Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion

This is the March Monthly Group Read discussion for The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. This will satisfy the prompt #8 A book that has won the Women's Prize for Fiction. It is Women's History Month in Australia, the UK, and the US.

YAY! Erica volunteered to lead this discussion! Thank you ever so much!!

Every person reads at a different pace, so please use spoiler tags if you are sharing any plot-related surprises. This allows others to decide whether this information might reveal surprising information they have not yet read.

It can also be helpful to other readers if you post the location within the book noting your progress (chapter or page number) with the spoiler. That way, if someone else has read that far they can go ahead and open the spoiler, but if not, they'll know to skip it for now and return later...

TO ADD SPOILER TAGS:
Use this for spoilers, just remove the spaces:
< spoiler > write your spoiler here and close with < / spoiler >

Posts here should only be contributions to discussion about this book.

So to get this discussion going:
1. Who is not reading this book to accomplish the very limiting prompt #8?
2. Also have you read Circe?
3. Are you familiar with Greek mythology?


Feel free to share other prompt suggestions for this book.
1. This has been on my tbr for a few years ever since I read Circe. I volunteered to lead the discussion to make sure I read this because I will be using for #8.
2. I enjoyed Circe but it was a bit depressing I felt the book didn't go anywhere by the end. It was a 3 star read for me but Miller's writing style was enjoyable.
3. Definitely a fan of Greek mythology so looking forward to this book.

1. I’m reading this now to satisfy prompt 8 and interested in hearing the perspectives of others in the monthly book discussion
2. I have read Circe a couple years ago and rated it as 4 stars. It was my first Greek mythology genre read and I surprisingly really enjoyed it.
3. I do not lean towards fantasy or mythology genre, although Greek mythology does intrigue me for few reasons; I share the same ethnic heritage and have visited the country. Circe was the first and last book I read in this genre. I would not have chosen it on my own, so I do appreciate the recommendation from this group in years past. I am enjoying Achilles’ story also; I am halfway through and i am leaning towards FIVE stars. Maybe it’s Madeline Miller, too.

I am picking up my copy today or tomorrow, so I am eager to get started!
1. Yes, I will use it for prompt 8
2. No, I haven't read Circe, but it has been on my TBR for some time
3. I am a fan of Greek mythology, I really enjoy stories, the mix of deep tragedy and comedy. That being said I have never read a novel about it, so I am very excited to see what this one brings

1: I'm actually using it for #37, a book I think (one) best friend will love as I want to read We Need to Talk About Kevin for this prompt.
2: Never heard about it, but then again I haven't read anything by her and have a huge reading list, these challenges help me decide on which book to read next
3: I love mythology in general, no matter where it's from

1. Who is not reading this book to accomplish the very limiting prompt #8?

I'm following this Goodreads group and using this book for #8.

2. Also have you read Circe?

No, but it is on my TBR for #12, a book I've seen on someone's bookshelf. I saw it on my best friends bookshelf and she let me borrow it.

3. Are you familiar with Greek mythology?

Not really, unfortunately. Maybe this will spike my interest and I'll try to learn a bit more after reading.

1. Who is not reading this book to accomplish the very limiting prompt #8?

I initially wasn't going to read this book for prompt #8 but after reading Circe, I was eager to.

2. Also have you read Circe?

Yes, it was a five star rating for me in 2020.

3. Are you familiar with Greek mythology?

When I was a boy, I frequently checked out Greek mythology from the library. However, it has been some time and it is good to visit old friends.

1. Who is not reading this book to accomplish the very limiting prompt #8?

I am reading it for this prompt as well as for the prompt: A book that reminds you of a favorite person, place, etc...My favorite instructor in college taught a Greek mythology class. And yes, I'm a double dipper. hahaha

2. Also have you read Circe?

I did and really enjoyed it. I thought it was a bit slow at the beginning, but picked up. I got hooked with Achilles right away.

3. Are you familiar with Greek mythology?

I am. I've read the Illiad and the Odyssey, as well as the Oresteia Trilogy. It's been awhile, though, so I was thankful for the list of characters in the back of the book.

1. Who is not reading this book to accomplish the very limiting prompt #8?

I read this book for this prompt.

2. Also have you read Circe?

I read Circe for the prompt "A book everyone seems to have read but you" and loved it.

3. Are you familiar with Greek mythology?

A little.

1. I’m reading this book for prompt 8.
2. I tried to read Circe, but it was a DNF for me about a third of the way through. However, in many of my book groups, most people seem to love either Circe or Achilles, and not care for the other book. I’m enjoying Achilles, so far.
3. I love Greek mythology, and some of my favorite books are myth retellings from many cultures. There’s a retelling of Ariadne I’m looking forward to later this year.

I see a few people have finished and rated this highly. Where is everyone else at. I had hoped to be farther along than I currently am at chapter 7.

What are/were your first impressions? Any stand out quotes?

I'm loving the same sweeping epic feel of the story to keep in line Greek tragedies.

1. I plan to read this for prompt 8 but am waiting for it to be available on Libby.

2. I have not read Circe but have it as a TBR.

3. I know enough about Greek Mythology to answer wrong on trivia night! Lol I do like learning more about it.

Just popping to see who is here and reading this in March. I read it last year and LOVED it! And I'm not a mythology fan overall. Have read very little (probably none would be more accurate) mythology and really haven't much been interested. But I found Miller's writing to be enthralling! I hope you-all enjoy it!

Thank you so much to Erica for leading discussion this month!

I also adored Circe!

Happy reading and discussing!

1. Who is not reading this book to accomplish the very limiting prompt #8?
I am reading this for prompt# 8

2. Also have you read Circe?
No I haven't but I have heard good things about the book and the author

3. Are you familiar with Greek mythology?
Yes I really like Greek Mythology but I have never read the Illiad. I read the Odyssey in college but it has been awhile. So far I am really enjoying it. About 1/2 way through the book

1.) Yes, I'm reading this one to fit in prompt #8
2.) Yes, I read Circe and loved it!! Much more than I thought I would.
3.) Somewhat familiar with Greek mythology, no expert by any means and just familar with the popular stories, not so much the sidebar ones.

Just started this one on audio today and already a good chunk in and was not expecting the main thread, so maybe I DON'T know as much as I thought! 😂

So I'm now 25% done. I will be finishing the book this week because the library will be taking it back.

I am also popping in to this group because I read this book two years ago and loved it as well and was curious about the comments. I am not re-reading it this year for prompt 8. (I read Hamnet, which I did not enjoy.)
I read a lot of myth/fairytale retellings but The Song of Achilles was so much more, in my opinion. I picked it up just to see if I liked it and was immediately hooked.
I have read Circe in the past and loved that one too.
Maybe I am just a Madeline Miller fan.
Happy reading!

1. Who is not reading this book to accomplish the very limiting prompt #8?

I'm reading this for prompt #8.

2. Also have you read Circe?

No, I haven't but I'm intrigued.

3. Are you familiar with Greek mythology?

I used to be super into it, but I haven't been reading much about it lately, so I'm afraid I've forgotten a lot. Happy to read more about it now.

I just started this book and finished the first two chapters. I'm really enjoying the writing style.

1. Who is not reading this book to accomplish the very limiting prompt #8? This is definitely for prompt #8. I couldn't choose so I let this group decide for me.
2. Also have you read Circe? I have not.
3. Are you familiar with Greek mythology? Just a little bit that I remember from high school (back in the 80's). I loved it, though. I thought it was also so fascinating.

I'm about 75% done with the book and I am loving it so far!

1. Who is not reading this book to accomplish the very limiting prompt #8?

I am reading this book for prompt #8. I just picked it up from the library today!

2. Also have you read Circe?

I haven't read Circe. If I like this book by Madeline Miller, then I may try reading it later.

3. Are you familiar with Greek mythology?

I'm somewhat familiar with Greek mythology. In elementary school (back in the day) I was in the gifted program and one of the enrichment topics was Greek mythology. I also learned about it in junior high when one of the required readings was The Odyssey. I suffered through that book, sorry Homer! Finally, when I was in third grade we took a family vacation to the Mardi Gras (the last year we went because I started to realize the debauchery and going-ons there) and I had to keep a journal of the trip to share with the class -- since it was during the school year -- and a lot of it was about the Greek gods and goddesses that the parades and floats are based upon. It was very interesting, and I found a slight interest in Greek mythology after that trip. Too bad Mardi Gras isn't really my scene these days.

Britany wrote: "1.) Yes, I'm reading this one to fit in prompt #8
2.) Yes, I read Circe and loved it!! Much more than I thought I would.
3.) Somewhat familiar with Greek mythology, no expert by any means and just ..."

Ooh, the audio is so good. That voice!

Here's some more questions.

What did you think of the book and what did you rate it?
Would you recommend it and to what type of reader? Were you surprised that Miller left out Achilles being dipped in the River Styx thus Achilles dies by an arrow to the chest and not his Achilles tendon plot point? Any deviations from myth that you liked or did not like? Did it work for you to have the story continue on from Patroclus' perspective after his death or did Miller 'jump the shark'?

1. Who is not reading this book to accomplish the very limiting prompt #8?
I read this book for prompt #8 - but I read it in February as I was in the mood for it at the time.
2. Also have you read Circe? I read Circe twice, loved it more the second time around. I liked Circe better than The Song of Achilles, I wonder if it is because I identified more with Circe as it was female-driven? I identified with Circe's feelings and circumstance better I think.
3. Are you familiar with Greek mythology? Yes, Studied it in high school and college. I read The Odyssey and Iliad and Aeneid concurrently. It was... a lot.

What did you think of the book and what did you rate it?

I rated it only 3 or 4 stars. I was slightly bored in the middle but it picked up quickly. I am glad I finished it.

Would you recommend it and to what type of reader?

I would recommend it to those who have already read Circe for sure, anyone looking to get more into Mythology - you can tell Miller did her homework and is a beautiful writer.

Were you surprised that Miller left out Achilles being dipped in the River Styx thus Achilles dies by an arrow to the chest and not his Achilles tendon plot point?

I read more about Achilles online as I progressed through this book. I didn't realize that upon Miller's research the "Achille's tendon" plot point was popularized after his death and so it is difficult to know for sure if it was accurate. I am glad she left it out, it made the story more authentic and not predictable.

Any deviations from myth that you liked or did not like?

I didn't know much about that story so it is difficult to tell where she deviated. I know from reading Circe that she fills in "gaps" with detail and it always keeps the story flowing.

Did it work for you to have the story continue on from Patroclus' perspective after his death or did Miller 'jump the shark'?

After I read that Patroclus dies online (after researching his story) I wondered how Miller was going to continue with Achilles. Considering it was titled "A Song of Achilles" I knew it wouldn't have ended with Patroclus dying. I think she finished it up nicely.

Milena wrote: "Ooh, the audio is so good. That voice"

Yes, it's going by so fast!!

So I watched Troy last night. I forgot just how much I loved that movie. Sean Bean is great as Odysseus but I like the character better in this book. I am quite attached to the tale about Thetis dipping Achilles in the river but other than that I love what Miller did.

What did you think of the book and what did you rate it?
I really liked this book. I rated it a 4.

Would you recommend it and to what type of reader? I would recommend it to anyone who likes to read about Greek mythology.

Were you surprised that Miller left out Achilles being dipped in the River Styx thus Achilles dies by an arrow to the chest and not his Achilles tendon plot point? I liked this change. It seemed more believable.

Any deviations from myth that you liked or did not like? Did it work for you to have the story continue on from Patroclus' perspective after his death or did Miller 'jump the shark'? I was wondering how this would happen. It felt natural for it to continue to be told by Patroclus' point of view. He was with Achilles always. Their love story was so touching. I really liked that their love was not hidden or ignored, but as a central idea of the story.

What did you think of the book and what did you rate it?
I really liked it. I would give it 4.5/5 stars, it isn't a fast read and I wished I realized there was a glossary in the back. It would have helped me keep all the Greek names straight.

Would you recommend it and to what type of reader?
Yes I would definitely recommend it to anyone that likes Greek Mythology, Fantasy or Historical Fiction

Were you surprised that Miller left out Achilles being dipped in the River Styx thus Achilles dies by an arrow to the chest and not his Achilles tendon plot point? Any deviations from myth that you liked or did not like?
I was familiar with the story of Achilles being dipped in the river prior to reading the book, so I was a bit surprised that that was written differently here. I feel like it would have also made it more dramatic.

Did it work for you to have the story continue on from Patroclus' perspective after his death or did Miller 'jump the shark'?
It was a little odd at first but I think she made it work and explained why his soul hadn't moved on yet. Patroclus was always telling the story, so it would have changed the narrative to have Achilles be the storyteller at the end

What did you think of the book and what did you rate it?
When I was young, I was frequently visited the library. One of the genres I often checked out was Greek mythology. These were tales of fantastical places and times populated with gods, demigods and monsters. Demigods were generally the product of sexual intercourse between an immortal and mortal. The gods were capricious creatures granting favors on one occasion while punishing on another. Mortals were generally nothing more than sport, the gods often taking sides and influencing the outcome in conflicts.

After reading the author's second mythological novel, Circe, I decided to read her first. Although her writing is prose not epic poetry, it still reads very much like what I read as a child. The difference is that I was privy to the psychology behind their motivations. I gave it five stars and a favorite rating.


Would you recommend it and to what type of reader?

I would recommend this novel to anyone who is a past or present fan of mythology. I listened to this novel as an audiobook. I had no problem keeping up with the characters. If you believe you would, pick up the book which includes a list of characters and description.

Were you surprised that Miller left out Achilles being dipped in the River Styx thus Achilles dies by an arrow to the chest and not his Achilles tendon plot point?

I was surprised since Achilles invulnerability with that one vulnerable spot was the myth I had always heard. I guess Miller thought that this alteration in the Achilles myth emphasized his humanity.
Any deviations from myth that you liked or did not like?

Since I know very little about the Achilles myth other than what has already been stated, I didn't have a problem with how his story was presented.

Did it work for you to have the story continue on from Patroclus' perspective after his death or did Miller 'jump the shark'?

I simply thought that the Achilles story was being told from Patroclus' perspective. Miller gave me no indication from what I remember that he was telling the story after death.

Finished this one today-- Miller does such a great job at making something that could be dusty into something relevant and interesting. A small interesting story became so much more with her writing. I enjoyed dipping my toe back into mythology to read this one. Looking forward to seeing what story Miller tackles next.

What did you think of the book and what did you rate it? I gave it 4 stars- I really enjoyed it.

Would you recommend it and to what type of reader? Yes, I would especially recommend it to those that appreciate a retelling of a classic, a new take filling in the gaps in the story of Achilles, anyone that appreciates research and detail and a historical story.

Were you surprised that Miller left out Achilles being dipped in the River Styx thus Achilles dies by an arrow to the chest and not his Achilles tendon plot point? Yes, I was surprised- it's the only thing I really knew about Achilles before going into this.

Any deviations from myth that you liked or did not like? No, but I'm not a huge Greek mythology person, so not one for the facts of these stories. I just went along the path that Miller led me down.

Did it work for you to have the story continue on from Patroclus' perspective after his death or did Miller 'jump the shark'? No, I really appreciated that it continued on from him perspective until Thetis finally intervened, I was so sad for him wandering in between worlds, and was glad to see what happened through his eyes- gave the story a little more emotional attachment.

Britany wrote: "Finished this one today-- Miller does such a great job at making something that could be dusty into something relevant and interesting. A small interesting story became so much more with her writin..."

I too am curious about what she does next, so I went and looked on goodreads and she working on a Shakespeare retelling.😢 I'm sure it'll be good but I want more Greek Mythology.

oh bummer!! It's safe to say I'm still in on anything she writes! ;)

What did you think of the book and what did you rate it? I really enjoyed the book, and rated it 4 stars.

Would you recommend it and to what type of reader? Yes, I would recommend this book. I would recommend it the voracious reader or to someone who specifically enjoys historical fiction and/or Greek mythology.

Were you surprised that Miller left out Achilles being dipped in the River Styx thus Achilles dies by an arrow to the chest and not his Achilles tendon plot point? I was surprised. I reread the part where the arrow struck his chest because I thought I had missed the Achilles tendon plot point. Once I finished and read the character glossary I understood her choice and overall inspiration.

Any deviations from myth that you liked or did not like? No, that is usually why I enjoy historical fiction because I enjoy deviations from the factual to make it an enjoyable story.

Did it work for you to have the story continue on from Patroclus' perspective after his death or did Miller 'jump the shark'? Yes, I did like how Miller ended the story. I feel like if she would've just left it as "Patroclus died" then it wouldn't have had the closure I was expecting/wanting.

I am reading this book to accomplish the number 8 prompt. Circe is on my reading list for this year, but am not sure if I am going to get to it. I am vaguely familiar with Greek mythology but not in-depth. I found the book overall interesting as mentioned before I am only vaguely familiar with Greek mythology so it was interesting to learn more. I rated it 4 stars. I would recommend it to anyone interested in Greek mythology, coming of age, LGBTQIA interested or looking for an interesting love story. I am not surprised as the story was told mainly from Patroclus' perspective and it was more his story than the story of Achilles. I feel she changed the way Achilles died to fit in with the heartache that he was feeling. I have not read the myth so I cannot comment on it. I found that it was interesting to see Patroclus still being beside Achilles even after his death. It showed how much Achilles meant to him and that he was acting like a guardian even though he could not be seen or heard.

Who is not reading this book to accomplish the very limiting prompt #8?
I have had this book on my TBR shelf for a while, but I'm using the prompt as the excuse to finally read it.

Also have you read Circe?
I read Circe last summer for my book club. Quite liked it.

Are you familiar with Greek mythology?
I read a book as a kid called The Trojan War that told the story of the whole war, from the apple to the horse. When I picked up The Iliad years later, I was very disappointed it wasn't the story I knew. I read The Odyssey in high school (in prose, not poetry), but I never had anyone make me read The Iliad. Then in college I ended up majoring in Ancient Studies (essentially a Classics degree, but I only took Latin, not Latin AND Greek). I asked my Greek & Roman Myth professor about my kids book and where the rest of the war was that was "missing" from the Iliad, and learned about the Epic Cycle. So yes, I'm very familiar with Greek mythology. I even named my cat Eris (after the goddess who threw the apple. And a character from Xena).

What did you think of the book and what did you rate it?
I rated it five stars. I really liked it. It tells the story of the whole war, which is still my problem with The Iliad. It also includes the part about Achilles being hid among women and Odysseus tricking him with weapons as gifts, something I've only ever read in that kids book. My only complaint would be that there's nothing from the Trojan POV, but I understand why there isn't.

Would you recommend it and to what type of reader?
I'd recommend it to all my friends who also love Greek myth. My best friend and I once spent a day watching recent Hollywood adaptations of Greek tales and making fun of them. Our husbands left us alone with our mocking. I think she'd really like this book.

Were you surprised that Miller left out Achilles being dipped in the River Styx thus Achilles dies by an arrow to the chest and not his Achilles tendon plot point?
Only a little, but I was pleased by her response for why she did. I was glad the reason wasn't because of the Troy movie.

Any deviations from myth that you liked or did not like?
I don't remember Patroclus being one of Helen's suitors, but I liked that inclusion because it gave context to the war that would have been more difficult without it. And I don't remember Patroclus trying to climb the walls of Troy, so I need to go check my Greek myth reference book. (The Meridian Handbook of Classical Mythology) (I refuse to let myself check this book when reading this and Circe, but it's invaluable after. )

I did not know any of the parts about Pyrrhus, so his role was a surprise. I need to look him up too.

Did it work for you to have the story continue on from Patroclus' perspective after his death or did Miller 'jump the shark'?
Considering how limited the viewpoint had been until then, staying firmly locked in Patroclus's head, moving to another character to tell the ending would have been more jarring. One of my favorite books gets criticized for introducing alternate POVs near the end as the only way for the author to tell the complete story. Having anyone else take over the narrative that late would have been equally ill-received. I liked the reason the author came up with for why he could keep telling it.

@Melissa thanks for adding to my tbr!

Erica wrote: "@Melissa thanks for adding to my tbr!"

If you mean the kids book, The Trojan War was a great book. Odysseus is called Ulysses in it, but I loved it as a kid. I haven't read it since college, so I hope it holds up.

If you mean the handbook, think of it as an encyclopedia. You can look up people and it gives a summary of their appearances in the myths. (Achilles's section runs 4 pages, Patroclus's about half a page.) At the end of the summary, it gives what myths/authors wrote about them. You could read it cover to cover, but that would be tough. It was one of my textbooks for my myth class in college.

Oh haha here I thought it was more a collection of the myths.

For those that don't follow the weekly check-ins our wonderful mod Nadine posted this link for a NYT article about booktok which pertains to our BOTM.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/20/bo...

Erica wrote: "Oh haha here I thought it was more a collection of the myths."

Well, technically it IS a collection of the myths, but not in an easily readable format. You'll get the story of the Trojan War, but you'd have to read the entries for everyone individually. It's best as a reference book to look up exactly who Diomedes was, or what happened to Cassandra.