Linny and Nancy delve into commentary about Achilles and Patroclus, the main characters in Madeline Miller's retelling of the Iliad in her novel, The Song of Achilles. Miller was inspired to write this book to better understand Achilles' terrible rage when hearing of the death of his friend, Patroclus. Miller writes a story of a loving relationship, but this interpretation is by no means new or universal. Over the centuries, there have been differing interpretations of their relationship with every generation wrestling with what it was and what it means.

This debut novel by Madeline Miller retells the ancient story of Homer's epic poem, The Iliad. This vivid reinterpretation is told from the viewpoint of Petroclus, a minor but pivotal character in The Iliad, but one who is Achilles' close companion. Through Petroclus' eyes we see Achilles grow from gifted boy to the greatest warrior of his generation. But Achilles must balance his goddess-mother's dreams for his immortality with his very human love for Petroclus. Helen of Troy's abduction sets in motion the unstoppable omen portending glory and death for the greatest of the Greeks, Achilles, and Hector. Miller transports readers, even and maybe especially those with no knowledge of The Iliad, to the Greek world where gods and goddesses mingled in human affairs.

Award-winning author Anne Boyd Rioux tells us all about Louisa May Alcott's novel, Little Women. Anne is just the guest because she wrote the nonfiction book Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: The Story of Little Women and Why It Still Matters. Little Women inspired Anne Napolitano in her writing of Hello Beautiful, our June book. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discover how Little Women's themes are still relevant in the 21st century -- we're still puzzling how to find purpose and be present for family and friends.