"I'm not normally a praying man, but if you're up there, please save me, Superman !"—Homer
Helpppp, I’m supposed to be on a~ The Odyssey-by Homer
"I'm not normally a praying man, but if you're up there, please save me, Superman !"—Homer
Helpppp, I’m supposed to be on an exam hiatus, but here I am, drowning in The Odyssey. So This epic is a rollercoaster—on one hand, the wine-dark seas, the meddling gods, and Odysseus’s chaotic journey have this timeless vibe that pulls you in. But on the other hand, it’s so long. What can I say about The Odyssey that hasn’t been said already? This epic tale of adventure, loss, and triumph is a masterclass in storytelling. It’s not just a journey across lands and seas but a deep exploration of human strength, the will to survive, and the yearning to return home.
Homer’s language is poetic, rhythmic, and captivating. With every chapter, you are pulled deeper into a world where the line between the divine and the mortal is blurred. The pacing of the story, though long, never feels tedious. Every moment is earned, every challenge significant.
~ Standout Lines:
*“Longed for as the sun warmed earth is by the wayfaring man in autumn.” – This captures Odysseus’s yearning to return home after years of suffering.
*“Far in the west, the sun set on the sea, and the stars came out, shining like silver. Then, I lay on the ground and wept, with tears that were salty as the sea.” - A poignant and emotional moment that speaks to the loneliness and sorrow Odysseus feels in his exile, underscoring his yearning for home.
*“Nobly he fought, but in the end, we were left with nothing but ruin.” – A tragic line that echoes the theme of futility. Even the bravest warriors face inevitable decline, and no matter how hard you fight, some things are just beyond your control.
*“They [the gods] give and they take, and the mortal man must suffer or rejoice, depending on their whim.” – A chilling reminder of the capriciousness of fate and the unpredictable nature of the divine. It reinforces the role of the gods as both protectors and destroyers, depending on their will.
*“My home is where I can be true to myself, not a place, but a promise.” – This speaks to the deeper understanding that home isn’t just a physical place, but an emotional anchor. It’s a profound realization in Odysseus’s journey and mirrors our own quest for self-identity and belonging.
*“Endurance is the key to life.” – In Odysseus’s journey, there’s a consistent message: survive, persevere, and never give up, no matter how hard it gets.
*“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – This line encapsulates the theme of storytelling itself. Odysseus's journey, filled with triumphs and losses, is itself a story he must tell. The need to recount one's experiences becomes a form of catharsis.
*“Do not rage at the gods, my friend, for they are not to blame. They give, and they take, as they will." - This is a reflection on the role of the gods, reminding us of the randomness of divine favor and the nature of suffering—a key theme in the story.
These lines not only elevate the beauty of the epic but also capture its themes—longing, wisdom, struggle, and the search for home. They make The Odyssey a deeply reflective and timeless narrative that resonates far beyond its mythic elements.
This is a timeless classic, not just because it’s old, but because it speaks to the timeless aspects of the human experience. A story about longing, love, and survival that continues to feel as powerful today as it did centuries ago.
~The Verdict: It’s a cultural gem with moments that will make you stop and think, but it’s also a beast to get through. Still, I get why it’s a classic. The themes of resilience, wit, and human flaws are relatable even after centuries. It’s like a love letter to storytelling itself, but the pacing? Oof. It tested my patience big time. Three stars for its historical significance and for keeping me hooked even when I probably should’ve stopped. Pata pata, Homer, let’s agree I’ll save long epics for my post-exam life....more
The Octopus Museum is a highly creative collection of poems that imagines a world where octopuses have taken over after human⭐⭐⭐☆☆
~ Plot Overview:
The Octopus Museum is a highly creative collection of poems that imagines a world where octopuses have taken over after humanity’s self-inflicted environmental ruin.The collection presents a dystopian vision, exploring themes like environmental collapse, human arrogance, and the social injustices that have contributed to this grim reality. Through the eyes of cephalopods, the poems examine how humans have hurt the planet and each other, while offering a sharp critique of societal issues such as sexism, racism, and violence. but at times, the collection can feel overwhelming and distant due to its abstract style.
~ Some Standout Poems:
"Bakamonotako" – A fable that explores identity struggles, reflecting on the consequences of losing one’s true self.
"Are Women People?" – This poem examines the status of women through the lens of cephalopod analysis, asking difficult questions about how humans categorize each other.
"Letters from Elders" – A reflective and poignant letter from the older generation, expressing regret about the future shaped by past mistakes.
"No Traveler Returns" – Contemplates the unspoken, existential thoughts that many keep hidden.
"Gift Planet" – A warning from Time itself about humanity’s irreversible actions.
~ Final Thoughts:
While the collection is intellectually engaging and full of deep themes, The poems are intellectually stimulating, yet emotionally complex, making them both thought-provoking and deeply human. While the collection’s dystopian tone can feel bleak at times, it is ultimately a call to attention—warning us to take stock of the world we’ve created before it’s too late. The creative concept of octopuses reflecting on human society is unique, but the overall tone can be difficult to digest. It's a thought-provoking read, but may not resonate with everyone. For fans of abstract poetry and social commentary, it’s worth exploring, but not without its challenges....more
Daddy by Sylvia Plath is a powerful, raw exploration of grief and anger. With vivid, haunting imagery, she confronts the trauma of her father’s death Daddy by Sylvia Plath is a powerful, raw exploration of grief and anger. With vivid, haunting imagery, she confronts the trauma of her father’s death and the lasting impact it had on her. The poem is a desperate release from the pain that haunted her, made even more tragic knowing she took her life a year later....more
The Poetry Pharmacy by William Sieghart is an absolute gem of a book. It’s not just a collection of poems; it’s a toolkit for the soul. and I love t The Poetry Pharmacy by William Sieghart is an absolute gem of a book. It’s not just a collection of poems; it’s a toolkit for the soul. and I love the concept behind it. It’s like a poetic guidebook for different emotional struggles. Feeling anxious? There’s a poem for that. Heartbroken? Lonely? Burnt out? It’s all in there, paired with thoughtful little "prescriptions" to soothe whatever you’re going through.
What I loved most is how approachable it is. Even if you’re not into poetry, Sieghart’s careful curation and his thoughtful commentary make it easy to connect with the words. It’s like he understands what you’re going through and hands you a poem that says, “You’re not alone.”
That said, I found many of the poems were ones I’d already read before. The variety is beautiful—classic and modern poems, each speaking directly to the heart. Some moved me to tears; others felt like a quiet reassurance. It’s the kind of book you’ll return to over and over, finding new comfort every time....more
As I read The Mad Girl’s Love Song: Sylvia Plath and Life Before Ted by Andrew Wilson, I couldn’t help but feel deeply m Mad Girl's Love Song ~ ★★★★
As I read The Mad Girl’s Love Song: Sylvia Plath and Life Before Ted by Andrew Wilson, I couldn’t help but feel deeply moved by the intricate layers of Sylvia Plath’s early life. This biography gave me a fresh perspective on her formative years, offering an intimate glimpse into her struggles, relationships, and relentless ambition. It reminded me that before Plath became a literary icon, she was a young woman grappling with her identity, insecurities, and the weight of her aspirations.
What stood out to me was how the book portrayed Sylvia’s intellectual brilliance and competitive spirit. The connection she felt to works like Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra and her drive to perfect her craft despite rejections revealed a young woman who was determined to leave her mark on the world. I found myself admiring her resilience, even as the book painted an honest picture of her vulnerabilities.
The exploration of Sylvia’s relationships felt bittersweet. Her yearning for love and validation, shaped by her father’s early death, resonated deeply. From her intellectual connection with Eddie Cohen to the safer but emotionally distant Dick Norton, each relationship added a layer to her story. These dynamics weren’t just romantic—they were tied to her emotional struggles and creative growth. Wilson’s portrayal of these relationships made me wish I could reach through the pages and offer her the comfort and assurance she seemed to constantly seek.
The book’s focus on her mental health was equally powerful. I appreciated how it reframed her 1953 suicide attempt as more than just a reaction to rejection; instead, it showed how a lifetime of emotional pressure and societal expectations built to that breaking point. It made me empathize with her even more deeply, as her struggles were both intensely personal and heartbreakingly universal.
Still, I found myself wanting a bit more lyricism in the writing. For someone as poetic as Sylvia Plath, I felt the book could have leaned into a more imaginative, emotionally evocative style to match her own. Additionally, while focusing on her life before Ted Hughes was refreshing, it felt incomplete—almost like stopping the story just as it’s reaching its peak.
Overall, The Mad Girl’s Love Song is a book I deeply appreciated for its honesty and depth. It gave me a fuller understanding of Sylvia Plath as a person, not just a poet, and left me both inspired and heartbroken. For anyone fascinated by her life or her work, this biography is an insightful, moving read. However, it left me yearning for just a touch more emotional resonance to fully capture the brilliance and tragedy of her early years...more
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