pickMedusa was not a monster. Perseus was not a hero. The gods are cruel and the myths ring of injustice.
None of this was news to me, yet this retelling — which weaves together opposing narrators and pulls in context from adjacent tales — feels fresh, even though I know where it‘s all headed. (Pun intended?)
Maybe not an instant classic like the last two book club picks, but still a great read that I‘m looking forward to discussing. 🐍
#ItTakesAllKinds
A #Mythical Medusa retelling in my TBR, part of my #AuldLangSpine list from @Itchyfeetreader Hoping to get to it in the next month or so.🐍
pick“They will defend her, if they can,” said Athene quickly. “She is much loved.”
“Why would they love a monster?” asked Perseus.
“Who are you to decide who is worthy of love?” said Hermes….”and who are you to decide who is a monster?”
“She called them monsters” said Perseus, pointing at Athene.
“No, I didn‘t, I called them dangerous creatures…You‘re the one who thinks anything that doesn‘t look like you must be a monster.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just starting this title, a retelling of the story of Medusa…definitely seems promising! 📖
New book obsession! If Madeline Miller went feminist wry and rageful instead of making toxic masculinity gay and beautiful? Still workshopping the mashup/elevator pitch 😏 Listening to the author read the cast of characters, I paused the audiobook so I could go pick up a hard copy. This one‘s gonna get marked UP.
pickThis was an empowering retelling. With retellings, there isn't as much surprise in the storytelling, but this was enjoyable as a story in itself. The theme was easy to decipher and was relatable for sure. The novella length also made the pacing of the story perfect.
I read 257 books in 2023, here are my favorites!
pickCan‘t believe I forgot to add this to my list! I‘ve always been a huge fan of Greek mythology, and have thoroughly enjoyed the retelling of many stories from a female perspective. This book is written by Natalie Haynes; English writer, broadcaster, classicist, and comedian - she is frakking brilliant and cannot write books fast enough to sate my appetite! Even more, listen to her podcast, Natalie Haynes Stands Up For the Classics.
