Today Chelsey and Sara are chatting about Homer’s The Odyssey. Sara reveals her nerdy middle school obsession, Chelsey has strong opinions on defining “the classics,” and we have a LOT of fun discussing the complicated character of Odysseus. You don’t need to have any knowledge of mythology or The Odyssey in order to enjoy this episode.

Our discussion includes:

What is a “mythology girl?” [11:38]
Analyzing Odysseus: a larger-than-life character [18:40]
More on Odysseus as a complex, flawed and nuanced hero [28:00]

Plus, as always, we’re recommending six contemporary books to pair with our classic, including a business book and a book in translation.

Show Notes:

Edith Hamilton’s Mythology

“Siren Song” by Margaret Atwood

“ Penelope” by Carol Ann Duffy

The World’s Wife by Carol Ann Duffy

Madeline Miller: Circe and The Song of Achilles

Gareth Hinds graphic novel The Odyssey

Bull by David Elliot

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Pairings spoilers below!

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Chelsey’s Pairings:

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffeneger [39:05]

The Martian by Andy Weir [44:36]

Dare to Lead by Brene Brown [51:35]

Sara’s Pairings:

The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood [35:40]

The Songs of the Kings by Barry Unsworth [41:15]

Signs Preceding the End of the World by Yuri Herrera [47:05]

Pick of the Week:

Chelsey: A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow recommended by Bezi @beingabookwyrm

Sara: Rick Riordan Presents

18. The Odyssey by Homer and mythology retellings for adventurous readers

Novel Pairings