2020: I read this book way back when, but I never really got into Percy Jackson. I think I was too distracted with rereading Harry Potter at the time. I was persuaded to read it again this year to do a movie watch - we'll see how that film stands the test of time as well!

I appreciated the mental health representation, as well as the relatively positive portrayal of dyslexia in the book. The overall representation was pretty tame, and it's hard to ignore that when viewing it from a 2020 lens. Also, gotta say, it's pretty frustrating when I need to STRUGGLE to find a conversation that allows the book to pass the Bechdel test, and even then, I'm disappointed in what Riordan gives me to work with.

Overall, an engaging story, with lots of familiar faces from Greek mythology to keep things moving. The book is certainly more enjoyable the more you know your mythology. The gods get a fun modern update, and I loved the idea of Olympus sitting at the top of the Empire State Building.