Review: The Dig: Zoe and Zeus
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 10, 2011
Greek Mythology has never been more entertaining than in Audrey Hart's novel, The Dig: Zoe and Zeus.  Hart integrates values and morals for the young adult readers while taking all her readers on a journey back in time, 3,000 years to be exact. The year is 1000 BC, and the place is Crete, an island in Greece.Zoe is a 17-year-old teenager who attends Greeley Academy, a boarding school in Connecticut. She is a loner with a laissez-faire attitude about her appearance, such as her cowlick and her smile.  She doesn't like groups and she feels like an outcast most of the time. She has trust issues, but she does have a best friend, CeeCee, who has a different way of seeing and doing things, especially when it comes to boys, but nevertheless they are best friends.Zoe lost her parents when she was 12 years old and her Aunt Sophia and Uncle Alex look out for her.  She loves them both very much.  Aunt Sophia and Uncle Alex wait for Zoe to arrive in Greece for her seventh annual archaeological dig. Being the loner that she he is, Zoe is looking forward to being alone and doing what she loves best, getting down and dirty in a dig.But this is not the archaeological dig Zoe expected. She ends up traveling through time to the year 1000 BC, where she is a goddess who possesses magical powers. She meets all the other Greek gods, goddesses, nymphs and more in the Kocaba forest.  Now keep in mind, Zoe doesn't like Greek mythology.  She thinks the gods are unlikable, impulsive, and egotistical. Then she meets Zeus, who ends up . . . well; you must read the book to find out!There are outstanding subliminal messages hidden in The Dig: Zoe and Zeus. They address friendship, trust, self-esteem, bullying, and love, just to name a few.  Hart integrates academic lessons learned in school that students believe have no relevance. She introduces new vocabulary and endless metaphors to enjoy. She uses current TV shows and pop culture to keep the young reader interested.I recommend The Dig: Zoe and Zeus for readers of all ages.  Young adults will truly enjoy this adventure while secretly learning life lessons.  Adults will appreciate the humor Audrey Hart sneaks in just for us, such as the reference to the Three Stooges!I look forward to the second book in this trilogy!Book Review by Mary Crocco[...]