Beyond the Blurb | Why, as an Adult, I Want to Read Percy Jackson

Morning, everyone!

Who doesn’t know about Percy Jackson? Not many. But I never thought I should read it, until recently. Maybe I thought I wouldn’t fit into the series. Even though I’ve (recently) picked my Hogwarts house proudly, I always felt like an outsider in that fandom. So why wouldn’t I feel the same with PJO?

As an adult, I didn’t experience this fandom at all, but I wanted to. I related to a 12-year-old child who’s father abandoned him more than I did with a child with a lightning bolt on his forehead.

So when I heard that Uncle Rick started working on the pilot of his PJO show, I knew I couldn’t pass up the series again. Now, back in the day, I did read some of The Lightning Thief. I remembered Grover, all the shenanigans the trio got into, and some of the storyline. Yet I didn’t finish the book though. When I was younger though, my family couldn’t afford a ton of books, so I often borrowed copies from my friends or local library, if it had what I was looking for. Not this time. So I bought myself the box set, and I haven’t looked back since.

But why should I read this iconic series though? I’m an adult, not a teen or middle grader. I’m outside of the target audience. So what’s the point? That thought is what sparked this post. Here are the reasons why I, and you, should read Percy Jackson and the Olympians!

Well, It Isn’t Harry Potter

Clearly, that series is out this year. Sorry, classmates. But like I said, I didn’t fit into the fandom. Sure, I watched the movies, bought some merchandise (my one and only Slytherin tee), and read some (but not all) of the books. But I didn’t belong to it. Yes, I grew up with HP. But I feel more comfortable with PJO.

Some readers never wanted to be a part of that series though. Sure, they tried but didn’t see the point. So I don’t blame them. Harry Potter is equally as intimidating to get into as it is with Percy Jackson. Sometimes, readers must pick their battles.

 

I Relate to PJO More Than I Do with Other Series

Like I said with some iconic series, I didn’t relate to the characters. Yes, I enjoyed the storylines and themes, but I didn’t say: I have found my people. With Percy Jackson though, I want to roll my eyes when gods expect 12-year-olds to solve their problems, wear my CHB orange tee, and go to Camp Half-Blood. I may be a little old for the place, but I’m a camper through and through.

I understand the same horrible feelings every demi-god has ever felt: abandonment, loneliness, and anger for not having two parents. I feel like I instantly belong.

 

The Reading Experience Is Different

Percy Jackson offers a similar but different reading experience for readers. I don’t need to pick a side immediately. I can be who I want to be. I’m a misfit, so I look for other misfits in stories. I get to learn more about mythology and godly politics, which isn’t much different than the human variety.

 

It Offers a Safe Place for Outsiders to Escape to

I don’t feel like I need to compete with other readers. I can jump into the series and feel safe in it. And many other readers feel the same, especially in the later series. Uncle Rick has crafted a series for almost anyone who needs an escape from this dangerous world. So I’m so proud to be a part of this fandom.

 

The Fandom Is Not Only Accepting but also Cool

Yeah, I said it. It’s cool. Sure, I’m a 31-year-old camper, but it’s cool. We get to come up with these intriguing theories that may or may not come true. We fight and protect our favourite couples and characters. We’re a family. I don’t feel a prejudice here. I don’t feel unworthy of calling myself a camper. When I heard PJO is coming to Disney+, a lot of campers told others to accept new campers with open arms. How cute is that?

 

So are you a year-round camper, or are you new like me? How do you feel about Percy Jackson? Will you read it before the show?