Hello, listeners!
We hope you had a lovely weekend and are ready for a whole new batch of pairings in this week’s episode on the Odyssey by Homer. One of the oldest surviving works of Western literature, this epic poem follows the journey of Odysseus as he struggles to make it back home after fighting in the Trojan War. Over this ten-year period, Odysseus battles monsters and faces the wrath of the gods. All the while, his wife and son are facing their own challenges at home as they fight off suitors who are trying to take Odysseus’ place as a husband and king. The Odyssey explores themes that are still relevant today: love, loss, loyalty, identity, hospitality, and so much more.
But the most important question of the day is…IS ODYSSEUS KINDA HOT? (click to answer our very urgent poll).
Shop our Greek mythology-inspired pairings (plus some bonus recommendations) HERE.
We also think you’ll enjoy these Odyssey-related links:
The Atlantic explores what this epic poem can teach us about encounters with strangers
The New York Times offers a teaching guide that makes the Odyssey accessible to the 21st century reader
The BBC examines why this work has endured for so long
Some of these links are Bookshop affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you make a purchase using these links (plus, you support independent bookstores).
Meet Michelle!
Before we offer some more book recommendations, we’d like to introduce you to our assistant/intern, Michelle! Michelle is one of Sara’s former students, and she graciously offered to help us with some research, copywriting, and other behind-the-scenes stuff while she’s on summer break from college. Michelle is studying English while minoring in Wellness and Psychology at the University of Denver. She hopes to pursue a bookish career in publishing after graduation next spring. We’re SO glad to have her help (check out those fabulous links she found!) and can’t wait for you to get to know her a little better!
What Michelle is Currently Reading:
I just started I Was Told It Would Get Easier by Abbi Waxman. I am a BIG Abbi Waxman fan and devoured her other novels, The Garden of Small Beginnings and The Bookish Life of Nina Hill. So far it looks like Waxman’s newest novel will not disappoint.
When I was at the bookstore this weekend I picked up The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley. I’m really looking forward to getting started on this one as it has been deemed “the feel-good novel of 2020.” It sounds like exactly the kind of book I need right now.
After this, I think I will dive into Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett. This one has been on my TBR list for ages and I finally moved it to the top of my stack.
Coming Up:
Next week, we’re releasing an episode of the “Short Story Club” that will cover “All Summer in a Day” by Ray Bradbury. On July 21st, we’ll be discussing Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. This classic novel is one of the cornerstones of African-American feminist literature, and spoiler…we both loved it.
Where to find us:
Download episodes of Novel Pairings wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Find me at @chelseyreads or @hereadsheread. Find Sara at @fictionmatters and her blog. We love hearing what you’re reading, so feel free to tag us on your #bookstagram posts!
We declare after all, there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book!
Have a lovely week, everyone!
-Chelsey