A Myth is as Good as a Mile

Like another Fox, I have been in quite a rush the last few weeks and neglected to get either a guest or do a properly thorough book review.

But I have had one series in mind on which to make comments. As I have mentioned before, my grandson and I read many of the same books…sometimes I start him on one or he asks me to read one; often, we’ll read a series together, a Young Adult series.

One such series is the “Percy Jackson” series by Rick Riordan, which was a find of his.

Percy Jackson’s story starts when he turns thirteen. He had been living with his mother and his hostile stepfather. He manages to get into a great deal of trouble, although it never seems to be of his doing. Through a turn of events, he finds that his real father is a Greek god, and that all the legends are basically true. Not only are the gods real, so are all the other beings which had seemingly fallen into myth. Many are after him to destroy him, some have been watching out for him without his knowledge.

Normally, (since I am a Christian), I would be turned-off by much of this. However, with all of the demonic and dark literature,(I am being generous with that word), around for young people, I was pleased to see that in this case there are many good values that are held sacred…and wrong is wrong no matter who the perpetrator may be.

The stories of Percy Jackson take place in the modern-day world. The Greek gods are shadows of their former selves and their powers are weakened. Many of Percy’s friends and acquaintances are also demi-gods, or creatures of mythology.

In another time and place I may have also been upset with all of the casual, temporary alliances/dalliaces that lead to all the demigods, (and these being taught to the young folk), but this is so much of what many of our young people are facing today: half-siblings, the half-siblings of their own half-siblings and step-siblings, plus loss of direction. So many kids are simply not being led down the straight and narrow. Choices are vague to them, values are unclear. So much around them may lead them astray; so many movies and shows extol ugliness and bad choices.

The Percy Jackson stories encourage, well, courage, plus self-confidence, generosity, team-work, the betterment of ones’ self and the fight against selfishness and evil. There is always appreciation of goodness. They are all set in enough action and plot twists to keep the readers interested…and kindness, consideration, honesty, trust and truth triumph over evil and no bad deed is ever excused, rewarded or glorified.

I would recommend this series to any YA reader… the young and those with whom they have a good repore.

[UPDATE: Since I have read all of the Percy Jackson and the Olympian books,I still recommend those.However, I have reservations about whole-heartedly recommending The Heroes of Olympus series. Adults please read through and judge for yourself.]

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