Start Easy

Enjoy listening or read the script the below, show notes are at the bottom.

As we begin this episode on how to start reading timeless book, I’d like to tell you a story. It goes like this-

Summary of Odysseus and Polyphemus

This famous story comes from The Odyssey attributed to the ancient Greek poet, Homer. It is considered one of the greatest works of literature of all time. The Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. He faces many adventures and challenges in his journey- encounters with mythical creatures like the Cyclops, the sea monsters Scylla and Charybdis, the sorceress Circe, sirens, and the sea god Poseidon. Meanwhile, back in Ithaca, Odysseus’ wife, Penelope, is fending off a slew of suitors that want to marry her to assume the throne.

The Odyssey explores the complexity of human nature, the consequences of choices, and the challenges of life's journey. Although it was recorded around 700 BCE, it likely originated even before that as part of the ancient Greek oral tradition. Despite its age, it has surprising relevance to us today.

We have a minivan named after the Odyssey. Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase “between a rock and hard place” which originates with the monsters Scylla and Charybdis, when you’re stuck between two perils in which neither can be avoided. Even the idea of siren, a warning, comes from this ancient poem.

After being introduced to this story of Odysseus and Polyphemus, I was eager to read more of the story, I wanted to know what would happen next. So, I bought a copy and began to read-

“Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns

driven time and again off course, once he had plundered

the hallowed heights of Troy.

Many cities of men he saw and learned their minds,

many pains he suffered, heartsick on the open sea,

fighting to save his life and bring his comrades home.

But he could not save them from disaster, hard as he strove-

the recklessness of their own ways destroyed them all,

the blind fools, they devoured the cattle of the Sun

and the Sungod wiped from sight the day of their return.

Launch out on his story, Muse, daughter of Zeus,

start from where you will- sing for our time too.”

from Fagles translation

I quickly realized that this was going to be a very different experience than reading a modern novel. I’ll be honest, if I hadn’t had the first introduction, in the form a shorter, easy-to-understand story, I’m not sure I would’ve had the interest or attention to keep reading. But, because I started with a simpler version of the story, I had an idea of who the characters were, where the plot was going, and what the story was about. In short, I had support to help me read more successfully.

So, that’s my advice. Start easy. Give yourself an on-ramp to get familiar with the story. Read picture books and abridged or summarized versions of the stories. We’ve even found graphic novels of classic books. This will be helpful not only for you, but also for your children, younger and older. Read them aloud together or find audiobooks to listen to in the car. I’ll include links to some of my favorite resources in the show notes on Substack.

In the same way you wouldn’t expect to become best friends with someone the first time you hang out, you shouldn’t expect to completely understand a timeless book the first time you pick it up. Allow yourself to enjoy the magic of the story, and give it time to do its work.

Thanks for joining me, til next time, here’s a quote for your commonplace. This is from book 9 of the Odyssey, translated by Fagles-

“Hateful to me as the gates of Hades is that man who hides one thing in his heart and speaks another.”

SHOWNOTES

Click here to visit resources on the Timeless Books Podcast website