BOOK: Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips

Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips

Heard it Through the Grapevine Challenge

This was the perfect book for this challenge, because I wanted to read it after reading reviews at tinylittlelibrarian's and kookiejar's. Both described it as cute and funny and a delightful romp. Well, maybe they didn't say exactly that, but they were right. I envisioned American Gods light, and that wasn't far from the truth.

The Greek Gods, like Apollo, Aphrodite, Eros, Ares, and the rest who I have never been able to keep straight, are living in London, in squalor since cleaning is totally beneath them. The Gods' powers have weakened since mortals don't believe in them anymore. They are trying to get by doing what they can: Aphrodite works for phone sex, Artemis walks dogs, and Apollo is trying to break into television. Although they all live together, they are not getting along the best after centuries of in family fighting. In trying to take revenge, Apollo is made to fall in love with Alice, a quiet mousy girl. Her nerdy, almost boyfriend Neil has to save Alice, and eventually the world.

I learned more about the Greek Gods reading this book than I ever have before. It was amusing and fun, and perfect for me today when I am full up with the cold. I just wanted to read an easy, fun book. For the squeamish, there were some incestuous relationships amongst the Gods described frankly. It doesn't bother me, but there was some descriptive language. I liked how the Gods operate within their own rules and guidelines, like the witches in Harry Potter. They may be powerful, but they still have rules that guide their lives. The book had a great idea and was executed well, in an amusing and fast-moving plot.

I was able to get 11/12 plus two minor Greek Gods on this quiz after reading the book.

also reviewed at: tinylittlelibrarian and katrina's