My big fat pile of library books--part 1

So many Big Room kids recommended the Percy Jackson book series that I've raced through 4 out of 5 of 'em. The 5th book is always checked out every time I get to any of the 3 libraries in Burbank. Since it's only recently come out I know there are a lot of kids also pining to check it out, so I'd feel kind of bad grabbing it ahead of any of them. Kristin says she has a copy I can borrow, since they are still working on book 3.

The great thing about these stories by Rick Riordan is the fun that can be had imagining Greek Gods and Goddesses existing in our regular old world. And Mount Olympus hovers above Manhattan. And the entrance to Hades Underworld is in LA. Oh and I have to say they're all a rollicking good adventure.

I never read the Greek myths as a young person...but this series has inspired me to devour the children's versions in the D'Aulaires brilliant classic:

And then because Cyd raved about Robert Graves versions, which are wonderfully footnoted and really the first 20th century scholarly look at the myths.

I had to go here too:

And these by Graves are my favorites.

I just had never considered a pantheistic worldview. It makes me think of Emily's ideas about Joan of Arc and Kali. I'd never thought beyond the myths as fairy tales. But I find myself reflecting on Hestia--Goddess of the Hearth. She is a profoundly grounded character. She just doesn't get involved in all the chicanery and intrigue, so there are not many stories about her. She even gives up her Olympian Seat to Dionysus in order to tend the home fires. I wonder what goes on in her heart.

I am fond of home hearths.