan – he was 10 when he started, 12 now, and still loves them. My H.S. students love them too.
Athena is my favorite too! I tagged you over at my blog!
I should definitely check this book out. I used to be a HUGE mythology geek in high school. I've been recommended this book before too, so I'm pretty sure it'll be worth the read.
Bethany- Thanks! I'll check it out!
Shannon- Yay for dancing hearts! I can't wait to read these books with my daughter- they're so fun!
David- There are too many fun gods to choose from, aren't there?
Tere- I love Anubis! Some of the best imagery in my book deals with Anubis.
L.T.- I like the Greek weather gods- Zephyr and Iris especially.
Amalia- There is a movie- I think it comes out in January or February?
Bane- Thanks for the link!
I have heard great things about this book. I might just check it out!
I've always been partial to Artemis. She was so bad ass!
I really need to check these books out. I was obsessed with Gods and Goddesses when I was younger.
I like the Riordan books, too. I interviewed him once; he was a school teacher before becoming a novelist. I think he knows his audience well.
My choice in gods is the brother-sister duo Artemis and Apollo.
Love Book dreaming blog.
And about gods…is there a God of Chocolate? That's my favorite one, hands down.
Ooh, thanks for the book rec! I need to make a library stop for some middle-school readers for renewed inspiration. I'd like to take a crack at children's writing again/edit my ancient children's novel (that I wrote in college!).
I am a big fan of Isis, and also Freyja – Norse goddess of love and war.
I looked at that book the other day, and KNEW I should have bought it. *sigh* But hope is not all lost!
Atehna is probably my favourite. I mean, birthed in full armor? What's not to like about butt-kicking goddesses.
I love this book! I bought it for my niece for Christmas because I was tired of not knowing anyone else who'd read it…
I thought you'd like to know I picked up a copy of The Lightning Thief–after I saw the trailer for the movie in front of Avatar (Which was AWESOME). Looks like it hits in February!
Yay! I'm on the second book. I wish I knew some young'uns to give this series to. It rocks!