Homer's Odyssey: An Embiggened Simpsons Guide

by Mitch Grinter, Brendan Dando

Remember when The Simpsons was the funniest show on television?

The Simpsons is the longest running comedy in history. Gracing our screens since 1989, with over 600 episodes, the show is a cultural phenomenon. Whilst it is still drawing huge ratings numbers, there is no argument that during the 90s the show was at its zenith.

No other comedy has had as big an impact on society. The Simpsons has influenced the way we communicate with each other. Niche quotes and references have become the secret handshake of millions around the world. In the course of this book, we remember the iconic characters – Hank Scorpio and Lionel Hutz, Rex Banner and Frank Grimes - and we dissect seminal episodes such as Cape Feare, Marge Vs the Monorail and Who Shot Mr. Burns.

From celebrity cameos to musical moments, from hidden jokes to a insane trivia, this is the essential companion to golden age of The Simpsons. Homer’s Odyssey is a hilarious, intelligent and in-depth analysis to the greatest show on earth.

So grab yourself a Flaming Moe, settle in to your groove on the couch, and enjoy our guide to your favourite yellow family.

304 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2018

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Homer's Odyssey is the perfect book for Simpsons fans. It takes readers on a journey from the 1st to the 9th season, highlighting episodes, moments and the show's production history along the way. The book is written in a myriad of different ways including a combination of seasonal conversation between the two authors, individual casual analysis of favourite episodes, interviews with production staff and a trivia section thrown in the middle for a bit of fun. And that is the word I can best use to describe the book: fun. If you have connected with The Simpsons to the point where it occupies that little space in your heart, then it becomes very easy to relate to the love for the show expressed in every page; the authors feel like people you could very easily be friends with given how much you already have in common. The books formatting is clever and makes it easy to stay motivated to read and produces an eagerness to finish the section your on to see what topic will be discussed next. It allows things to move quickly and never grow stale or uninteresting. It is worth recognising that while this book does contain specific information about the production process, it is limited and generally confined to the interviews with The Simpsons staff sprinkled throughout. This book at its core is two fans' tribute to the show, wanting to share their passion for The Simpsons with other people. If you have a history with the show, like so many of us do, it is the perfect trip to reliving those favourite moments and discovering your own personal connections to the different seasons and episodes; I wanted to sink into the book just so I could join the discussion and express my own views many times. Though it is a short read at 281 pages, and the price may be a little high, don't forget, you will always have your Four Finger Discount.

(though don't actually use it because the authors deserve to get paid.)

[g · Rating 4 out of 5]

this really is a love letter to the simpsons

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a massive Simpsons fan, I wish I enjoyed this more. I found some of the background information that I didn't know but really this book is opinion. Episodes they love are not necessarily episodes I love. And in that we are all entitled to our own opinion.

I will point out just one tiny little mistake. When they talk about "Who Shot Mr Burns? Parts 1 & 2", they refer to SuperDude as a lizard. SuperDude it a gerbil. Just sayin'

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

As fans of the show, I was expecting (and wanting) more from these guys. It was pretty much the podcasts written down.
The interviews with cast etc were great (more please) and the breakdowns showed that Simpson fans all have our own obscure quotes we love.
However, two mistakes were picked up.
1. Superdude is actually a gerbil. Not a lizard.
2. Superintendent Chalmers is voiced by Hank Azaria. Not Dan Castellaneta.

[Clancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a literal lifelong fan of the show, it was a joy getting to relive so many of the moments that shaped my appreciation and understanding of comedy and literature.

While being so into the subject made this book as rewarding as it was, I couldn't shake the feeling that Homer's Odyssey only came into existence because these dudes got offered a deal to write it. It feels a lot like the authors aren't exactly sure what form the book should take, or who the audience for it is.

The result is a mix of true fan-service in the form of cast and crew interviews, intertwined with long reviews of classic episodes that anyone reading a book about The Simpsons would already be familiar with.

I got this for free, so the good bits really were worth the price of admission to me — especially the recommended list of later-season episodes that live up the glory days of seasons 1 through 9. I can't say I can recommend it to buy, though, as there's just not enough here that's worth it.

If you're a fan, get it from the library? It's an Albany expression.

[Michael Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homer's Odyssey is a great read for all Simpsons fans. It's a book written by fans for fans. Mitch and Dando share their memories of the Simpsons and how it shaped their world like many of us fans. We get their top episodes, interviews with people who have worked on the show and even some very hard trivia!

[Dylan Walter · Rating 4 out of 5]

While most of the book is the two guys opinions, they are obviously passionate fans of the show.

The best parts here though are the interviews with the crew of the show

[Eliscia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but written by two boys so not enough Lisa content.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

By fans, for fans. This was a fun read that for me was nostalgic and thought-provoking.