My Favorite Summer Songs

 

Summer songs are a lot like Christmas carols – every time I hear them they bring back the season vividly. Particular songs can even evoke special moments when I remember the event because of that song.

My list is completely subjective, so it is very likely that you would have a completely different list. That is the beauty of music – there is something for everyone. 

So, here it goes, my top ten favorite summer songs – with number one being the top one for me. 

10. Shadow Dancing by Andy Gibb

When I hear this song I picture my teenage self driving on the Belt Parkway into Brooklyn to pick up my then girlfriend to go to the beach. It makes me think of great times that summer and freedom to just enjoy life.

9. "Dancing Days" by Led Zeppelin

Robert Plant sings the heartbreakingly beautiful words "Dancing days are here again as the summer evenings grow." Wow! The whole song brings back my youthful life of swimming every day, hanging out on my friend's back deck watching wrestling on TV, and barbecues that I wanted to never end.    

8. "When Doves Cry" by Prince

I was traveling through Europe with a big group of enthusiastic young people on a bus. I can remember listening to my Walkman – at the time heading toward Nice, France – and I put Prince on, and I was tapping my feet to this song. I was on top of the world seeing different places, but this song makes me think of beautiful France every time I hear it. 

7. "Summer in the City" by The Lovin' Spoonful

This one always reminds me of riding the subways in New York City during a hot summer. I was taking acting classes on the upper West Side, and in those days less than half the trains were air conditioned. Some of them had the old annoying oscillating fans. Still, every time I hear this song I think of the magic of that summer. I was playing Edmund in scenes from King Lear. I will never forget it. 

6. "Rockaway Beach" by the Ramones

The band members were Queens boys like I was, and they went to a NYC high school just like I did. So, even though I never met them, they were kindred spirits. This song always makes me think of Beach 116th Street where we would get the coldest beer for our beach parties. As soon as I hear it, I instantly think of those wonderful summers. 

5. "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama

This one takes me back to riding the city subways as well. Summer in NYC is hotter than hell, so there is something "cruel" about it to be sure. However, as the sun sets and the lights come on, walking to Battery Park took all the heat away. As soon as I hear this one I feel like I'm standing there as night fell over the city looking out over the water again at an illuminated Statue of Liberty. 

Fun Fact: Check out the price of gas in the video above.

4. "Vacation" by the Go-Gos

I'm sitting in the international terminal at JFK waiting for a flight to take me to Italy. Once again I am listening to my trusty Walkman – I still miss the thing – and this song came on. It was a mix-tape – I made a lot of those back then – so it was completely random that this song came on first. Now, every time I hear it, I think of that great trip that started with this song. 

3. "Dancing in the Street" by Martha and the Vandellas

When I hear this one, I'm a kid again. I don't know for sure but I think I was probably nine or ten. I was at a block party playing with friends, and the adults were eating and drinking. When this song came on, almost all the people got up and started dancing – and my friends and I joined in the fun! Every time I hear this song, all I want to do is dance. 

2. "School's Out" by Alice Cooper

This is every kid's anthem every June of every school year. On that last day of school each year, I would hear this song in my head as I ran out the doors and dreamed of never having to go back. Cooper did sing, "School's out forever!" I wanted to believe him. Every September ruined the feeling, but nothing could beat the joy of hearing this song and being free of pencils and dirty looks for what did seem like forever in late June. 

1. "I Get Around" by The Beach Boys

Beach Boys' songs always make me think of summer, but this one does so most of all. I remember the summer I got my first car, and I had a lot of tapes in the glove compartment. When I would get closer to the beach, I'd pop in the Endless Summer album and listen to this song. Every time I hear it, I think about the freedom I had driving a car and had seemingly not a care in the world. 

Honorable Mention 

"Summer Breeze" by Seals and Crofts

Like most of the songs on this list, this one brings back memories. I can remember it playing in my head as I swam at the beach, toasted marshmallows at bonfires, and went to parties and had no worries. Indeed, the summer breeze made me feel fine, and I wish I could go back to that time even for one day!

In the End

So, there is my very subjective list of favorite summer songs. They all bring back good memories, but also a few tears too. I think about hearing those songs with loved ones and friends, and some of them are not here now.

Still, music has the ability to transcend moments in time. When I hear one of these songs, I feel young again, like I was experiencing it for the first time. 

Why not make your own top ten list? You might be surprised by what pops up there. 

Enjoy the rest of your summer! 

Movie Review: Spider-Man: Brand New Day - Peter Parker's Evolution

 

Peter is Spider-Man

The new Marvel movie Spider-Man: Brand New Day is an excellent film that explores the evolution of Peter Parker (an excellent Tom Holland) and his alter ego Spider-Man. Remember this line? "With great power comes great responsibility" is something that we associate with Spider-Man. We are familiar with it in an intimate way because Peter Parker inhabits the suit, and so Spider-Man is always Peter Parker, but we forget that Peter Parker is himself when not web slinging, so where does responsibility begin and end? 

Director Destin Daniel Cretton – along with writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers – has crafted one of the best Spider-Man stories told on film. Holland has grown into the character and has made it his own, and here he is allowed to explore nuances of that responsibility to others, but Peter begins to understand that it's at the expense of his own good health and peace of mind. 

Catching Up 

MJ and Ned

In the last film – Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) – Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) created a spell that made the world forget Peter ever existed. This means that his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) and best friend Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon) no longer know him, and also all the Avengers will not know who he is, and the general public who knew Peter Parker was Spider-Man don't remember that anymore. This spell was cast because Peter's world had become too dangerous, and he mostly wanted to keep his friends safe.

This does present Peter with some difficult problems. He still loves MJ and misses his friendship with Ned. He keeps track of them online during their time at MIT. He also observes them after they graduate and return to New York City. He feels very upset about seeing them in person again and knowing that they don't recognize him. He also has lost his identity – living alone and anonymously is not exactly an exciting way to spend his life.

New Acquaintances

Frank Castle/The Punisher

Peter has made new "friends" in the form of Frank Castle (a terrific Jon Bernthal) and Detective Jean DeWolff (Liza Colon-Zayas). Frank and Peter are more like frenemies – Peter keeps stopping him from killing the criminals Frank is pursuing. On the other hand, Peter is working with Wolff catching criminals and hopefully preventing bigger events.

Frank mumbles about how he's going to "Kill that kid" after Peter stops him yet again in pursuit of a tank raging through Manhattan. Wolff is basically part of the fan club that has developed over the past four years, seeing Peter as the city's protector, but even she worries about him because he seems to devote his whole life to crime fighting. 

Health Issues

Peter's lack of social connections is negatively affecting his health. He is swallowing Advil to combat headaches, and his whole body seems to be revolting under his Spidey suit. After having an emotional reaction to seeing MJ and Ned, Peter comes home and just collapses on the floor. 

Peter's Wake Up Call

The next morning he finds himself enveloped in a cocoon made of spider webs hanging outside over the street below. He discovers that his senses have become enhanced, and webs are coming out of his arms instead of web shooters. This evolution is painful and makes Peter feel uncertain about what his next move should be. 

The Villains

Scorpion

Mac Gargan/Scorpion (Michael Mando) seems to be the villain at first, and Spider-Man captures him after a brutal battle. But when Peter discovers that someone is trying to break Mac out of the Department of Damage Control (DODC), it is not just one person but numerous persons. 

Peter realizes that the main villain is using telepathy to "body hop" from person to person to break Mac out of prison. Since this is unlike any villain he's ever faced before, Peter realizes that he needs help.

Getting Help

Spidey's Business Meeting with Yelena

Peter visits Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) who is the current Black Widow. In a very hilarious scene, Yelena's office is a bathhouse, and to "meet" with her, Peter must take off his Spidey suit and go into the bath with her. When he comes out of the changing room he is stripped down but still wearing his mask, causing me to laugh along with the audience in the theater.

Yelena uses her telepathic skills to zero in on a person who continually attacks the DODC looking for someone or thing called V-Max. She believes whoever this is is the one who is body hopping from person to person. Peter's job just got much more difficult.

Getting More Violent

Peter locates the escaped Scorpion and engages in another violent battle. Scorpion even recognizes a change in Spider-Man's tactics and asks him about it. Spider-Man eventually defeats Scorpion, but he injures a police officer in the process. 

DeWolff arrives on the scene and is appalled to see her badly injured officer. She warns Spider-Man that while she is grateful for all he's done for the city, if something like this happens again that she would have no choice but to arrest him. 

Controlling His Rage

Dr. Banner tries to help Peter

Being extremely upset that he hurt a police office and was out of control with his new powers, Peter visits a local university to meet with Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo). He knows that Banner had invented an inhibitor to keep his Hulk alter ego in check. 

Peter impresses Banner with his understanding of the inhibitor technology. They discuss the various parameters that are needed for the inhibitor to work. Peter goes home and starts working on building an inhibitor. He also builds one for the telepathic villain because he believes that will put an end to the body hopping.  

Spoiler Territory

The rest of the way is spoiler territory. Will Peter be able to build the inhibitor to control his growing powers? Will he be able to find the villain V-Max and use the inhibitor to stop what seems to be aimed at destroying the DODC? And, or course, the most important question is this: will Peter ever get MJ and Ned back into his life?

The Verdict 

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is an awesome movie that checks all the boxes for Marvel fans and even those who are not fans. The performances are all strong, and the story keeps moving forward like a freight train right up to the thrilling final act. 

The way I see it this film is it's a great start of a new Spider-Man trilogy. In the grand scheme of things it feels like the threads are being woven to bring in other characters from the MCU – I'm hoping that will include Matt Murdock/Daredevil (Charlie Cox). 

I'm looking forward to more Spidey days ahead. I give this film 4.5 stars out of 5. I highly recommend that you go and see it on the big screen. You'll be happy that you did. 

Please check out the trailer below. 

Get My Novel 'Life and Death in Venice' in a Kindle Countdown Deal

 My novel, Life and Death in Venice, is entering a Kindle Countdown Deal. The promotion begins with the book being available for 99 cents starting on August 4, 2026, at 11:00 EST. It will end on August 11, 2026 at 11:00 EST. 

With the summer reading season here, Life and Death in Venice makes a good read for the beach or on your vacation wherever planes, trains, ships, and cars can take you. 

So, please get in on this great deal that will last one week. Thank you to everyone who has already ordered a copy. 

Also, the paperback version of the book is now available. Some people – myself included – prefer to hold a physical book for their reading experience. 

Get your deal here: Kindle Countdown Deal.

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of 'Star Trek TOS' – New LEGO Set of The 'Enterprise' Bridge Is Awesome!

 

To continue to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Star Trek the Original Series, LEGO has released an awesome set that captures the imagination and the inspiration of the TV show. 

Kirk, Sulu, Uhura, and Chekov on the bridge

I always felt a little slighted by the lack of Star Trek LEGO sets. We got so many Star Wars sets – not that I'm not complaining – but it is nice to see this Star Trek set joining the fold. 

There is only one previous Star Trek LEGO set – Star Trek: The Next Generation's – U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701D (#10356) and it comes with characters from that series. While that was a welcome addition, this new set inspired by Star Trek's 60th anniversary hopefully will be the first of many more Trek sets forthcoming. 

So, let's take a look at this great new LEGO set available for pre-order now – it will start shipping on September 1, 2026 – just in time to celebrate 60 years of Star Trek in our lives. 

National Star Trek Day is September 8. This year it marks the 60th anniversary of the premier of the series' broadcast debut with the first episode – "The Man Trap" – broadcast on September 8, 1966. 

The Bridge 

I cannot wait to build this one. Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge (#11385) lets you recreate the iconic bridge where so much of the action took place in the original series. It even includes a lever to swish open the turbo doors. There is also the view screen with an image of an angry Klingon on it.  

The eight minifigures

The set comes with 1,701 pieces (the ship's number) and eight minifigures – Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock, Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu, Dr. Leonard McCoy, Pavel Chekov, Nurse Christine Chapel, and Montgomery Scott. The gang's all here to embark on many adventures. 

The set comes with numerous accessories including Spock's harp, phasers, tricorders, and four tribbles. This will help you recreate many memorable moments whether you wish to position characters for display or actually play with them. 

This set box proudly announces that it is for 18+ builders and the LEGO website says that it's "a collectible building set for adult fans of the popular sci-fi franchise." The words "Adults Welcome" are prominently featured on the set's page.

The Transporter Room

The transporter room was another a place where frequent scenes took place. Series creator Gene Roddenberry's ingenious idea of "beaming" people down to a planet or up to the ship – it was actually a way to save money on the more costly small ship landing on a planet – adds another level of excitement to this set. 

With a turn of a knob, the characters can be beamed off the ship or come back on board. With the dependable Scotty at the controls, our passengers know that they're in capable hands. 

Adult LEGO Sets

Targeted adult builder

The concept of making LEGO sets for adults is interesting and fascinating. Many of us who grew up with LEGO can experience a void of not having something to build like we used to do.

My joy was having a son who loved LEGO. This gave me years of being able to build great sets – many of them Star Wars related – and there is great satisfaction looking at our playroom now filled with all of our completed sets.

Apollo 11 Lunar Lander

Sadly, my son is grown up now and those days of building together are gone. However, for Christmas I was given NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander (#10266), and that was a joy to build – my son even got in on the fun. 

Now this set sits proudly on my shelf in my office. I just have to glance up at it as I am doing my work and remember the awe and excitement of being a kid when the first men landed on the moon. That is the lasting resonance of LEGO – capturing moments that are memorable and indelible in our lives. 

The Verdict

Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge LEGO set is an awesome new set that will warm the hearts of many Star Trek fans. The combination of the iconic bridge and transporter room is a great homage to the original series that still delights fans of all ages.

I have asked Santa for this set for Christmas, so I have a long time to wait to actually build it. But I will come back here and report on what will undoubtedly be one of my favorite sets to build.

Until then, "Live Long and Prosper!" 

 Please check out this video for more details about this awesome set. 

ABBA Surprise – Frida's "I Know There's Something Going On"

 

There are sometimes things you take for granted – like a favorite TV show that suddenly gets canceled. There is also the music that you listened to in your youth. There are a few songs that I heard on the radio that I liked, but I never really investigated who was singing them. I just enjoyed them. Such is the case with the song "I Know There's Something Going On." 

The other day, I heard the song on the radio in my car, and it brought back old memories from the past. I decided I was going to look up the song when I got home. When I typed the title of the song for a search, I was shocked. I never knew that the singer of the song was ABBA band member Anni-Frid (Frida) Lyngstad. As if that revelation was not enough, I also discovered that the distinctive drummer in the song is Phil Collins. Now listening to it again and watching the video, I'm just sorry I didn't know this sooner.

The Story of the Song

Frida and Collins in the studio

Released on August 6, 1982, "I Know There's Something Going On" was from Frida's third solo and first English language album Something's Going On. The song was written by Russ Ballard, and the album was produced by Collins. 

The song was released prior to the announcement that ABBA was going to take a break from recording and performing. This break would last into the next century, and Frida obviously was trying to take a different direction on her own.

Not Like ABBA

Frida wanted her single and album not to have an "ABBA  pop sound" to set her on her new journey. She obviously accomplished that – at least for me – because I never would have connected the song with ABBA because it sounds nothing like the group's work. 

With Collins playing the drums and also providing background vocals, the sound is quite unique and memorable. Frida's vocal is rather haunting, and the song holds up well after listening to it a number of times. It definitely had the right recipe to become a hit single. 

Documentary

The making of the single and the album was filmed by Swedish television SVT. The whole recording process was covered from the first day in the recording studio up to the release party. This indicates that Frida was very savvy about what was a new beginning for her and the end of ABBA.

The documentary includes interviews with Frida and Collins, as well Bjorn and Benny from ABBA. The musicians who worked on the album were also interviewed. While it was broadcast on SVT, the video was also made available to the public as Frida - THE DVD. 

Reception  

The cover of her third album

The single "I Know There's Something Going On" became a great success for Frida. It reached number one on the charts in Belgium and Switzerland, and it was in the top ten of most hit lists in other European countries, but it only made it to number three in her home country of Sweden. 

In the United States it reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it spent 29 weeks on that chart – which is very impressive longevity for a single. It also explains why it remained lodged in my mind all these years later because I had heard it so often back then. 

The Verdict

I think that "I Know There's Something Going On" was the perfect single to help launch Frida's solo career. The vocal is very different in retrospect when you think about how she sounded with ABBA. Her legacy with her former band was secure, but now she was setting out on a new path. 

While her voice was wonderful when she sang lead in the past – like the great song "Fernando" (1975) – in this song we hear a stronger vocal – a confident, independent, and powerful rock and roll voice like never before. Frida took this brave and necessary step, and it worked out perfectly for her. 

I hope you appreciate the song and video as much as I do. I have included the video below. 

  

FIFA 2026 World Cup – Has Changed Americans' Feelings About Soccer and How the World's Fans Feel about America

 

The FIFA 2026 World Cup has taken the game of soccer – or football for most of the rest of the world – into the American consciousness. Shattering attendance records in stadiums and drawing the viewership of millions of Americans on television, the 2026 tournament has irrevocably altered Americans' attitude toward the sport, and – due to the influx of fans from all over the world – it has changed the way people feel about America. 

My Experience with Soccer

Personally, my experience with watching soccer came down to my children playing the sport. I never played soccer as a kid, and none of my friends did either. As a NYC kid, I played in the street or on a paved city park field, and the sports we cared about were baseball, football, basketball, and hockey. 

Growing up my teams were the New York Mets, Jets, Knicks, and Islanders. I never had any thoughts about playing or watching soccer. But when my kids were little they wanted to join soccer teams – until this day I don't know why because they never saw me watching that sport, but I think it had more to do with their peers.

Once my kids were on teams, I went to practices and matches. I had interest in the sport because they were playing it, but that didn't make me want to go home and try to find matches to watch on TV. 

Of course, the FIFA 2026 World Cup has changed my attitude about the sport. I dare say it has changed millions of Americans' feelings about soccer too.

Viewership and Cultural Change

Millions of Americans are watching 

This 2026 FIFA World Cup has drawn a massive television audience. It is estimated that every match has had an audience of 100 million or more Americans. In my opinion the only other case of this kind of national attention would be the NFL Super Bowl – an estimated 124.9 million Americans watched Super Bowl LX in February 2026. 

A recent Gallup Survey revealed that around 40% of Americans were watching some of the matches. That is comparable to 38% of Americans who watched it in 1994 when the World Cup was held in America. In other years when the event was held elsewhere viewership was around 30%.

Neglecting My Other Sports 

Personally, I have neglected other sports that I would have been watching because of the World Cup. I have not watched a Mets game at all during this time, and I have had no time for Wimbledon this year. My late father would not believe that I didn't watch any tennis or Mets' games, but I have been so involved in these cup matches. 

The Knicks Win the Championship

Of course, I watched every Knicks' playoff game as they eventually brought a championship home, but I wonder if timing isn't everything. The World Cup was just kicking off when the Knicks beat San Antonio, and then my attention quickly shifted to soccer. I cannot believe I'm even saying that. 

Changed Attitude

I think that I – and many other Americans – used to feel that the game was boring. With the other sports I've previously mentioned, games are broken down into innings, quarters, or periods. There are numerous opportunities for breaks in those games – which means opportunities for getting a snack, going to the bathroom, or checking your phone.

I appreciate soccer now

Also, soccer is very low scoring. 1-0 matches are common rather than rare. In American football, we are used to high scores. Even in baseball we are not used to seeing 1-0 games. In basketball 100 points – or even more – are quite common for both teams. 

However, this tournament has taught me to respect the game of soccer. There is so much precision and strategy to the sport. I – and think now millions of Americans – have found an appreciation of the game and realize the depth of talent needed to play it competitively.

American Influence on the Tournament

If the World Cup changed how Americans viewed soccer, it can also be said that America changed some aspects of the game. Consider the following:

-FIFA installed extended half time 

-Hydration breaks (which allowed more TV commercials)

-Championship rings (like the Super Bowl winners receive) – this is the first time FIFA will give the champions rings

-Working with Nike and Adidas during the tournament for promotional reasons

Economic and Cultural Boost for America

It is estimated that the boom in hospitality for American host cities was a financial juggernaut. The host cities received a welcome boost from the visitors coming there to view the matches. 

Scottish fans were thirsty in Boston

Those cities also learned about having to be ready for a huge crowd. Consider the situation in Boston – the city ran out of beer due to the enthusiastic Scottish World Cup fans visiting there. You can bet that will never happen in that town again! Next time they will be prepared. 

It is believed that each city had $600 million or more dollars spent because of the visitors coming to watch the matches. This is an amazing amount of money spent, but there was also another long term benefit – a new found love for America.

Visitors Appreciate America

As a traveler for many years – having visited six continents – I have always found locals to be friendly with me wherever I went. I've never had a problem, but I found that people do have a lot of reservations about America. They've heard a lot of negative things about my country, and I always felt sad about that.

Yet now – if you have seen numerous positive videos on YouTube – visitors found that America is very different from what they expected. People from countries all over the world – and especially from Europe – have found that America is nothing like they perceived it to be. 

Please check out this video about visitors' reactions to being in America.

I find it heartwarming to see people gushing over visits to Walmart, Costco, Waffle House, Target, McDonald's and other places we probably take for granted. They are overwhelmed by visiting local malls and the size and amenities found in our stadiums. The good news is that these people don't only want to come back – some of them never want to leave!

Impressive Impact on America and the World

The FIFA 2026 World Cup has left a lasting impact on America and the way the world perceives us. It has changed the way Americans feel about soccer – leaving an overwhelmingly positive perception for many people, including those who never gave the sport a chance. 

AT&T Stadium in Texas 

It has changed the way people from other countries feel about America, and it has provided host cities with a welcome economic boost. Millions of soccer fans from Europe visited places like Kansas City and Dallas that they would have never visited before, and they fell in love with these cities and American culture. 

Globally, the FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached between 5 to 6 billion viewers, whether they were watching TV or streaming the matches. In the United States, FOX and Telemundo broke previous records for viewership, and it has brought soccer to the attention of Americans like never before.

And in the End

The GOAT Messi plays in Miami now 

Americans will never think of soccer as that other sport ever again. It has been brought into focus like never before, and I think that will last long after the World Cup 2026 is over. 

There will be a new interest in Major League Soccer – let's not forget Lionel Messi plays in Miami now – in this country that will  be good for the sport and good for us as well.

The FIFA 2026 World Cup will have a lasting impact on Americans and people who visited here. It has brought about a feeling of good will and sportsmanship that will never be forgotten. 

Please watch another video about World Cup fans' reaction to America. 

'The Odyssey' – Before You See the Movie, Get to Know About the Epic Poem First

 

The Odyssey is one of two epic works of ancient Greek literature – the other is the Iliad – and both are said to have been created by the blind Greek poet Homer. It is one of the oldest surviving works of literature, and many people may recognize the title but know little or nothing about the actual story – or think about the Honda minivan. 

Odysseus' 10-year journey home

The story basically follows the hero Odysseus – who is also known as Ulysses in the Latin version of the story – on his voyage home after the 10-year battle of Troy – which is the story told in the Iliad. Realistically speaking, 10 years to fight a war must have been the most brutal, inhuman way of life for that bloody decade. Anyone who survived that horror would have deserved to go home.

It will take Odysseus another 10 years to get back to Ithaca where he is the king. During that time he encounters creatures good and evil, faces many dangers, and loses all of his men. As the sole survivor, Odysseus has the incentive to return home not just to see his wife and son but also to tell the news of what happened to him and his crew.

While he is away – and presumed dead after so many years – his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must deal with a large group of potential suitors for Penelope's hand in marriage.  

The Poem's Composition

The blind Greek poet Homer

When trying to find the time that both epic poems were composed, there is no totally agreed upon answer. According classics scholar Robert Lamberton, the poems were probably composed – written down – much later, but they were certainly told long before that time in what is called the oral tradition – the poems were conceived by Homer some time in the 8th Century BC, but he would have told the stories by reciting them from memory. 

The poems would then be handed down over generations, told by bards who performed them also from memory, but adapting them sometimes for a particular audience. At some point someone decided to sit down and write the long 24 chapter poems. These poems would have been transcribed in Homeric Greek sometime between the 8th and 7th Century BC. 

Impact on Culture and Education

Homer's work can be considered some of the most influential literature in history because of its impact on culture and education. The poems provided the framework of what to teach during the classical age, and they also affected Greek culture for generations.

We can make connections to how the Greeks passed the torch to the Romans as Homer's work still was honored and taught, continuing to be important as Christianity spread in the Roman Empire. 

Homer would be rediscovered by the Byzantine Empire in the 8th Century CE, and would also have a tremendous impact on Renaissance Italy. From that time going forward many different translations of the epic poems were made, causing them to be part of classical education throughout Europe and eventually the rest of the world. 

Books, Television, and Film Adaptations

Notable Books

Margaret Atwood

-The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood tells the story from Penelope's point of view. It offers a feminist perspective of the tale, highlighting the oppressive patriarchal aspects of the original work

- Circe by Madeline Miller focuses on the life of Circe, the witch whom Odysseus encounters on the island of Aeaea.

-Ithaca by Claire North is a historical fiction that also tells the story from wife Penelope's point of view as she tries to maintain the kingdom of Ithaca while Odysseus is away.

- The Lost Books of the Odyssey by Zachary Mason provides alternate versions of the stories told in the original epic poem.   

 Television Series

- Odyssey (1968) is an Italian miniseries that captures the essence of the original work.

- Ulysses 31 (1981-1982) is a French-Japanese animated series that transports Odysseus to the 31st Century, where he battles space monsters.

Armand Assante as Odysseus

- The Odyssey (1997) is a Hallmark produced NBC miniseries starring Armand Assante that is faithful to the spirit of the original epic poem. 

Films

Ulysses (1954) is an Italian-American film starring Kirk Douglas in the title role. It is considered a classic and faithful adaptation of the story.

The Return (2024) is a film starring Ralph Fiennes as a bruised and weary Odysseus who returns to reunite with his wife and son and reclaim his throne.

Matt Damon as Odysseus

The Odyssey (2026) is master filmmaker Christopher Nolan's retelling of the tale. With an all star cast including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Mia Goth, and many more stars in the hands of one of our greatest living directors. It will be exciting to see what Nolan has accomplished in retelling the classic tale. 

Nolan's The Odyssey premieres in the United States on July 17, 2026. For tickets and showtimes, please check here. 

Reading the Original

I know there's not much time until the premier, and the original work is rather long, but I encourage you to try to read some of Homer's classic tale. Here are some tips on reading or at least getting familiar with the story. There is always a benefit of at least being aware of the highlights of the source material when viewing Nolan's film.

Please watch this video about approaching a reading of the Odyssey.

And in the End

The impact of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey cannot be denied. Although created more than 3000 years ago, the works tell the story of the human condition. War, greed, love, lust, and death are all omnipresent in the stories told. 

The fact that we are still living with many of the conditions Homer describes tells us that human life – while greatly changed by technology and history – is still very similar to those times.

Recognizing ourselves in great works of literature – no matter now old – relays the notion that human beings have always been much the same over the centuries. Hopefully we can learn from the mistakes that occurred before our time, but sadly many times we find that we continue to repeat them. That is what is called being human.

Please check out the trailer for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey.