There are certain books that will stick with you for the rest of your life; certain books that change you for the better; books that teach you who you want to be and how to be the best version of yourself. Books that make you feel understood and books that are utterly flawless masterpieces. Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series are those books. If you are unfamiliar with the series, Rick Riordan puts a present spin on many classic myths through the adventures and trials of a young demigod and his friends. There are numerous reasons why Percy Jackson and the Olympians, as well as Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus, should be read by everyone. The following are just a few of the many reasons why all people should read, and enjoy, these series.

These series teach readers countless life lessons such as…

• what healthy relationships look like 
  • through the romantic endgame couples like Percabeth and Solangelo
  • As well as toxic relationship signs to avoid, like Sally and Smelly Gabe
• the importance of friendship and loyalty 
  • Percy’s fatal flaw is his excessive loyalty, as he repeatedly displays loyalty’s necessity 
  • The golden trio and seven argonauts of the Argo II couldn’t have defeated any of the monsters they did if they hadn’t worked together as a team, showing the importance of teamwork
  • Percy and Grover’s empathy link shows how you may need to rely on others at times and that that reliance is okay
  • Overall, the seven argonauts of the Argo II and the golden trio show what healthy friendships look like and why they are important 
• inclusion 
  • The series showcases many diverse characters (when it comes to race, mental capabilities, and even species)
  • It also shows how important inclusion is through the camp’s unclaimed kids
• the importance of expressing one’s emotions 
  • Nico, alongside many of the other characters in the series, struggles to do so, while simultaneously teaching readers why it is important to do so
• teaches kids to be proud of their differences and disabilities 
  • All of the demigods have ADHD, which helps them in battles
  • The demigods also have dyslexia (because they’re accustomed to reading ancient Greek rather than English)
  • Usually, the strongest demigods have the hardest life and the most difficult time fitting in, showing that it is okay to struggle at times
• As well as many other lessons, but these seemed to me to be the most prominent throughout the series

The series begins a lifelong enjoyment of reading

• The books are so enjoyable that they encourage kids to read more and further explore literature in hopes of similar enjoyment.
• Additionally, there are many spin-off series, such as The Trials of Apollo, The Kane Chronicles, and Magnus Chase, that kids can spend years following the adventures of their beloved characters.
• The books also help readers’ imagination grow, through Riordan’s brilliant descriptions of characters and imagery.
• The story is a fun and engaging adventure, constantly entertaining and keeping readers’ attention throughout the entirety of the series.
• The series also keeps a perfect balance between the plot, action, and relationships within the story, making them all equally important and creating a perfect and entertaining storyline with likable a likeable storyline and characters.
• Speaking from my personal experience, these are the best books I have ever read, and they are the reason I continue to enjoy reading today.

Well-written and clearly-researched mythology

• The series are very well-written, with clearly researched and well-integrated mythology. 
• Clearly, Rick Riordan is very passionate about writing and mythology, expressing his passion through storytelling and spreading it to readers across the globe. 
• An added bonus of these series is that the author, Rick Riordan, is not toxic, but rather very wholesome.

Likable Characters

• It can be very difficult for readers to enjoy a series when the characters are annoying and unlikable, which is not the case when it comes to the PJO series. 
• The characters are all so likable that there is a joke throughout the PJO fandom that no one can read the series without falling in love with Percy.
• Additionally, each character within the series is so well-written that they all have an understandable flaw that makes them relatable and makes you like them even more.

Despite all of these wonderful reasons to read the series, many people believe that the Percy Jackson series is geared toward young children, and yes, I believe the best time to read the series is when you are around Percy’s age because it allows you to better relate to the characters and the characters will learn and grow alongside you; however, the books are great for people of all ages. Yes, they will be considered an easy read for experienced readers, but they are definitely still enjoyable, entertaining, and worthwhile for all people, no matter their age.

Although I did not have time to delve into all of the reasons why the Percy Jackson series is perfect and recommended for everyone (because there are infinite reasons) I believe I covered many of the main concepts of why everyone needs to experience reading the series and hope to have convinced you to experience the joy of reading the Percy Jackson series for yourself. Overall, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, as well as Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus, are just two perfectly flawless series. 

After you have enjoyed reading the series, make sure to also check out the new Percy Jackson series now streaming on Disney+! (There are also old PJO movies, although those are known to be a bad adaption of the books.)