This debut novel by Madeline Miller retells the ancient story of Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad. This vivid reinterpretation is told from the viewpoint of Petroclus, a minor but pivotal character in The Iliad, but one who is Achilles’ close companion. Through Petroclus’ eyes we see Achilles grow from gifted boy to the greatest warrior of his generation. But Achilles must balance his goddess-mother’s dreams for his immortality with his very human love for Petroclus. Helen of Troy’s abduction sets in motion the unstoppable omen portending glory and death for the greatest of the Greeks, Achilles, and Hector. Miller transports readers, even and maybe especially those with no knowledge of The Iliad, to the Greek world where gods and goddesses mingled in human affairs.
Award-winning author Anne Boyd Rioux tells us all about Louisa May Alcott’s novel, Little Women. Anne is just the guest because she wrote the nonfiction book Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: The Story of Little Women and Why It Still Matters. Little Women inspired Anne Napolitano in her writing of Hello Beautiful, our June book. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discover how Little Women’s themes are still relevant in the 21st century — we’re still puzzling how to find purpose and be present for family and friends.
Four sisters, one lonely boy. Sounds like Little Women, right? Ann Napolitano thought so, too, when she was about 100 pages into writing what would become her bestselling novel, Hello Beautiful. She realized the similarities and decided to mold the story into a modern-day retelling of the classic. Napolitano’s version is set in Chicago and there are enough variations to make this book, Little Woman lover or not, an engaging and surprising read. Nancy, who was young when she discovered Little Women and loved everything about it and the entire series, as well as Linny, who watched a movie adaptation, both were riveted by Napolitano’s brilliant storytelling that really helps us understand entirely new takes on these characters through their lifetimes. It’s a poignant reminder of the ways children cope with both scars and expectations to find their true selves.
Memoirist Ileen Dunivent regales us with stories of her mischievous childhood in Colorado and then Missouri, meeting her great love, Orville, and her amazing ability to make friends and create a full and well-lived life. At 87 years of age, Ileen decided to write the story of her life, longhand on lined notebook paper. The task took 14 months with the result being book (Stories for My Kids: Learning to Yodel and Other Life Lessons) packed with joyful, funny accounts of times gone by. Ileen has not slowed down a bit. She is busy with book signings and has also designed small accessory dwelling units (granny pods), oh, and is writing several more books. You’ll love Ileen as much as we do.
We’re leaning into Mother’s Day month with Stories for My Kids: Learning to Yodel and Other Life Lessons, by first time author Ileen Dunivent. This charming and warm memoir tracks Ileen’s life from a mischievous Rocky Mountain tomboy to a crazy in love teenager to a mom and grandma in Missouri. Ileen has a gift for storytelling and she manages to find humor and joy, as well as convey deep wisdom, throughout the episodes of her life. Reading this book is like sitting down with your favorite grandma and laughing with her until your stomach hurts, and maybe shedding a few tears, too. Born in 1934, Ileen’s life has spanned much of the 20th century’s incredible challenges and innovations. Oh, and she even shares some of her favorite recipes in the book, too.
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