Books to Read Before Movie, Show: The Odyssey, Five-Star Weekend & More

Prepare for a reading odyssey.

Before popping over to the movie theaters to see Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster in action. After all, fresh off his Oscar wins for Oppenheimer he is bringing to life one of the most iconic stories in history: The Odyssey.

Sure, the epic poem—attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer—was a staple of the oral tradition before it was recorded for prosperity on paper, but for decades now, students all over the world have tackled the story in English class.

So, it’s no surprising that the sweeping epic is heading to theaters, complete with a jaw-dropping cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o and so many more. (And if that cast itself isn’t enough, let seeing the result of Damon’s headline-making transformation be the siren call that lures you to the theaters on June 17.)

Though The Odyssey may be a bit of a daunting read, prepare to be in good company as Pattinson cracked open the book before he turned up to set.