Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

Part 2 Questions

Section of book: 0-50% (chapters 1-12 included)

Notes:
- Each member is asked to end with a question for the next member.
- If the person above you forgets to pose a question then just pick a different one from above (make sure you indicate which one you're answering!)
- If some other question from above moves you then feel free to answer as many as you want. It is a discussion after all!

Questions:
1. How do you enjoy the book?
2. Percy has several disabilities (dyslexia and attention deficit disorder), what did you think of this choice and the way the author addressed it?
3. Is there an event or an information that surprised you?
4. You have been granted one magical item of your choice. What would this item be, and what power would it have?
5. Answer the question posed by the person above you!

1. How do you enjoy the book?
So far, I found it funny and pleasant to read. I preferred the part before going on the quest that isn't really compelling for the moment (but Em was fun).

2. Percy has several disabilities (dyslexia and attention deficit disorder), what did you think of this choice and the way the author addressed it?
I found it helped to flesh Percy's strange life and I liked how the author made these disabilities something positive, linked with being possibly a hero.

3. Is there an event or an information that surprised you?
Not really, there are many hints before Perçy understands what's happening, so I usually guess before him. Dyonisos was fun to discover.

4. You have been granted one magical item of your choice. What would this item be, and what power would it have?
Magical shoes: when I'd walk with them, little flowers and grass would grow on the ground, it should be fun in cities :p

My question: if you had Percy's power with water, what would you do with it?

1. How do you enjoy the book?
I really like the concept of the modern mixed relationship or compound family melded with the demi-god myths. I find it a little poorly written and paced too quickly. There are some really really funny moments but I feel like most of the fights fly by because they go so fast.

2. Percy has several disabilities (dyslexia and attention deficit disorder), what did you think of this choice and the way the author addressed it?
I thought giving dyslexia super power status was pretty amazing. I don't see ADHD featured so prominently or so interestingly.

3. Is there an event or an information that surprised you?
I was looking forward to children of Artemis (my favorite) but of course she wouldn't have children because she's a virgin goddess. I found the Fates surprising and kind of lame.

4. You have been granted one magical item of your choice. What would this item be, and what power would it have?
I'd like to have a calming ability. Not like a creepy calming ability but like one to help with anxiety and in emergencies.

5. Answer the question posed by the person above you!
So I want a hot tub/pool but live in a row home with a concrete backyard so if I could have like a small, self contained pool/hot tub where I didn't need to have sides and could assemble and dissemble easily I'd be set!
(I feel like I have simple needs from my last two questions)

My Question: If you were a demi-god whose child do you think you'd be?(It can be from the Greek Pantheon, lesser Greek Gods or another tradition of mythology.)

Questions:
1. How do you enjoy the book?
I'm enjoying it. It's a quick and interesting read.

2. Percy has several disabilities (dyslexia and attention deficit disorder), what did you think of this choice and the way the author addressed it?
I also think that it's cool that the disabilities are associated with traits of a hero.

3. Is there an event or an information that surprised you?
I thought having different cabin themes was really cool.

4. You have been granted one magical item of your choice. What would this item be, and what power would it have?
A wand. Definitely a wand that will allow me to do all the Harry Potter spells.

5. I think I'd also be Athena's daughter. Athena has always been my favorite amongst the Greek gods and goddesses.

My question: Who do you think actually took the lightning bolt and why?

1. How do you enjoy the book?
I'm definitely enjoying the book. It flows easy and I love the characters. Grover is great. Eating tin cans and wax paper helps add to the humorous part in the book.

2. Percy has several disabilities (dyslexia and attention deficit disorder), what did you think of this choice and the way the author addressed it?
I think the way it is addressed can help people/kids with those abilities realize that they might have strengths in different areas.

3. Is there an event or an information that surprised you?
I guess the part about Grover eating tin cans. I don't remember that from the movie but maybe I forgot.

4. You have been granted one magical item of your choice. What would this item be, and what power would it have?
I would also have to say a wand but I would want it to be a cleaning wand or a wand to do the chores I don't want to but they feel good when they are done.

5. Answer the question posed by the person above you!
From the movie I actually know who has stolen the wand but I forget why. I don't want to spoil it for anyone. But without knowing that at this point in the book it doesn't seem like you are supposed to think any different.

My question: If you had the ability to turn invisible what would you do with that power?

1. How do you enjoy the book?

Not so much so far, it's been a struggle to motivate myself to read it and I've stalled at halfway. It strikes me as being written for younger readers in a more obvious way than the other books I've read that are aimed at that age group.

2. Percy has several disabilities (dyslexia and attention deficit disorder), what did you think of this choice and the way the author addressed it?

I would've liked to have seen the impact of them in his normal life more before he discovered they were an indicator of his being special.

3. Is there an event or an information that surprised you?

That the mother married the horrible smelly bloke to mask Percy's specialness, but sent Percy off to boarding school and stayed with the step dad.

4. You have been granted one magical item of your choice. What would this item be, and what power would it have?

The power would be teleporting - so I didn't have to use public transport ever again, no more wasting time sat in traffic, sitting in airports or at bus stations, I could just magic myself to wherever I wanted in the world. It would have to take the form of nice jewelry, something subtle for everyday wear!

5. Answer the question posed by the person above you!

Maybe it's how my mind works, but I can only think of illegal uses for invisibility! So I decline to incriminate myself :)

My question has two parts - the pen/sword that magically returns to Percy seems like a good idea, but could actually be a curse if that power was applied to the wrong item, so:

(a) Which of your belongings would you like to have that power?
(b) What would you definitely not want to give that power to?

Questions:
1. How do you enjoy the book?

I am enjoying the book a lot. I think this book exposes children to the stories of the gods in a fun and easy to understand book. I never learned about the Greek and Roman gods when I was in school. This book is a good tool for children today who also are not taught this subject in school.

2. Percy has several disabilities (dyslexia and attention deficit disorder), what did you think of this choice and the way the author addressed it?

I really liked that he turned these characteristics into positive traits that indicated he was special. It's a great way to boost the self-confidence of children reading this story who have these same disabilities.

3. Is there an event or an information that surprised you?

I thought the explanation given for why Percy's mom was involved with repulsive Gabe was very interesting. It's a little weak though because Percy was away at school most of the year. How could she put up with such a brute while Percy wasn't home?

4. You have been granted one magical item of your choice. What would this item be, and what power would it have?

I agree with Marie on this one. I want my sunglasses to teleport to whichever location I am envisioning through the glasses. I don't want to have to drive to work or sit on an airplane to go to Disney World. I just want to see it and magically be there.

5. My question has two parts - the pen/sword that magically returns to Percy seems like a good idea, but could actually be a curse if that power was applied to the wrong item, so:

(a) Which of your belongings would you like to have that power?

I would want my chapstick to always return to me. Sometimes I forget it and it's the worst feeling when you need it but don't have it on you.

(b) What would you definitely not want to give that power to?

Maybe something dangerous to have suddenly appearing in pockets and purses like a pair of scissors. Nothing sharp.

My question: Who do you think will betray Percy? I am really hoping it's not Grover.