Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes: A No-Bullshit Guide to World Mythology is a non-fiction by Cory O’Brien. Through the use of humor and very up-to-date language, the book tells some of the most fundamental stories of different religions from different parts of the world, as well as some of the most fascinating and incredible ones.
It is only a book of less than 300 pages, and is truly a light read. It took me two days from start to finish, and really only spent 2-3 hours actually reading it. It is in part due to the short length of the book, but I think more importantly, the humor and style. I remember my roommate being constantly fascinated by how long and often I have laughed out loud when reading it, and it’s truly a delightful read. Even though the book does poke fun at a lot of the story elements that seem too ridiculous to modern readers, never once have I felt that he was being contemptuous or disrespectful to any of the religions, which I consider to be a very hard feat to do for something like this. Well, he was probably disrespectful to the Church of Scientology, but I guess they must have saw that coming. I mean, we’re talking about the guy that wrote Battlefield Earth.
The book would probably appeal better to people who already know something about the myths. Knowing how the stories were told in a mystical and serious manner for me created much contrast between the hippy and completely over-the-top telling of the book, and it was hilarious. And some of the other more obscure stories can be built upon the basic knowledge of the religions and mythologies, making the stories easier to comprehend and remember. Even for those who have no idea of the mythologies before reading this book (which shouldn’t be the case for the major mythologies) would be able to get a good grasp on the religions, as well as a good laugh. It is like not getting a reference in a movie, but still finding it funny.
I in particular, love the last chapter of the book, with its final creation myth: the Big Bang and evolution. It stressed the importance of a peaceful co-existence, not only between different religions but also between religion and science. It pointed out that just like religions, science is also based on “faith”: faith in the fundamental principles, which could not be systematically proven and without which science could not stand. Religions should not stand as opposing forces to one another, nor religion to science. The importance of mutual-understanding and respect is essential in modern times.
If there is anything negative to say about the book, is its very modern talk. Even though it is one of its major selling points, and what makes this book great, it does also limit its audience. I can not say for sure, but I feel like people over 50 might find it hard to comprehend what is funny about this book, or how is it educational. And in another 10 years, the rapid change of popular culture would probably make this book feel very dated. I do feel sad knowing that this book probably won’t last, but it is a valid trade-off and unique in this sense.
In the end, I think this book is very well worth its price (14 bucks) and 3 hours of your time. It is a lot of fun, and the myths stick so well, check it out if you are interested!
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