Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

Madeline Miller (2)

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

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Some of my AP Lit students are reading this book because I required that they pick a book that either inspired spin-offs and remixes or is a spin-off or remix of a previous book. I think I read three Song of Achilles books and realized I needed to go ahead and read it. What stands out to me about this book compared to reading other versions of the story here (the “””””friendship”””” of Achilles and Patroclus) is that by putting the story in first person, […]

“He had light enough to make heroes of them all.”

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

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I knew how this was going to end – of course I did – and yet I went willingly with Patroclus and Achilles towards their doom and my ugly crying. I may have mentioned in earlier reviews that I have trouble slowing down and savoring books, but I was in luck with this gorgeous book because my child and husband were camping and canoeing in the Boundary Waters, so I had a glorious week to nibble at this book and delight in turns of phrase, […]

Old Story, New Take

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

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One of my students suggested this book a few weeks ago, and I always try to take their recommendations seriously. Most of the time I’m disappointed, or their tastes just aren’t mine, but this one was an absolute winner. The Song of Achilles is one of the most poignant and beautiful novels I’ve read in a long time. Miller’s adaption of the Illiad is told from Patroclus’ point-of-view, and follows his relationship with Achilles from their boyhood meeting when Patroclus is banished to Phthia for accidentally killing […]

“He is a weapon, a killer. Do not forget it. You can use a spear as a walking stick, but that will not change its nature.”

Songs of Achilles by Madeline Miller

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This is the love story of Achilles, the fighting demigod, and Patroclus, the exiled, his confidant, lover, and closest companion. Patroclus is our narrator, and through his eyes, we see Achilles grow from a smirking boy to the greatest warrior the Greeks have ever seen. It’s equal parts classic mythology with a Romeo and Juliet twist as we watch these star-crossed lovers march to the beat of destiny. Taking on the Iliad is a bold move, and Miller really gives it her all. This one […]

Greek Life

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

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The Song of Achilles came out over a decade ago and won the prestigious Orange Prize, but it’s been having a moment of late due to social media. The novel is a retelling of the events of The Iliad from the perspective of Patroclus, an exiled prince and the friend/companion/lover of the great warrior Achilles. The two grow up together, train together, and reluctantly go off to war together. Patroclus finds his love for Achilles tested by the latter’s behavior during the war and his […]

All right, I was a witch. Does it matter?

Circe by Madeline Miller

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The witch, Circe, turns up in the Odyssey, famous for turning half of Odysseus’ men into pigs, before changing them back again and giving Odysseus aid in his ever longer journey home from Troy. Circe, her island, and her interactions with Odysseus take up a single chapter of the Odyssey, and from this Miller weaves a much more satisfying tale in this 2018 novel. Circe is the eldest and least-regarded of four children of the Titan Helios and sea nymph Perse. She grows up as […]



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