Summer Reading
in Ancient Greece
by Sandy Irwin, Library Director
No, I didn't take a fabulous vacation to Greece... Rather, I traveled through literature.
Every so often, I randomly pick up a book from the shelves. I know our librarians do a great job of selecting materials, so taking that kind of chance usually leads to great results. That is why I picked up "Medusa's Sisters" by Lauren J. A. Bear. Told from the alternating perspectives of Stheno and Euryale, we learn the tale of the doomed threesome of sisters as, together, they satisfy Medusa's yearning for a place among mortals, as well as their inescapable connection to the gods. As we know, the tales of ancient Greece are not kind to women, and this story is no different. Beautiful and heartbreaking.
And why, you may ask, had I not read "Circe" by Madeline Miller? Honestly... I don't know! There are so many books and so little time! Reading "Medusa's Sisters" led me to it, along with a recommendation from my daughter. And it did not disappoint. Watching Circe develop, change, and grow into herself was an interesting journey. The story was captivating.
Take some time this summer to explore other places through fiction. and if you pick up that random book... give it a try!