You can read the Odyssey with Ascend.
One of the greatest texts in the Western canon, Homer’s epic still speaks with a rare power to the subjects that matter most: fidelity, excellence, justice, temptation, and glory all wrapped in a coming-of-age story coupled with a coming home story. It is a timeless tale of masculinity, femininity, and the human condition.
In this twelve-week study, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by an outstanding lineup of scholars and teachers—Dr. Pavlos Papadopoulos and Dr. Glenn Arbery of Wyoming Catholic College, Dr. Frank Grabowski of Holy Family Classical School, Dr. Gregory McBrayer, Dr. Alex Petkas of the Cost of Glory, Dr. Alex Priou, Luke Heintschel, Jack Drury, Thomas Lackey, and Drs. Justin Jackson and Benedict Whalen of Hillsdale College, plus a special conversation with Dr. Patrick Deneen on The American Odyssey—for discussions that move slowly and carefully through the text.
From Telemachus’ urgent coming-of-age and Odysseus’ refusal of immortal pleasure to the great rooted bed and the restoration of order in Ithaca, these witty, learned conversations—full of insight, humor, close readings, and “blood on the floor” interpretive energy—show why Homer remains one of the greatest teachers you’ll ever encounter.
Whether you’re reading the Great Books for the first time, returning with fresh eyes, or guiding a family or classroom, the series (paired with Dcn. Garlick’s 115 Q&A Guide on the Odyssey) will deepen your appreciation and leave you eager for more.
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Live book club discussions with Dcn. Garlick & guest scholars (monthly)
In-depth reading guides and essays to lead you through the great books
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The full archive of members-only content (guides, essays, and podcasts)
1. The Odyssey Book 1 with Dr. Papadopoulos
Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Pavlos Papadopoulos of Wyoming Catholic College and Dr. Frank Grabowski of Holy Family Classical School to discuss BOOK ONE of the Odyssey—one of the greatest texts in the Western canon. They explore why the epic opens with “man” (not rage, not a god), the meaning of polytropos (“man of twists and turns”), Telemachus’ urgent coming-of-age amid an absent father and predatory suitors, Athena’s masterful mentoring, and Zeus’ striking defense of human responsibility. Dcn. Garlick is using the Fagles’ translation of the Odyssey throughout the 12 week study.
Along the way they discuss Homer’s sophisticated anthropology, the poetic dialectic of Homer the philosopher, the haunting parallels with the House of Atreus, and why this ancient poem still speaks so powerfully to questions of masculinity, homecoming, virtue, and human greatness today.
An absolutely wonderful start to your study of the Odyssey.
2. The Odyssey Books 2-4 with Dr. Grabowski
Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Frank Grabowski discuss the famous "Telemachy" or the coming of age story of Telemachus, Books 2-4 of the Odyssey. They unpack how Homer paints a vivid picture of political decay: twenty years without an assembly, a missing generation of men, and suitors devouring the household while logos itself loses its force. Yet as Telemachus steps into his father’s seat and sets sail under Athena’s guidance (disguised as Mentor), we witness not only his maturation but a masterclass in what makes a healthy polis. The conversation shines especially when they examine the suitors’ impiety, the beautiful practice of guest-friendship (xenia), and the threefold piety it reveals—toward the gods, the city, and the family.