Cheryl’s Comments (group member since Dec 04, 2022)

Cheryl’s comments from the Once Upon a Time... group.

So what makes this good enough for an adult to continue on and even to reread? (Maybe I should be asking What am I missing?)

Well, sure, in a way.

But as far as the reading experience, they're both about youth fighting mysterious beings with god-like powers, the weight of the world on their shoulders, emphasis on adventure but with a little philosophy, contemporary setting, series....

I can't clarify how similar they are with words because my words make them sound like a bunch of other children's fantasy. But I'm currently rereading the Animorphs series and trust me, child/teen readers of one would likely enjoy the other.

And, honestly, there's nothing scientifically plausible about Animorphs. ;)

Ok I'm done. Here's most of my review:

... Still not overly impressed. I prefer the Animorphs, which this reminded me of on the first page: "If you believe this is a work of fiction, read on."

I do like how Chiron says, "If you were a god, how would you like being called a myth, an old story to explain lightning? What if I told you, Perseus Jackson, that someday people would call you a myth, just created to explain how little boys can get over losing their mothers?"

"I'd rather get into fights every day than be ignored," says Percy when he gets assigned a cabin by himself. I'm glad he means fights with bullies & bad guys at least.

I also looked at the pictures in the big illustrated version. Pretty good, if you like that sort of thing.

Ok, I got the regular hardcover and am almost halfway. What a fast pace; he's already on his quest after all that world-building and lots of plot already.

My adult son says that it's hard for most readers to get through the first part, because the author tries to collect readers by any means necessary. For example making Percy 'relatable' because he has dyslexia and ADHD.

I disagree... I had no problem with the first part. But then, I'm not the primary target audience. So, I dunno. What did you-all think? I mean, were you bored or frustrated waiting to get past the setup and to the excitement?

Turns out my local library was able to fill my request with the illustrated edition. It's almost as big as a coffee table book!

I read this years ago, when my son, now an adult, read and enjoyed it. He warns me that if I read it with you I need to get past the first quarter, past the three Fates, before giving up on it.

I wonder how much I need to know going in. I was never a fan of Greek mythology (for example I have no idea why Mary makes the objection to Athena having demigod children). Will I be lost? I wouldn't think so, because it's a kid's book, and presumably they don't know much?

I do notice wait lists on all editions at all my libraries. Oy.

Can you say anything about why, anything that could help those of us who didn't appreciate to understand the appeal?

Looks like a nice variety, even if two authors do get two books each.

I'm enchanted! I love this girl!

What is that, 25 books? Wow!

That's great!

I prefer Matt Haig's A Boy Called Christmas. :)

Hm. I'm done now. I have to say, not my cup of tea.

I'm not that far yet, but as it's short and not too difficult I'll finish soon.

Yes, Baum did have a taste, in keeping with the times, to the melodramatic.

Does your edition have the forward by Naomi Kleinberg? I found it interesting.

That's so cute! I hope to learn that you both enjoy it, and maybe that she comes up with a discussion question or two!

I have my copy checked out and am looking forward to it in the next day or two.

Ok, wow, I'm glad you were able to understand and explain exactly what was going on. Now I'm more satisfied w/ the story, thank you.

I have an ebook on hold, so :sigh:.

So, the blurb. We've got a 'blame the messenger' thing going on, it seems. And Jack... good fairy-tale name, but, not a prince?

Is this a kid's book? Or YA? (Any level is fine with me; I just like to know who it's marketed to before I begin.)

I found that it read juvenile for a long time, but became more, well, sophisticated after a while. Not meant for kids, but some teens could handle it I'm sure.

I hope y'all are still reading!

I wonder if the morals are just less obvious to us... they may have made more sense in the context of the times? I think of the paintings of the Madonna and other Biblical events, and how much the different plants, animals, and objects meant to the contemporary viewers, and how much we need to be told about them to be able to understand.

Yes, I did not realize how little of the story was actually about the scary ride, and how much was about making fun of Crane.

I did finish and am glad. From my review:

First half juvenile. Needed tighter editing; would've made a good novella. Never really horrifying, at least to me. But the cover and the finale blow me away, so, yes, it does get four stars.

And yes I recommend it if you're interested and have time (not that it's long, just that I'm glad I didn't dnf).

And yes I will consider more by the author.

Cannot suggest any discussion questions/ideas.