My son once asked me why I love to read. He sat there, perched on the edge on my bed, (me sprawled out with my Kindle,) and just laid it on me. “Tell me mom…tell me the truth.” So I did. “I like to read because it takes me away from here. First of all…not the best response when you are talking to a 5 year old. I meant…”I get to visit cool and exciting places from the comfort of my own bed.” He heard…”Mommy doesn’t want to be here…with him.” Not a fun thing to back peddle from, I assure you. But yesterday, (almost 3 years later) something clicked with him, and he got it. See…B is now a reader. Much to the dismay of my husband, (who is not a reader, and would rather he be knee deep in Boy Scout dirt) B never goes anywhere without a book. He likes the adventure of it all, loves to learn new things and paint pictures in his head.
Why is this important? Well…besides the obvious, (watch what you say around your kids) “The Dig” is a very good example of escapism.
“Zoe Calder has always been an outsider. Stashed away in boarding schools since her parents died, Zoe buries herself in the study of ancient worlds. Her greatest thrill is spending her summers with her archeologist aunt and uncle on digs around the world. And one day, while investigating a newly unearthed temple in Crete, Zoe discovers a luminous artifact that transports her to ancient Greece.
As Zoe quickly learns, the Olympian Gods are real, living people—humans with mysterious powers… Powers that Zoe quickly realizes she has come to possess, as well. However, when the people of ancient Greece mistake Zoe for an Olympian, the Gods must restore the balance of the ancient world… No matter what.
Zoe is forced to play a confusing and dangerous game as Hera rallies the gods against her—all except for Zeus, the beautiful, winged young god who risks everything to save her”
Some books are designed to tug on your heart-strings. Some are designed to teach you a lesson, or convey a message. Some are designed to scare the living bejeezus out of you, and some are meant for one and one thing only…entertainment.
“The Dig” by Audrey Hart is not going to change the world, or end life long suffering, but what it will do… is take you away from reality’s harsh existence for a while. Is this a bad thing? Of course not. Reading shouldn’t be a chore, and while it’s self-fulfilling to dive into deep books like “The Book Thief” or “The Storyteller” from time to time, (because they ARE deep and meaningful) sometimes it’s necessary to reboot. (Oh dear Lord…I sound like my husband.) One of the best ways to do this is with a book that is fun. And… what is more fun than a bunch of pissy Greek Gods, and a girl all hopped up on Ambrosia?
Now, while this book is in no way perfect, (She travels through time by way of a 7ft iPhone? Really?) and does have a few holes, (I’d REALLY like to fall in love that fast!) that doesn’t (by any means) make it bad. Just…quirky. As a matter of fact…it was very reminiscent of Rick Riorden’s Percy Jackson series, in a let’s-throw-every-thing-but-the-kitchen-sink-at-this-girl-and-see-what-happens sort of way. It was funny in some places, serious in others, and without a doubt, 100% action packed!
I think that with a little more time, and maybe a tad more focus on the development of the characters inside the story, this could have been a great book. Instead, you have a fun little read that is sure to entertain you when you are feeling blue. Just remember to not take it too seriously…if you do, you’ll be disappointed.
My overall thought…this would be a GREAT book for younger female audiences…say around 12-13. It will teach them to respect themselves, as well as whisk them away into hot boy territory, (which let’s be honest…all 12-13 year old girls LOVE.)
Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: if you can suddenly form the Grand Canyon with your MIND… chances are you’re not normal Norma from Normandy. (geez…that was lame, even for me. *sigh*)
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[Rating:3.5/5]
