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Thinking about reading The Odyssey? Read these first.
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has done something remarkable: it's made a 3,000-year-old epic one of the hottest books of the summer. And, as I'll explain in a moment, I seriously love this for us.
That said, as Homer’s The Odyssey now sits on multiple bestseller lists, I have a sneaking suspicion a lot of those copies aren't getting finished. Because let's be honest: buying a classic and actually reading a classic are two very different things. (I say this as my untouched copy of War and Peace judges me from across the room…)
Fortunately, this is one of the very few topics where my weirdly specific background actually comes in handy. So if you've caught Odyssey fever but aren't quite ready for Homer, I'm sharing the books I'd recommend first. And if you're determined to set sail for Ithaca, I'll also tell you exactly which translation to buy.
Getting into Ancient Greek literature does not have to feel like facing off against the Laestrygonians.
Why I’m G(r)eeking Out
Matt Damon who? This is the only Odysseus I recognize.
My first introduction to The Odyssey came courtesy of Wishbone, the single greatest children's show of all time. When the show released its official PC game, Wishbone and the Amazing Odyssey, my dad and I spent hours playing it, and six-year-old me was instantly hooked on the story. (If you remember that game too, click here for an absolutely devastating hit of nostalgia.)
Since then, Greek mythology and history have always had a vice grip on me. I studied Ancient Greek for six years—four years of high school, two of college—and almost declared a Classical Languages major before deciding I did, in fact, want to find employment after graduating.
All of this is to say: I am ridiculously excited about today's Worth the Read. If the thought of tackling all 24 books of The Odyssey feels intimidating, I’m sharing plenty of other places to start. And unlike most Odyssey reading lists, I'm recommending both ancient and modern picks because here's the secret: ancient doesn't have to mean inaccessible.
If, by the end of this, you're thinking, “Nope, it has to be Homer,” don't worry, because I've also included my pick for the translation to grab for your very first trip home to Ithaca.
My goal today is simple: to help you experience the world of Ancient Greece however you want, whether that's by devouring fantastic modern interpretations or going straight to the source.
If you want more Greek mythology
Mythology
by Edith Hamilton
Dive into the timeless tales of gods and heroes in this bestselling A-to-Z encyclopedia detailing classic myths and legends—perfect for curious readers and academics alike.
First published in 1942, Edith Hamilton's Mythology remains the go-to introduction to Greek, Roman, and Norse myths. Hamilton’s writing makes these ancient stories engaging, approachable, and easy to follow, making this book a genuinely fun read. I will note that she does take a few liberties, so think of it as the perfect entry point rather than the final word. It's endlessly readable and covers all the classics, from the origins of the gods and Persephone's descent into Hades to Jason and the Argonauts and, of course, Odysseus.