Adult Summer Reading
Welcome to the 2025 Adult Summer Reading Big Book Challenge! This summer, we’re focusing on Homer’s The Odyssey, translated by Emily Wilson. While it’s far from the longest book we’ve tackled, the epic Greek poem is one of the most enduring stories in western literature, and Wilson’s translation is first English translation by a woman, giving new insight into The Odyssey nearly 3,000 years after its inception. Over the summer, we’ll explore this foundational epic in monthly discussions, supplemented by a fantastic line-up of lectures and cultural programming. All events will take place in the UCPL auditorium, unless otherwise noted.
Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t add our thanks to the Library Services and Technology Act, which is appropriated by Congress and administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Missouri Secretary of State, which makes this program possible. We can’t wait to read with you!
Did you miss picking up your reader guide? Download a printable version below:
Big Book Challenge Kickoff Event
Wednesday, May 28 at 6 p.m.
Pick up your books and meet your fellow readers! Swing by the UCPL auditorium to grab your book, your reader guide, and learn about all the great events coming up this summer!
Keynote Presentation with Dr. Kate Wilson
Wednesday, June 11 at 7 p.m.
Join us for a lecture on Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey, presented by Classics scholar Dr. Kate Wilson. Dr. Wilson is a senior lecturer in the John and Penelope Biggs Department of Classics at Washington University in St. Louis, where she frequently teaches Greek mythology and Homeric epic, both in English and Greek. She received her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, and she works on Greek literature and culture, with a particular focus on interactions with the natural world and concepts of work in the ancient world. She relishes any opportunity to talk about Homer that comes her way.
Book Discussion: The Odyssey, Books 1-8
Wednesday, June 25 at 7 p.m.
Join us for the first discussion in our Adult Summer Reading Program! Dr. Kate Wilson will lead us in a discussion of the first eight books of The Odyssey.
Summer Reading Field Trip: St. Louis Art Museum
Wednesday, July 9 at 2 p.m.
Bus leaves at 2 p.m. from Municipal Lot #4
Join us for an adult summer reading first — a field trip to the St. Louis Art Museum, where museum docents will lead us on a tour of their collection, exploring the era and themes of The Odyssey through works in their collection.
Due to limited capacity on the bus and in the tour groups, ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT.
THIS PROGRAM IS FULL, but you can join the waitlist. Call 314-727-3150 or email reference@ucitylibrary.org to be added to the list.
St. Nicholas Greek Dance Troupe
Wednesday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a demonstration of traditional Greek dance by the St. Nicholas Greek Dance Troupe. This lively performance will be capped off with a Q&A session with performers.
Book Discussion: The Odyssey, Books 9-16
Wednesday, July 23 at 7 p.m.
Join us for the second discussion in our Adult Summer Reading Program! Dr. Kate Wilson will lead us in a discussion of the books 9-16 of The Odyssey.
Movie Night: O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us a screening of the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?. Directed by the Coen Brothers and loosely based on The Odyssey, the film follows a trio of escaped convicts who search for a hidden treasure while trying to evade a lawman who pursues them through the deep south in the 1930s. The movie stars George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, and John Goodman.
This film is rated PG-13 and is intended for an adult audience.
Book Discussion: The Odyssey, Books 17-24
Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.
Join us for the final discussion in our Adult Summer Reading Program! Dr. Kate Wilson will help us wrap up our discussion of The Odyssey with a focus on the last eight books of the poem.
