Review: Medusa the Mean (Goddess Girls #8) by Joan Holub

SUMMARY FROM GOODREADS:

Medusa is the ultimate mean girl in this series that blends modern drama with ancient myths.Well researched and true to the original myths, each volume in the Goddess Girls series addresses contemporary issues, like friendships and relationships, from a classically accurate—and entertaining—perspective.
In Medusa the Mean, Medusa is sick and tired of being the only mortal at Mount Olympus Academy. Not only is she surrounded by beautiful, powerful, immortal classmates, but she also has snakes for hair and a reputation for being mean. Immortality, she thinks, will solve everything. So when she finds out about a necklace that promises just that, she’s sure it will help her get the two things she covets most: to be as popular as the four Goddess Girls and to have her supercrush, Poseidon, finally notice her. But when the necklace brings about popularity in the totally wrong way, things go from bad to worse. Can Medusa overcome her “meanie” status and prove that there’s more to her that meets the eye?

MY TAKE:
Medusa was never on my list of favorite characters from Greek mythology, but after reading this book, I may have to reconsider.

In Medusa the Mean, Medusa longs to be popular and to gain the attention of Poseidon. She believes being immortal is the key, and she thinks she may be able to get it via a special necklace. As she puts her plans into motion to get what she wants, she has no idea that she may really get what she wants, just not exactly in the way that she had in mind.

While this book is meant for middle-grade readers, I actually quite enjoyed it. It was easy to empathize with Medusa, who was unpopular and shunned by a lot of her peers. She came across as very relateable, not just in terms of her struggles, which a lot of young girls will be able to relate to, but also with how she handled them.

Her supercrush on Poseidon made me think of Helga Pataki's crush on Arnold, but I'm happy that in the end, Medusa found someone who was more worthy of her attention and who liked her for who she was and what she looked like.

The book tackles important issues like self-acceptance and opening yourself up to others, but it did so in a manner that never felt heavy or too sad. The ending, in particular, was a nice twist.

I definitely look forward to reading the other books in this series, because if they're anything like this book, then I will certainly enjoy them.

THE GOOD:

1. Lots of young kids will be able to relate to Medusa.
2. It's a fun new take on Greek mythology.
3. It's an entertaining read. 

THE BAD:

1. Medusa's meanest moment was cringe-worthy. 

READ IT IF:

1. You like reading books about Greek gods and goddesses.
2. Your child feels left out at school.
3. Your child could use a self-confidence boost. 

RATING:


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