Books of Titans Podcast

In this engaging conversation, Allen Levi, an author and musician known for exploring faith and the human experience, shares his journey from law to creative writing. He discusses the emotional complexities of character loss and how personal anecdotes fuel his storytelling. Allen unveils the inspiration behind 'Theo of Golden', touching on themes of transformation and authenticity. He reflects on deep friendships and community support during tough times, emphasizing the powerful connections stories create. Expect heartfelt insights and a blend of art and life!

The podcast dives into Socrates' audacious defense during his trial, where he faces charges that challenge his beliefs and integrity. Listeners explore the stark contrasts between Socrates' defiant stance and the societal expectations of his time. The discussion touches on the influence of Aristophanes' satire and how it shaped public perception of Socrates. Additionally, insights into different translations of Plato's 'Apology' reveal deeper layers of meaning in his philosophy. The episode encourages contemplation on truth-telling in civilization.

Dive into a captivating exploration of Plato's 'Euthyphro' as Socrates interrogates the essence of piety. The discussion highlights the nuances of different translations, making each reading a unique journey. With Euthyphro struggling to provide clear answers, the stakes rise as Socrates faces charges of impiety. The dialogue reveals the complexities of Greek philosophy, showcasing how repeated readings can lead to deeper understanding. What emerges is not just a quest for definition, but a philosophical dance between wisdom and ignorance.

Struggling to remember what you read? Discover practical frameworks that transform your reading experience. Learn to summarize books using a simple sentence structure that encapsulates the protagonist's journey. Explore the importance of stakes in storytelling, illustrated by classics like 'The Great Gatsby'. These techniques promise to boost your memory and comprehension, making reading more rewarding. Plus, get insights on how to apply these methods to both fiction and nonfiction, enhancing your literary retention!

The host dives into the monumental task of exploring Plato's complete works over the next 15 years. They reflect on the profound influence of Plato's ideas on contemporary thought and share personal motivations for tackling philosophy despite past fears. This journey aims to document insights and transformations along the way, teasing the question of whether engaging with Plato will create a distinct 'before and after' in their understanding. Listeners are invited to join this philosophical adventure.

A life well-lived. Looking back, what would make you say that about your own life? What would constitute that well-lived life? Would it contain grand gestures seen by many or small, sacred acts seen by few?The Last Sweet Mile is a long letter written by Allen Levi to his family that covers the last year of his brother Gary’s life. They had a special relationship. A relationship we all long for. They were remarkably close. Gary was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011 and died an exact year later on July 22, 2012. Allen called that year with his brother the best year of his life.Allen wrote this book before his latest novel, Theo of Golden. I have Theo on my mind, and so I naturally compared the two books despite Theo being a work of fiction and The Last Sweet Mile a work of non-fiction. I see a lot of Gary in the character of Theo. The sacredness of small things. The signposts of beauty. Sadness. Joy. Laughter.When I finished reading Theo of Golden last December, I had a one word response–Stunning. I had that same one-word response after finishing The Last Sweet Mile. It’s heart-wrenching, it’s sad, but it’s beautiful, for it portrays a life well-lived. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe

Discover the joy of diving into great literature independently, with tips on setting personal goals and selecting books. Explore the importance of flexibility in your reading journey, adapting to your interests as you go. Balance classics with lighter reads to stay engaged and find hidden gems in secondhand bookstores. Transform your reading experience from a duty into a delightful adventure by participating in reading groups and embracing the wisdom of timeless works.

I book the author events at Landmark Booksellers in Franklin, TN, and earlier this year, I saw that Dr. Mendelsohn was coming out with a brand new translation of The Odyssey for the University of Chicago Press. I reached out to Dr. Mendelsohn to see if he would be near Franklin any time soon, and to my delight, he was able to do an author event.It was fascinating. I learned so much about The Odyssey and about his translation choices. It shed new light on the epic. You can watch the event here and here are some of my main takeaways.The book I cover in this podcast episode is one that Dr. Mendelsohn wrote 8 years earlier in 2017. It’s account of an Odyssey cruise he had taken with his father, Jay Mendelsohn. His father decided to audit his son’s seminar course about The Odyssey and after that course, they took this cruise that stopped at all of the major locations in Homer’s epic.The book is a fascinating look at Homer’s Odyssey, a relationship between a father and a son, and a dive into major themes through out the epic. I learned a ton. I share some of those things in this podcast episode.I really enjoyed this book. It was not just an intellectual endeavor, it was a journey of the heart. The book is beautifully written and the format allowed for deep literary analysis, heartwarming father/son dynamics, and wonderful insight into the intangibles that make a marriage last forever. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe

The discussion dives deep into Oscar Wilde's profound exploration of youth and morality in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.' It highlights Dorian's Faustian bargain, where he trades his soul for eternal beauty, resonating with today's obsession with appearance, social media, and filters. The podcast questions the nature of choice and fate, pondering whether Dorian's decline is influenced by external forces or his own decisions. Themes of shame and psychological torment are examined, drawing rich parallels to biblical narratives.

Discover the fascinating world of Ashurbanipal, the warrior poet king of Assyria, whose library survived destruction thanks to a fire that solidified its clay tablets. Explore the ancient cuneiform writing system and its role in Sumerian and Akkadian cultures, featuring the Epic of Gilgamesh. Delve into Assyrian medical practices and the unique blend of exorcism and entrail divination that informed their healing methods. Reflect on the relevance of ancient wisdom in today's digital age and the enduring power of literature.