The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

On Taylor's recommendation, I have started The Lightning Thief which is an action adventure mixing Greek mythology with modern times. So far it is very good. Some of the mythology doesn't match up with what I had studied and taught in school. I didn't think Medusa was asleep when Perseus killed her, but according to this book, she was (In the Lightning Thief, Medusa is a woman who works in a statue shop outside of New York). I realize there are many versions of the same myth, so maybe I had not read that version. I also didn't realize she was Poseidon's girlfriend and they were meeting in Athena's temple for a soiree when Athena caught them and turned her into a monster.
The action is virtually non stop. The funniest character so far is Grover. He is a satyr put in charge of protecting Percy. He has to stuff his hooves into sneakers and walks very funny, but he must look like a kid when he is wandering around New York. He is a poor protector who loves to eat aluminum cans, wax paper etc.. (after all he is a goat)
As soon as I finish this, The Fountainhead is next. (sorry Taylor, the other two books in this series will have to wait) I can't find a copy in Shelbyville, so I am going to have to order it or head to Louisville. At 3.55 per gallon, I'll probably be ordering it.

Harvest of Hope by Jane Goodall

I checked this book out of the library initially for Jordan so she could read about the sustainable benefits of being a vegetarian. There are some chapters about the value of vegetarianism from a farming/food production angle I don't think she was aware of. I have found myself reading sections of the book. It is very well written and compelling. Goodall recognizes the need for a sustainable lifestyle not just for animals, but for humans as well. It is not just a health issue, but an environmental issue as well as a means of keeping ourselves well balanced and in tune with the "contract" we should all be committed to in order to keep our planet viable.
I can't bring myself to read the sections on factory farming, but Goodall's point is clearly made. I recommend this to anyone interested in being more mindful about the food she/he is consuming.

The Fountainhead

Well, after talking to Mark and Keith about The Fountainhead, I am cautiously anxious about starting to read it. I plan to finish Blood in Flowers first and then start. Mom, you would like this book. I found it at a bookstore with the advertisement, "If you liked the Kite Runner, try this" It is set in Persia and good so far. I'll keep ya posted. When Keith and I get a schedule together for The Fountainhead, I'll post it for anyone who wants to read it with us.

Welcome Family Literature Lovers

Hello from Nashville,
Here is the first post for our new blog about books! Keith and I, for the past three years, have read a book together during the spring. We usually choose something a bit more challenging so we can encourage each other along the way. To date we have read Anna Karenina and A Tale of Two Cities. Both were great reads. We are preparing to embark on Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead (Beth, I hear you loved it). I know almost nothing about the book; only what Mark told me last night over dinner. If any of you want to join us in this read, you are welcome to do so. I think we'll begin in about two weeks and set some sort of schedule so we can all be at the same spot by a certain date. As our blog grows, anyone can suggest a read and post whenever with whomever. It's a shame the Harry Potter series is finished. We all enjoyed those so much. Some other books we have in common are The Kite Runner, The Glass Castle, Jane Eyre (Taylor's personal favorite), and A Summons to Memphis.
Very informal, no pressure, just a place to visit when you have time and the notion to talk about what you are reading.