Friends,
Good work! You’re halfway through the Odyssey. Many first time readers are surprised to see that Odysseus returns to Ithaca this soon within the text—and Homer slows the pace tremendously. These books are beautiful and deeply relational, especially with the introduction of the loyal swineherd and the reunion of Odysseus and Telemachus. They are more subtle in their scope and images, but they remain worth your time and attention. Remain attentive!
A few resources from our Ascend Book Club:
Articles, podcasts, videos, and more to help you read the Odyssey. You can also listen to these books on the podcast.
Join our reading group and study the great books with us!
To support our mission and get all our resources, become a paid book club member. In addition to the weekly podcast, you’ll get:
Live book club discussions / Q&A with Dcn. Garlick & guest scholars
In-depth reading guides and essays to lead you through the great books
Access to our incredible community of readers
The full archive of members-only content (guides, essays, and podcasts)
Odysseus Returns Home: Books 13-16
We explore Odysseus’ return home with some excellent guests, Like Dr. Pavlos Papadopoulos of Wyoming Catholic College and Mr. Alec Bianco, then of the Circe Institute—both guests are excellent and will become friends of the podcast and return several more times to help us through the great books.
Good work. The Ascend Book Club is here to help you through the Odyssey and you’re doing a great job. If you’re bothered by the slow pace, hang in there—the slaughter of the suitors will come soon enough.
Be sure to consult our 115 Question and Answer Guide to the Odyssey to dig into the lessons Homer has to offer you.
Keep up the good work.
Dcn. Harrison Garlick lives in rural Oklahoma with his wife and five children. He serves as a deacon at Holy Family Cathedral and as Chancellor & General Counsel for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa. Follow him on X at Dcn. Garlick or Ascend.