For summer 2026, I am challenging myself to read. As usual, I read a few books at the same time and my current list is like a school reading list. The themes overlap and, one helps me to understand the other. I may not get through it all, but by cutting out doomscrolling, I have already added a few more hours to my reading time. I am especially excited to get to the Poems by Greek Nobel Laureate Odysseus Elytis whom I discovered in the little museum in Athens, that houses his works and where he wrote his books on the steep walk up to the Acropolis. I did not have time to visit the museum, but I did have time to stop in the bookshop and have a chat with the bookshop manager and literary guide, who encouraged me to get a copy of his poetry.
Here is a summary of what I am currently reading;
D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths-Authors: Ingri d'Aulaire and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire
A beautifully illustrated introduction to Greek mythology for readers of all ages. The book retells the stories of the Olympian gods, heroes, and legendary creatures. Here you will meet Zeus, Athena, Hercules, Perseus, and many others. I really love this as a first book, kids and adults alike as the stories are presented in an accessible and engaging style.
The Odyssey - Author: Homer
This epic follows Odysseus as he struggles to return home after the Trojan War. His ten-year journey is filled with monsters, gods, temptations, and shipwrecks. Meanwhile, his wife Penelope and son Telemachus await his return. The poem explores themes of perseverance, loyalty, intelligence, and fate.
Salt on Your Tongue - Author: Charlotte Runcie
This memoir is a thoughtful meditation on the enduring power of the sea, and explores humanity's deep connection with the sea. Charlotte discusses the many women in mythology who are associated with the sea in storytelling. The book reflects on coastal life, swimming, tides, and maritime traditions. It also examines how the ocean shapes identity, memory, and culture. Charlotte weaves in her pregnancy and personal experiences with history, folklore, literature, and science.
This book had me a little seasick in the sense that she included many stories in each chapter, which seemed to be like a wave. I was fascinated by the knowledge that she had to include so many references to Greek, African, Scottish, and Irish mythology. I learned many new facts from this book
Circe -Author: Madeline Miller
I heard so much about this book, and I am now very much invested. This is one of the books I have to go back and refer to my D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths to recall all the players in the book. Madeline manages to weave in the many stories of Greek Mythology into this book. This novel reimagines the life of Circe, the enchantress from Greek mythology.
Banished to a remote island, Circe develops her powers and independence. She encounters famous figures, including Odysseus, Daedalus, and Athena. The story explores themes of identity, exile, power, and transformation. Madeline presents a compelling feminist retelling of an ancient myth.
A Year in the World -Author: Frances Mayes
From one of my go to authors, in this travel memoir, Frances Mayes journeys through Europe over the course of a year.She visits countries including Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey. The book celebrates local food, art, architecture, landscapes, and everyday life. Mayes reflects on how travel deepens understanding of culture and history.
It is a warm and inspiring invitation to slow down and experience the world through curiosity and beauty.
Reading List
D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths — Ingri d'Aulaire & Edgar Parin d'Aulaire
Salt on Your Tongue — Charlotte Runcie
The Odyssey — Homer
Circe — Madeline Miller
A Year in the World- Frances Mayes
Why These Books Work Together
These books create a rich journey through mythology, the sea, travel, and the Mediterranean world. D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths provides the mythological foundation, The Odyssey and Circe bring ancient Greece to life, Salt on Your Tongue explores humanity’s relationship with the sea, and A Year in the World celebrates the landscapes, food, and cultures of Europe—especially the Mediterranean region that connects many of the stories and places found in the other books.