Last week we came home with our usual sky-high pile of library books. One of those books was The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. E couldn’t put it down. I (gasp) had never heard of the author*.

E: This was the best book!

Me, looking at the cover: Is it about ancient Greece? (’cause I’m thinking that it looks like it has something to do with ancient Greece)

E: No

Me: Is it about Greek mythology? (’cause I see pictures of Medusa, a centaur and a minotaur)

E: Not really. It’s hard to explain.

Me, looking at the cover again and reading words like Athena, demigods and Greek gods (!): Hunhh. 

I asked because 1) I like to keep up with what the boys are reading and 2) because, well, after writing Tools of the Ancient Greeks I have a certain fascination with the gods and goddesses of the ancient world. And, my review of the cover makes me think that it is at least peripherally about the ancient Greek gods.

Ironically, earlier today I stopped by Jen Robinson’s blog and then over to the September issue of The Edge of the Forest, where there is an interview up with – you guessed it – Rick Riordan, the author of The Lightning Thief. And, he has a blog! I love being able to take a peek into the life of authors – especially those whose books have captured the attention of my kids.

Needless to say, while E is eagerly awaiting the arrival of The Sea of Monsters, book 2 in the series, I’ll be reading The Lightning Thief myself.

*Even though I had never heard of Rick Riordan, he is a multi-award winning author. Publication of a book – even a really good book – doesn’t guarantee that its author will become a household name (for more about that from my perspective, see here). Sorry, Rick!