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

Novel Pairings

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