The Book Basilisks discussion

Finally the polls are closed and we have the winner for next month's group read: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller! Feel free to discuss the book in this thread and tell us what you thought about the book.

I myself already have the ebook and I'm excited to start reading it! I've heard so many good things about. I haven't started yet though... Has anyone gotten the book yet?

I have the book but only because I got it a week or two ago to read. I haven't started it though. I have a physical copy as well as an ebook but idk which one I'll read. probably the ebook version.

That's great! So next month could be the perfect time for you to start reading! I don't know when I'll begin as well, I'm currently reading a big book and I usually only read one to two books at the same time but we'll see...

Yeah. I feel you. I refuse to read more than one book at a time. Unless it's a small/quick read or a school related one. But this book is pretty big. Maybe you'll finish it before next month.

im trying to find an ebook version but if i dont im going to the library some times this week so I'll just get it then

Dang it!!! I've still got about a quarter of the night circus left to read!! Lol! Time hasn't been my friend this month

YAY!!! I finished the book recently so I won't reread it this month since I'm a very slow reader and it would take me so long, but I will definitely be participating in the conversation!!

I finished the book recently so I think I'll finish the three I'm currently reading. It was an amazing read though. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did! Can't wait to see what everyone thinks of it!!

I finished it over the summer and it's amazing, one of my favourites.

I read this book a few months ago but I'm looking forward it to re-reading it. I know there's a lot of hype about this book on tumblr and whatnot, but trust me, it's all for good reason. I'm so glad it was chosen as the September read.

That's great Jian, Sabina, CHai and Kendal! You can still join with the discussions anyways :) And yeah, there's so much hype about it, I don't want it to be like Miss Peregrine where I put my hopes too high :( I'm thinking of starting this next week since I'll be away on camp and it'll be better to bring a light ebook than the paperback book I'm reading.

I agree, Ayunda! I hope it deserves the hype, because I, too, thought Miss Peregrine's was disappointing.

Yeah, I know... For those of you who have read it, I was just wondering, did you come to the book without knowing anything about Greek gods or anything? Have you read The Iliad before reading the novel? Because I don't know anything about Greek culture or gods except from Percy Jackson lol.

I mean the book does a very good job of explaining the plot of the Iliad from its own perspective, so there's really no need for you to have read it beforehand. If you get interested in reading it while you're reading TSOA then power to you, but it's not necessary. Also as long as you know the basics of Greek mythology then you should be fine, it's more about the specific characters and human events than the actual divine intervention of the gods, if I remember correctly. Any important myths are explained very well in the books, for example, the story of Achilles parentage.

No, I hadn't read anything about Greek mythology before reading this book!

I got interested into greek mythology from Percy Jackson series and then from there i kinda started reading up on other greek myths but im sure i haven't covered all but still its a bit of a background. I really wanna read the Iliad and Odysseus tho.

Woah, that's a relief, I thought it would be a little challenging to read if you dont have knowledge on Greek mythology... I'm still on chapter four so far, and I quite like it and the writing style is really nice!

Hey Jia don't worry at all, the book explains a lot of stuff and it's super easy to follow

gosh sorry *Jian my bad

Cool! How far is everyone at for their read? And what are your thoughts so far?

I'm a couple pages in, just started today haha

The only knowledge I had about Greek mythology before reading TSOA was from Percy Jackson as well, and it didn't make the book any less enjoyable! I think I'll start re-reading it next week.

What kind of book would you say this is age wise? Like adult or young adult?

I'd say young adult, Julia.

I'm in chapter 11 and i really like it so far. I loved that Odysseus made an appearance in the beginning of the story.

I started reading ut last night, I'm five chapters in. I really like it so far, and the writing style is beautiful!

I'm still on chapter five as well Lina, and I totally agree, the writing is wonderful. As for the characters, I don't really know what to think of them yet, but Achilles feels a little too much like this "cool flawless guy" that's like quiet and brooding and perfect in every way which I don't really like? But I'm still excited to continue the story.

I just finished it, i really liked even though there were some changes to the original mythology.

The book just came into the library and I'm picking it up tomorrow. I'm super excited to start reading it.

I don't know how many other people are gonna go through this, but the first time I read it I honestly cried. Also if anyone is interested in listening to fanmixes while reading I know a few on 8tracks that are perfect.

Kendal, fanmixs to read while reading sound great. Can you post some links please?

http://8tracks.com/99valentine/as-the...

http://8tracks.com/pctroclus/this-and...

http://8tracks.com/intaoxication/his-...

^these are just a few and you can probably find some more through the tags

Great, Sara! Are you fimiliar with the Greek mythology surrounding Achilles' story? And thank you so much Kendal! Will check it out when reading.

Yeah i am ,Ayunda. He's actually one of my fav greek heros.

Whoah, that's lovely! I'm still around page 100 and so far I actually like Patroclus more than Achilles... What about you guys, do you have a favourite character so far?

I assumed Achilles would be my favourite but i don't like the way he was written here, it made him seem like a dumb blonde or smthn but Odysseus completely took my heart on this story. I have a thing for the smart and cunning

Achilles is my problematic fave

Same, Kendal, I have 90 pages left and can't help but love him

the last 150-100 pages? i want to say are absolutely brutal bc of what achilles turns into. i think I flagged that section to death!!

whoah i haven't gotten there yet! and yet i don't dislike achilles, i just like patroclus more! he's so sweet and loving to achilles i love it :3

omg towards the end Achilles pissed me off but i was also very sad bc i kept comparing him to how he was and gosh i felt bad for patroclus!!

i know!! yeah i agree, achilles becomes terrible but I also think it makes sense you know, with all the grief and anger and rage... also the writing towards the end was just spectacular, when (view spoiler)[Patroclus died I was wondering how the story will continue to be narrated and for the story to continue to Patroclus's point of view as a restless "spirit" was wonderful. (hide spoiler)]

Yeah, Achilles is my problematic fave as well and ahahaha Kendal it's OK - I've actually read the book already and it was I who nominated it for this month! :D
And yeah, I agree, but at the same time, one can understand why Achilles is the way he is!!

I finished it yesterday, and I absolutely loved it! And I agree, I can see why Achilles acted the way he did now. Also, the writing was so beautiful, especially in the end!

Yeah the writing was amazing and gorgeous and the last paragraph is my favourite passage from the book. <3 <3 <3

I just started the book tonight. It's not bad so far. I'm about 20 pages in.

Yessssss I know right Lina!!! It's gorgeous, I love all the words and how it's so lyrical and sweet and ughhh.

So far I kinda like Achilles more, but that may be because I have a soft spot for characters like him.