Around the Year in 52 Books discussion
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12: A book based on a myth
What are you reading this week?I am reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman.
What is the myth the book is based on?
I'm not entirely sure. It's on the 'Modern Adaptations of Greek Mythology' list.
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
I'd like to imagine I have decent knowledge about Greek mythology.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I'd really like to explore all mythology. I'm most curious about Egyptian and Norse mythology though.
- What are you reading this week?I also read American Gods by Neil Gaiman.
- What is the myth the book is based on?
Which myth ISN'T it based on?
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
Definitely not as good as I would like.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I've always been interested in mythology but this book certainly showed me how much is out there that I have no idea about. I'm up for learning about any of it.
What are you reading this week?Two books for me for this category: the seemingly Challenge wide pick American Gods by Neil Gaiman and Bright Air Black by David Vann
What is the myth the book is based on?
American Gods: I think it borrows from multiple traditions, but to what end, not sure
Bright Air Black: based on the tale of Medea, and of Jason and the Argonauts from Greek mythology
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
For Bright Air Black, for sure. For American Gods, probably not since it borrows from many traditions and I'm sure brings in myths and characters I don't know as well.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
Yes, would absolutely be interested in knowing more mythology and traditional folklore from a wide variety of sources (Russian, Celtic, Native American, Polynesian, Chinese, Indian to name a few in interested in and know little about).
- What are you reading this week?The Penelopiad
- What is the myth the book is based on?
It's a retelling of the Odyssey from pelelope's POV.
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
Yes, I love Greek mythology, I've read the Odyssey and the Iliad.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I find mythology fascinating, in addition to Greek and Roman mythology, I'm familiar with Norse and Celtic, I know a little bit of Ancient Egypt and Native American, Meso American (e.g.Atztec), and Polynesian too.
What are you reading this week?Like Kiwi, I'm reading The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
What is the myth the book is based on?
The Odyssey
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
Yes, I'm familiar with Greek mythology and have read The Odyssey & The Iliad.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
Last year I read The Palace of Illusions, which is about Indian mythology. I really enjoyed it & would like to learn more about Indian mythology.
- What are you reading this week? Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman- What is the myth the book is based on? Norse mythology in general.
- Is your knowledge good about this myth? It's passable. I've already learned quite a bit from the small bit of this book I've read.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore? I'm interested in Russian and Indian mythology, as well as Irish mythology.
What are you reading this week?The Secret Of Excalibur by Andy McDermott( reading it now)- What is the myth the book is based on?Excalibur
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?No
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore? I loving reading anything that has to do with Ancient Egyptian mythology
What are you reading this week?I am joining the crown and reading
by: Neil Gaiman
- What is the myth the book is based on?
I am not sure as I have only read the first 70 pages or so of over 500.
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
Not sure. I am still not sure what this book will be about.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I am up for any type of mythology, but I do admit it is not my favorite topic to read about.
What are you reading this week?
The Secret History by Donna TarttWhat is the myth the book is based on?
This book follows a group of Greek students, so several Greek myths are mentioned. The style of the book is supposedly based on the spiraling structure of Dante's Inferno as well.
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
I have read Dante's Inferno, although I wouldn't consider my knowledge of it to be vast. I do enjoy Greek mythology and have studied it a little, so I think I know enough to enjoy the book.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I really enjoy Greek mythology, so I'd like to read more books based on the Greek myths.
- What are you reading this week? Norse Mythology
- What is the myth the book is based on? the title says it all Norse Mythology
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
it isn't very good
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore? Unsure perhaps some Native American and Asian myths
What are you reading this week?Oedipus at Colonus by Sophocles.
What is the myth the book is based on?
The Oedipus myth, plus some Greek Gods/Goddesses thrown in.
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
About Oedipus and the prophecy, yes, but I wasn't familiar with this play.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I'd really like to learn more about Greek mythology.
Right now, I am reading The Ramayana
This is based on the Ramayana and is an illustrated prose version of the story.
I don't know much about the myth at all. I had seen movies and read books that made reference to it, so I wanted to check it out.
I would like to learn about all kinds of mythology.
- What are you reading this week?The Alchemyst/Michael Scott 3/11/17
- What is the myth the book is based on?
Alchemy is the main one but there is a mixture of other myths.
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
pretty basic
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I enjoy mythology so I'm pretty open.
What are you reading this week?Penelopiada
What is the myth the book is based on?
The Odyssey
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
I read a graphic novel of the myth last year. I have also tried to read the myth several times. Of course watched movies etc.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I enjoy reading books based on myth.
What are you reading this week?The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
What is the myth the book is based on?
Greek mythology
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
No not really. I did a paper on the Greek myths in art history class, but other than that, my knowledge is more of the names used in our culture (such as Hermes or Pan) that I didn't really have a backstory in my mind about yet.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
Not sure. Maybe Egyptian mythology?
What are you reading this week?The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
What is the myth the book is based on?
Greek mythology
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
I am not really familiar with this myth.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
The mythology I would like to explore are Egyptian, Mayan, and Aztec.
(Sweet! I coincidentally am reading the right book on the right week.)- What are you reading this week?
The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller.
- What is the myth the book is based on?
The Illiad and the surrounding Greek mythology.
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
Really good. I used to watch Troy obsessively and have read several retellings of this myth.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
On my TBR list is The Penelopiad, by Margaret Atwood and Norse Mythology, by Neil Gaiman.
- What are you reading this week?The Horse Goddess
- What is the myth the book is based on?
Celtic myths about Epona the horse goddess
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
I don't really know many of the Celtic myths specifically
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I was also considering reading a book about the Norse god Loki.
What are you reading this week?The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
What is the myth the book is based on?
The Illiad.
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
Actually not. My parents thought I was too young to watch Troy when it came out, and I never had to study it in school. I know the origin of Achilles and that's about it!
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I'm not very much into mythology, but I went through a big Egypt phase as a kid.
What are you reading this week?The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
What is the myth the book is based on?
Greek myth as written by Homer, especially The Odyssey
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
I took Classical Mythology in college and have read The Odyssey
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I think I'd like to read more about Egyptian mythology
- What are you reading this week?
The King Must Die by Mary Renault, 6 Mar 17- What is the myth the book is based on?
The Greek myth of King Theseus, who killed the minotaur - a bull-like monster - and rescued his people from slavery.
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
No. I had vaguely heard of the minotaur but I didn't know what it was or who defeated it.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I think Greek myths are my favourite.
- What are you reading this week? American Gods- What is the myth the book is based on? I don't really know.. Myths aren't really my thing so this books is a bit of stretch for me.
- Is your knowledge good about this myth? No I have very little knowledge about Myths.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore? I have very little interest in this topic so my expectations of this book are low although I know some people really like this author I have never read him before.
What are you reading this week? The Crystal Cave by Mary StewartWhat is the myth the book is based on? Merlin and King Arthur
Is your knowledge good about this myth? Not really. I remember the Disney movie The Sword in the Stone. That's about it.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore? Have just learned of The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley by Hannah Tinti . Apparently this is a modern re-telling of the 12 labours of Hercules and is getting rave reviews. Can't wait to read it.
- What are you reading this week?Whom The Gods Would Destroy
- What is the myth the book is based on?
The events of the Iliad
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
No
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
Not really
Update: I just can't get into this book so I am substituting a wild card selection
The Tea Planter's Wife
What are you reading this week?Like several other people who have already commented, I'm reading The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
What is the myth the book is based on?
It's based on the Odyssey, and tells the story from the perspective of Penelope, Odysseus' wife.
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
I know the basic outline of the story but not any of the details of it.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I'd quite like to learn about Norse mythology as I know so little about it right now.
- What are you reading this week?I'm listening to the audiobook Norse Mythology written and narrated by Neil Gaiman.
- What is the myth the book is based on?
Norse mythological stories
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
Nope.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I have a book on Siberian mythology/tales which I've been meaning to read for many years.
- What are you reading this week?
- What is the myth the book is based on?
It's an overview of the Norse myth cycle from creation to Ragnarok.
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
I had basic knowledge of some of the protagonists - Odin, Thor, Loki, Freya.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I have been reading a lot of African and African-American authors and am keen to explore the mythologies of this continent next.
What are you reading this week?The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
What is the myth the book is based on?
The Odyssey. The story is told by Penelope, Odysseus' wife.
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
No
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
Other Greek myths.
- What are you reading this week? The Lightning Thief
- What is the myth the book is based on?
The Greek myths and gods.
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
I know the most well known gods and some associated stories, so I think so.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I'd like to dig more in the Egyptian mythology.
- What are you reading this week? The Lightning Thief- What is the myth the book is based on? Greek Gods
- Is your knowledge good about this myth? Somewhat good
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore? I used to be interested in myths when I was younger but not so much anymore. My 12 year old daughter is interested in all of them thanks to the Rick Riordan books which is what prompted me to read Percy Jackson and it is also a group read this month.
- What are you reading this week?
by Rick Riordan- What is the myth the book is based on? Greek mythology
- Is your knowledge good about this myth? I used to know quite a bit, but it's been awhile since I used those education muscles. :)
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore? I enjoy all well-written and researched mythology.
-What are you reading this week?Bite the Dust by Cynthia Eden
- What is the myth the book is based on?
That New Orleans Louisiana is home to paranormal activity Vampires, Werewolves, Voodoo Priestess', etc.
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
Not really, just what you hear.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
There are many books I have read that were based on myths. My choice for this category seems to be a bit different than others chose because it is not based on Ancient Greek mythology but on something based in the U.S.A.
What are you reading this week?The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus by Margaret Atwood
- What is the myth the book is based on?
The Odyssey by Homer as well as a few other books.
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
Not really. I haven't read the Odyssey so i did a quick google search on it.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I really dont know a lot about mythology in general m I would really like to explore them, likely starting with the Greek myths since they tend to be written about the most.
- What are you reading this week?Silence Fallen by Patricia Briggs
- What is the myth the book is based on?
The Golem of Prague
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
Somewhat. I know the basic tale, but not a lot of the information and/or history surrounding it.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I like books based on mythology or fairy tales, it's fun to see how the author twists things to make it their own.
What are you reading this week?The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
What is the myth the book is based on?
Greek mythology in general.
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
No, though some of it is familiar from TV and films.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
Not that I can think of now, but I wouldn't mind if there was a myth based prompt again in next year's challenge.
What are you reading this week?What I Wore to Save the World by Maryrose Wood
What is the myth the book is based on?
It is based on Irish Mythology. I'm not sure if it is based on a specific myth or just generally.
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
No, not at all.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
Any, really. I'm would love to explore some of the lesser known ones.
What are you reading this week?Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
What is the myth the book is based on?
Cupid and Psyche
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
It was not before I read this.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
Not sure. I picked this because it was the last book written by C.S. Lewis.
- What are you reading this week?The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
- What is the myth the book is based on?
Norse mythology
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
Nope. All my feeble knowledge comes from the Thor movies I've watched.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
Chinese mythology.
Q: What are you reading this week?A: O Minotauro
Q: What is the myth the book is based on?
A: Minotaur :D
Q: Is your knowledge good about this myth?
A: No, it is not. But I like greek mythology, so I intend to read more about this subject.
Q: Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
A: Maybe Norse.
What are you reading this week?The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh
What is the myth the book is based on?
A Thousand and One Nights (...which is probably more of a fairy tale than a myth, but meh, same to me)
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
Not at all. All I know about it is a king kills a wife every night, which sounds super interesting to me.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I'm typically not into reading mythologies, so this challenge is pulling me out of my comfort zone.
This week I'm reading The lightning thief by Rick Riordan It's based on Greek mythology
I have only a very limited knowledge on Greek mythology
I'd love to explore all mythologies, they are fascinating
What are you reading this week?Baba Yaga's Assistant
What is the myth the book is based on?
The Baba Yaga, a myth from Russia.
Is your knowledge good about this myth?
Not really. I only really knew of it from an Arthur episode where it is mentioned.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I love all kinds of mythology, so I'd be open to anything.
- What are you reading this week? The Song of Achilles- What is the myth the book is based on? The Illiad and The Oddysey
- Is your knowledge good about this myth? Somewhat--I just taught The Odyssey again with my ESL students
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore? I'm interested in Greek mythology overall, so yes.
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What are you reading this week? The Song of Achilles by Madeline MillerWhat is the myth the book is based on? The Illiad
Is your knowledge good about this myth? Not really, only from school
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore? Possibly Norse
What are you reading this week?
- What is the myth the book is based on?
greek myths and gods
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
nope I didn't like history
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore? not sure
What are you reading this week? The Princess Bride by William GoldmanWhat is the myth the book is based on? Some say it's modern mythology; others, call it a Greek myth hero's adventure.
Is your knowledge good about this myth? Not at all.
Is there another mythology you'd like to explore? Since I'm not that familiar with mythology, maybe I'd start with Greek, followed by modern and Norse mythology.
- What are you reading this week?American Gods by Neil Gaiman
- What is the myth the book is based on?
I guess it is based on different myths
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
I have a pretty decent knowledge of Greek and Norse mythology
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
I like learning about a variety of myths, I find a lot of mythology interesting.
- What are you reading this week?The Song of Achilles
- What is the myth the book is based on?
The Illiad
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
Not good, I do know things about it.
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?
not really
Around the Year in 52 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
The Song of Achilles (other topics)Reincarnation Blues (other topics)
The Scorpio Races (other topics)
The Penelopiad (other topics)
Norse Mythology (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Maggie Stiefvater (other topics)Elizabeth Wayland Barber (other topics)
Neil Gaiman (other topics)
Maggie Stiefvater (other topics)
Margaret Atwood (other topics)
More...
For those reading in order: Mar 20 - Mar 26, 2017.
Suggestions for this category: link.
To discuss the book, don't forget to add it in the A-Z folders or join the existing discussion. Please, don't discuss the book here.
Progress Post:
- What are you reading this week?
- What is the myth the book is based on?
- Is your knowledge good about this myth?
- Is there another mythology you'd like to explore?