Young Adult Book Reading Challenges discussion
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(last edited Apr 01, 2009 08:03AM)
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Apr 01, 2009 08:03AM
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I was intrigued by the first few chapters, but for me it was a little too "contemporary" and, I hate to say it, but juvenile feeling. I think that's just because I prefer the more "timeless" feel and more literary style of a Harry Potter. Even though it talks about Dudley watching copious amounts of TV, for example, it still feels a "magical" and old-fashioned (in a good way!) I was a bit jarred by some of the Percy modernity and "kid-friendly" stuff like describing freckles as looking like flecks of Cheetos dust. Again, though, that is just me and what I tend to gravitate toward. I certainly thing the opening chapters were exciting and set up a lot of promise.
I finished it yesterday. I loved it. Kathryn, re the juvenile feel: this book is geared to 8-12 years old so it's more children's than ya. I think children's, ya, adult can all overlap and have no problems reading any of the 3 in this club; I like them all.I think this book would be terrific for kids with dyslexia or ADHD (given the explanation in this book for those conditions) or any other learning of behavioral challenge.
I loved the humor...some being far along in the books, so I'll wait for the finished book thread, because I'm not sure about spoilers in this thread.
I think it was geared towards the ages of the characters and it seemed appropriate to me. I liked the concept of Greek Gods and the modern world. Of course I had some Xena and Hercules moments when I was reading it too.
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I did not enjoy this book! This book just screams 'Harry Potter' knockoff from page one on and very rarely lets up. All I really need to say is six little words. "Rip off of Harry Potter Books!" I will not be reading the rest of the series.
Lisa wrote: "I finished it yesterday. I loved it. Kathryn, re the juvenile feel: this book is geared to 8-12 years old so it's more children's than ya. "Yes, I totally agree with you. I think that I personally just didn't like the style as much, but I can see where it would be very appealing to some.
Incidentally, my husband has read the entire series (except the last book) and loved them! He has worked with nine and ten year olds in education and also brought up the idea of how great this book would be for kids with ADHD and other challenges. So empowering!
As for the HP rip-off, I was worried about that but personally did not see it come to fruition. I think a lot of elements are the same, but I think these are more just existing "hero's journey" traits that were also borrowed/used in the HP books. I liked how the mythology was incorporated into LIGHTNING THIEF and thought that, and the younger-age/modern-aspects gave it a different feel that HP.
That said, I do think HP was a much better story and better written.
I think HP was a rip off of other hero tales too. It is just a common theme in Childrens books. But I try not to compare books to each other much if I can avoid it. Each is its own journey. After all, fantasy, like romance, can only have so many plots/themes. We recycle them.
I've read the first two books and enjoyed them quite a bit:) I, too, agree that they'd be great for kids with challenges like ADHD.As far as the writing style: I, too, prefer the more "timeless" feel of other books, like Harry Potter or LOTR. And I was also concerned with the contemporary feel to it - more because it seemed a little forced to me. However, after the initial chapters the forced feeling seemed to fade away, happily, and I was pleased to just enjoy the adventure of the characters.
As far as it being a rip off, I had those concerns as well. But, the more I read the more I realize that there's loads of stories out there with young protagonists, realizing they have special abilities/powers, and they must save the world. I don't think these are rip offs per say, just common good vs. evil themes. No more a rip off than any romantic comedy is from one summer release to another - it's just common themes, good vs. evil, boy meets girl, etc. So, I think the originality comes in the characters more than anything. I mean yes, there are similarities, but overall it didn't bug me. Plus, I did really enjoy the mythological aspect of it, something I haven't run across much in fantasy books. Overall, not a total favorite of mine, but certainly enjoyable and I do plan to read the remaining books.:)
Amber wrote: "I did not enjoy this book! This book just screams 'Harry Potter' knockoff from page one on and very rarely lets up. All I really need to say is six little words. "Rip off of Harry Potter Books!" ..."
Mmmm.. I have to disagree with you. I LOVE the potter books and J.K Rowling is one of the most creative authors I have come across but the concepts she incorperated are very universal. They are not limited to one story. The themes are very common and Riordan and Rowling have their own, unique and talented take on it. That's what I believe anyway.
Terri wrote: "I think HP was a rip off of other hero tales too. It is just a common theme in Childrens books. But I try not to compare books to each other much if I can avoid it. Each is its own journey. Aft..."I agree. I would not even use the word 'rip off' though. No one is trying to rip anyone off. I believe these common themes, character types and plot lines are highly entertaining and can be incorperated in many uniques ways for different purposes.
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Sara wrote: "I LOVE the potter books and J.K Rowling is one of the most creative authors I have come across but the concepts she incorperated are very universal. They are not limited to one story. The themes are very common and Riordan and Rowling take their own, unique and talented have on it. That's what I believe anyway. "I have to agree with you Sara. Well said:)
Ann wrote: "Sara wrote: "I LOVE the potter books and J.K Rowling is one of the most creative authors I have come across but the concepts she incorperated are very universal. They are not limited to one story. ..."Why thank you Ann, I just realized I swapped the words 'have' and 'take' in my original sentence. I have edited it now (this is what little sleep does to me haha!)
Angie wrote: "I am half way through the book (page 200) and am still really enjoying it. I also see a little similarities to HP but not a lot. I really like how Riordan mixes the story with modern America. I ..."I agree, Angie! This was one of my favorite aspects of the book. It's fun to think of certain American landmarks having mythological roots! ;-p
Mod
I have just started reading the book, but my first thoughts were that it is the perfect series for tweens that are intimidated but the length of the HP books. I also think it offers a mechanism to introduce mythology to younger readers.
It was also a little too juvenile for me as well, but I'm sure it's great for middle school or older elementary school boys. I felt the same way about 39 Clues.
Angie wrote: "Ughhh... I have to leave for TX early so I have to bring the book back to the library before I leave and I am on page 200. Dang weather! soooo I have to go and buy the book or wait two weeks till..."Ack! That stinks, Angie. I thought the book really got going with the action/quest there. Well, I hope you can get back into it quickly! :-)
Lol! That's funny Sara - especially since I didn't even notice it! I hope you can catch up on your sleep soon - I know how trying lack of sleep can be :)Bummer, Angie! Well, I think they are pretty easy to slip back into if you have to.:)
Mod
I don't think they need to know much about it. Having studied mythology, I think that this is a really good and fun way of introducing younger people to it. At the time I found it all incredibly dull and would have loved something like this to come along. While the book is maybe a tad less Young Adult and more Childrens I still think it can appeal to anyone.
I think this is a children's book but ya and adults can enjoy it; I did. I think I enjoyed it more because I knew most of the mythology but it could also be used as a fun introduction to mythology, as Clara said.
I don't think its necessary for adults or children to know mythology before reading these. I know a little mythology, but not a lot, and still enjoyed the book. My brother-in-law knows more mythology than I do, and I think that brought a whole new, fun, element to the stories.
I think this book may INSPIRE kids to read more about mythology if they havent already.
Terri, I agree. At the very least, when they (whether as a kid or adult) did start to learn mythology, they'd know something and possibly find it more interesting for having read this book.
Mod
I like how this book talks about a demigod as a teenager. It reminds me of the show Smallville on the CW. I love that show and it follows superman throughout high school and how he meets other superheroes.
Angie wrote: "I thought the book did a good job of explaining a mythology character, usually the author would explain who the character is incase the reader is not familiar. "I agree, Angie. Mostly it was very subtle, too, not like: "and here's your ABC explanation of mythology." I felt the descriptions flowed pretty well in and out of the story line. I think it helps that the world is new to Percy, too. I did think it was a tad more forced in the second book (only in a few parts) but again, overall, very smooth and helpful!:D
My 6th grader is reading the books right behind me (fun for me) and it had totally inspired him to ask his dad all about the mythology that is alluded to in the books. It has inspired us (my husband and I) to get out our copy of Edith Hamilton and brush up on our "facts" ourselves. My son also loved the fact that the book started by killing off a math teacher in chapter 1 as that is my profession. I suspect that many middle school students (and adults) have felt the same way! LOLAnyone who sticks with the series, wait until the cliffhanger at the end of book 2. That's all I will say about that.
Mod
Yay! Glad you got it so quickly, Angie, and didn't have to wait too long.
I just finished the book-- It was pretty good. I liked the plot okay. It was well thought out and the characters were well written. But I just don't think I liked the writing style, and it's not usually the genre I read so it took a while to get through it. I loved a lot of stuff in the book, but overall I just don't think it was my type of reading. It's one of my sister's favorite books though, and I have a bunch of friends and a cousin who comes all the way down from Oregon to go to Camp Half-Blood summer-camp where we live. It's supposedly really really fun, but I don't really want to go because it is in, like, 100-degree Texas heat! ; ) So, yeah- I'll probably read the rest of the series, but they just won't be on the top of my list. :)
Mod
I like this whole series. I think that Riordan has given us something unique and cool that will connect younger readers with the Greek and Roman mythologies that often seem boring and irrelevant to our current culture.Here's the beginning of my review:
Riordan has capitalized on a unique idea: create Greek mythological stories in modern times using people from this time period. Many books in the fantasy fiction genre are written from an interesting premise, but have poor execution, however this series is great in both concept and execution. The writing in fun and uses metaphors and tropes with a current twist, like comparing freckles and pimples on a girl’s face to Cheetos. Percy is an interesting character who’s fun to follow throughout the narrative he tells, and the story is engaging.
For the rest, check it out on my site:
http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2005/0...
