pickDefinitely enjoyed this book. The author did a good job with examining the history, politics, and culture of ancient Athens. The book also examines Sparta to a lesser degree, as well as the relation between Athens and other city-states. Overall, it can serve as a good starting point for anyone interested in learning about Athens.
pick51/100 I know it's an old saying, but honestly, I could listen to Stephen Fry read a phone book, if they still existed. His narration really brings the story of Odessus to life, it's often quite funny when it's not being tragic, as Odessus has one misadventure after another, both helped and hindered by the various gods of Olympus. I know this is the last book of his Greek Mythology series, but I love to see him tackle Norse mythology. 5 🌟 read
Oh Boy! Oh Boy! Oh Boy! I did not know that Stephen Fry had a 4th book in the Greek Mythology series. I need to finish my current audiobook so I can get to this. I know it's going to be another winner. #SeriesLove2025
"Another innovation of Cleisthenes was ostracism. The ecclesia voted once a year, if there was demand, on the exile for ten years of a leading politician. Citizens could propose anyone they wished. There was no question of punishment for criminality, rather a desire, in Plutarch's phrase, to 'humble and cut back oppressive prestige and power.'"
-Anthony Everitt, "The Rise of Athens"
Next up for reading.
pickI don‘t usually like Greek myth retellings, though I‘ve had some luck with some of Haynes‘s books and I liked this one, too. I didn‘t read the description and actually didn‘t realize who Jocasta was until about halfway through, which was fun.
pickReadable, but not in depth. Does pretty much exactly what it says on the tin.
bailedI'm not feeling this one right now. I suspect I added it to my TBR for my kids at some point because it's more their thing than mine. Maybe I'll revisit it at some point, but I'm setting it aside for now. One down for #Roll100! Not a very satisfying way to mark it off, but it does get it off my TBR.
January was a great reading month, with a 5-star and some 4-star books. I loved The Conqueror's Wife, enjoyed some buddy reads (although I didn't have enough patience for Lark Rise), and started some non-fiction books that will be finished in February.
#montlywrapup
