Read Homer the Way He Was Meant to Be Read
A guided reading course through The Iliad and The Odyssey for first-time readers and serious returners.
Meeting Sundays 10:30am CST Starting January 18th, 2026
For nearly three thousand years, Homer’s epics have shaped how human beings understand heroism, honor, story-telling, authorship, fate and more. Yet today, most people encounter The Iliad and The Odyssey either as academic assignments, or not at all.
Across twelve weeks each, we will read The Iliad and The Odyssey and in conversation—treating them not as museum pieces, but as living works that still illuminate the human condition.
This experience is designed especially for first-time readers. No prior knowledge is required. You will be guided through the story, the characters, and the world of Homer step by step. At the same time, readers who have encountered Homer before will come away with a deeper and more integrated understanding than they’ve ever had.
The Iliad
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Start: Sunday, January 18, 2026
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End: Sunday, April 12th, 2026
The Odyssey
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Start: Sunday, April 26th, 2026
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End: Sunday, July 12th, 2026
After years of studying, translating, and teaching Homer, I’ve come to see these poems not merely as ancient literature, but as the origin point of Western storytelling and individualism.
In these seminars, we explore questions such as:
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What does it mean to be a hero—and why do the Greeks compete over who is “the best”?
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Why Achilles and Odysseus represent two radically different ideals of heroism
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How Homer balances fate and free will
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Why Homer is more than originator of Western Literature, but of Western Civilization
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How these epics gave rise to the Olympic spirit, tragic drama and storytelling, and the modern idea of character
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Why Homer still shapes how we think about war, home, identity, and meaning
Each session combines expert lecture, guided close reading, and live discussion, allowing the insights to emerge naturally rather than being imposed from above.
Schedule and Format
This is a live, weekly seminar, but it is designed for busy adult lives.
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Sessions meet Sundays at 10:30 AM CST
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Every session is recorded (video + audio)
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Notes and reading guides are provided
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Weekly recap of each chapter
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If you miss a week—or even several—you can easily catch up
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A private discussion forum allows conversation between sessions
Whether you are a busy professional or someone with more flexible time, you can participate fully without falling behind.
Engaging Discussions
Marco Romero,
Real Estate Investor
"It has been a thrilling journey to read through the Western Canon!
As part of the Literary Canon Club, I have the encouragement to read classics that I have always known about and highly interested in (even some I didn't know about). It is especially insightful to discuss our reading experience as a group and share what we've learned.
I am excited about future readings, and I highly recommend joining the club yourself."
Homer in Hollywood
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With Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey bringing renewed attention to Homer, this is a rare opportunity to read these works before they are filtered through modern retellings.
To encounter Homer first—on his own terms—is a profoundly different experience.
TESTIMONIALS
Is this a "great books" club or a "GREAT" book club?
Molly Johnson
Independent Researcher
Ann Ciccolella
Artistic Director Austin Shakespeare
If you have not sampled the Literary Canon Club, have a taste! The group is welcoming and Kirk is knowledgeable and inviting. In a world where literature is not easily accessible, the LCC makes it easy to open a treasure chest of valuable artistry.
Below, you can choose the path that fits you best
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The Iliad as a complete, standalone seminar
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The Odyssey as its own guided journey
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Or The Homer Year, a full immersion in both epics from January through July 2026
All plans are available as pay in full options or monthly payment options
The Homer Year — Pay in Full
675
Sundays January 18th - July 12th
Valid for 6 months
Guided reading of The Iliad and The Odyssey
Weekly live seminar discussions with Kirk Barbera
Full access to all recordings (video + audio)
Print and ebook edition of The Iliad
Early ebook access to Kirk’s forthcoming Odyssey translation
Best value for readers committed to both epics
Full Homer Year — 6 Monthly Payments
115
Every month
Sundays January 18th - July 12th
Valid for 6 months
Same Features as Pay in Full
The Iliad Seminar (pay in full)
395
Start: Sunday, January 18, 2026
End: Sunday, April 12th, 2026
Valid for 3 months
12-week guided reading of Homer’s Iliad
Weekly live seminar discussions (Sundays, 10:30 AM CST)
Full access to session recordings (video + audio)
Print and ebook edition of Kirk Barbera’s Iliad translation
Designed for first-time readers and returning students
The Iliad — 3 Monthly Payments
135
Every month
Start: Sunday, January 18, 2026
End: Sunday, April 12th, 2026
Valid for 3 months
Same features as The Iliad Pay in Full
The Odyssey — Pay in Full
350
Start: Sunday, April 26th, 2026
End: Sunday, July 12th, 2026
Valid for 3 months
12-week guided reading of Homer’s Odyssey
Weekly live seminar discussions with Kirk Barbera
Full access to all recordings (video + audio)
Private discussion forum access
Early ebook access to Kirk’s forthcoming Odyssey translation
The Odyssey — 3 Monthly Payments
117
Every month
Start: Sunday, April 26th, 2026
End: Sunday, July 12th, 2026
Valid for 3 months
Same features as pay in full
Choose between
The Full Homer Year
The Iliad Seminar (12 weeks)
The Odyssey Seminar (12 weeks)
Pay in Full options or Monthly Payment Options
