A nearly 2,700-year-old epic poem has unexpectedly become one of the most sought-after books in the United States, thanks to director Christopher Nolan's latest blockbuster movie. Libraries and bookstores across the nation are experiencing an overwhelming surge in demand for Homer’s The Odyssey as moviegoers rush to read the ancient Greek classic.
At Books Are Magic, a popular independent bookstore in Brooklyn, New York, staff recently set up a front-entrance display dedicated entirely to various editions of the poem. Sales of the classic multiplied by thousands of percent in July following the film's release. Nicole Vasquez, a marketing employee at the shop, noted that the store sold 80 copies of scholar Emily Wilson's acclaimed translation in just one month, compared to single-digit monthly sales in the past.
The nationwide data reflects a similar trend. According to Circana BookScan, overall US print sales across all editions of The Odyssey have climbed 76% year-to-date. Demand had already started rising in 2025 after Nolan announced the project in late 2024. Publisher WW Norton reported that domestic sales of Emily Wilson’s 2017 translation have now passed one million copies. Readers are also seeking out children's adaptations, graphic novels, and related retellings, such as Madeline Miller's bestselling novel Circe.
Public libraries are struggling to keep up with waiting lists. The New York Public Library reported a 338% surge in requests for physical books, e-books, and audiobooks during July. Even James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble, confirmed that Homer had temporarily become the chain's best-selling author.
The reading frenzy comes despite mixed reactions to the film. While online boycott attempts against Nolan's diverse casting failed to dampen box-office success, some scholars have expressed reservations. Wilson herself noted that while she was glad the film introduced the story to new audiences, the movie adaptation lacked the psychological, emotional, and political depth of the original epic poem. Nevertheless, booksellers expect the heightened interest to continue for months as curious viewers seek to experience the ancient story for themselves.