July 27

The Odyssey (Macmillan audiobook, read by Dan Stevens, 2014)
By Homer

In this classic tale, sequel to Homer's Iliad, Odysseus is making his way home to his wife and son in Ithaca, having fought theTrojan War.  But the gods conspire against him, especially the sea god Poseidon, and Odysseus faces all manner of challenges that prolong the voyage: He lands on a cyclops's island where several of his men are consumed by the monster, he navigates pat Scylla's island, where the 6-headed monster swallows up 6 of his men, and his crew is punished for killing someone's livestock and their ship is blown away and destroyed, with only Odysseus left floating on a broken mast for support.  Eventually the goddess Athena conspires to get Odysseus home, where he finds dozens of suitors, taking over his home, eating his food and wine, and fighting to see which one will get to marry the faithful and reluctant Penelope.

What impressed me upon rereading this story after about half a century were:
a) the generosity of hospitality offered to friends and strangers.  Odysseus, disguised as a beggar in rags is treated to food, lodging and a seat of honor in the great hall.  In all cases where a visitor shows up, he is not only welcomed, but shown genuine interest by his hosts, who want to know about his life and circumstances.
b) the interaction of the gods.  The Greeks see Zeus, Athena,a and the other gods as directing their lives, but they seems powerless to intervene, and instead only appear as victims.  In The Triumph of Christianity (July 1), Bart Ehrman lays out the culture into which the Christian faith grew, a kind of world in which the gods are seen as directing the affairs of men and women.
c) it's clear that the author really likes his characters.  Odysseus is almost always referred to by one of his admirable qualities, as are Penelope and Telemachus, and even the faithful shepherd.

Listening to the adventure on CDs, narrated by English actor Dan Stevens, really enlivens the story.  Dan's voice is clear and passionate; Odysseus character especially embodies strength, patience and wisdom.  This is the way to read Homer!