With a name derived from Greek mythology, as soon as I could read, I was learning about the Greek myths. This book had that immediate appeal for me but wasn’t the only reason that as a young kid, I kept reading. I was enamored with the concept of a modern-day demigod, and one that was stubborn, flawed, impulsive, cunning, loyal and (let’s not forget Percy was definitely called Persassy in early fandom days) fueled on blue foods and spite. 

I loved the voice given to Percy and learning later on that Rick Riordan was a middle school teacher made sense that we was able to grasp that very particular level of audacity and humor. 

I continued to be obsessed with the main five books, and then the sequel series for years to come and now - having graduated college myself - Percy’s college era.  I’ve been in love with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover for years. He was the best kind of hero who in his own words feels that everything that could go wrong has gone wrong yet to others appears to be an unnerving level of calm and strength (and yes, a level of impulsive and poor-thought out plans that only he could pull off).

Probably always gonna be a 10/5 for me - nostalgia alone but also as I feel this book was a game-changer for everything I read after.