Books 8-12

I think that now I understand the story a lot better having heard all about Ulysses, and his story. For example, I didn't really understand why Neptune could be so mad at Ulysses, but now that they explained the part where Ulysses blinds Polymephus, I understand. Before it was explained what had happened to Ulysses before the present time in the book, I was just guessing based on what some other characters in the story had said. Also the part with Polymephus was a little gruesome with him eating the other humans.When I first read about Polymephus, I pictured him being about ten feet tall. But then later when I read about him moving a huge rock that blocked the whole entrance, and throwing a giant boulder that sent Ulyssus's ship back to shore, I realized that he must be much bigger. Either that or he is crazy strong. One more thing that I noticed is that there are a lot of names popping up. It is a little confusing at first with all of the names, but once you learn them it gets easier.

Books 5-7

At first when I started reading this book it seemed like each page took forever. Now as I was reading, the pages seem to be flying by. They are almost going by too fast, we aren't even a third of the way done with the book and Ulysses is amost home. What is going to happen in the last two thirds of the book? Another question I had was how would Ulysses be able to stay in the water for 2 days straight, especially without any food or water, and without sleep. Also King Alcinous says that his men wilol sail him over smooth waters to his home, except there is no way that Neptune is going to give Ulysses an easy ride home. I enjoyed reading these last books, and am very happy that it is starting to move along faster.

Books 2-4

While reading these books it is very hard to keep track of all of the names. Even the character list has some Greek names instead of the Roman names. It is especially tough when you are trying to find more about a minor character in the book and the character sheet shows the Greek name, instead of the Roman name found in the book. It is also confusing when Telemachus is getting advice from all of the people, some tell him how to get their by boat, and some give him carriages. Is he getting to Ithaca by boat or carriage? I also wonder how it would take that long for Penelope to realize that her own son had gone away, and is she going to do anything in her own power to stop the suitors from killing him?

Nano Wrimo

This is the first time that I have ever written an essay or story that will be longer than 2000 words. Because of this it is definitely challenging to spread out the plot in order to reach my goal. Another challenge is writing 1000 words per day. On most days writing 1000 words takes about 2 hours. But I think that as long as I keep writing at the pace I am now, I will finish my word goal.

Odyssey Book One Review

Before now I had never read the Odyssey, and although I had heard good things about it, I didn't really know what to expect. When I first started reading and was a little annoyed with all of the different words and phrases that I had to look up in order to know the meaning. After getting a little farther into the book, I learned that if I replaced a tough word with one that I am familiar with, it worked very well. Also, having to read the book backwards was confusing, many times I would end up flipping the page the wrong way. Once I got over these two things I was able to enjoy the book. Now I am left wondering what will happen next, I can't wait to read book two.