Unsung Odysseys (2017)

Unsung Odysseys is a novel based on Homer’s Odyssey as told by the women caught up in Odysseus’ ten-year journey home from Troy. Each female speaks directly to the reader in her own voice, describing her encounter with and feelings toward Odysseus. The narrative progresses with each character picking up the thread where the previous character left off. 

The work will appeal to readers interested in mythology and in the re-telling of ancient myths. The characters interact with each other on a human level and are easily relatable. They have a story to tell, and although their stories are mythological, their perspectives and reactions to events are timeless.

Now available as an ebook, in paperback, and as an audiobook.  

A Pomegranate and the Maiden (2015)*

*Available now as an ebook, in paperback, and as an audiobook! 

A Pomegranate and the Maiden is a multi-faceted re-telling of the story of Demeter and Persephone as told in Homer’s Hymn to Demeter. The many characters speak directly to the reader, presenting multiple perspectives of the same event. Among the voices we hear is that of the mother grieving for her lost child, the daughter struggling for independence, the father who tramples on a mother’s rights, and the lover who resorts to nefarious means to win his beloved. Each perspective is deeply rooted in the character’s psychology and gender. Woven within their narratives are stories familiar to readers of Greek mythology. 

Against the backdrop of our own culture, which still diminishes the value of motherhood and marginalizes women of all ages, these voices speak to us through the centuries and offer new ways of seeing the world we inhabit.   

Women and Goddesses: In Myth and Sacred Text (2005)

Women and Goddesses: In Myth and Sacred Text, a cross-cultural primary source reader, provides an opportunity for readers to examine, compare, and contrast the role of major female figures in Western and non-Western religions and mythology. Key texts from a variety of cultures offer insight into the women and goddesses honored by contemporary world religions and indigenous traditions.  (Reviewed by Dr. Johanna H. Stuckey for the Association for the Study of Women and Mythology.) 

I have to say what a wonderful contribution this text will be to our field. - Nikki Bado-Fralick, Iowa State University.

Unlike other anthologies, this collection gives enough of the original source material to properly contextualize the female figure. - Kate McCarthy, California State University, Chico

The selections are comprehensive and nicely representative of major religious traditions.  I particularly appreciate the inclusion of women/goddess in indigenous traditions. - Ann K. Wetherilt, Emmanuel College   

Demeter and Persephone: Lessons from a Myth (2002)

Demeter and Persphone: Lessons from a Myth demonstrates the continued importance and relevance of the myth of Demeter and Persephone to today's society. The first three chapters provide a summary of the Homeric story and examine the myth from the perspectives of the mother and daughter. The following chapters discuss the symbolism of critical objects, the role of female mentoring, the role of Hades and the meaning of the underworld, the subject of rape, and the masculinist perspective presented by Zeus and Helios, and derive lessons useful for healing and knowledge. The Hymn to Demeter as translated by Helene Foley is included as an appendix in order to provide a basis for the discussion in the text. Notes and a bibliography follow the text.

The Homeric Hymn to Demeter is included in full as an Appendix in a translation by Helene P. Foley that in itself justifies the purchase...important themes. - Journal of Classics Teaching.

Excellent read...highly recommended. - Sage Woman

Invaluable - Catholic Library World

Recommended - Feminist Academic Press, Column

Other Non-Fiction

Articles

• “From Theory to Praxis in Women's Studies.” Feminist Teacher 13: 1, 2000. Online at JSTOR.

• "The Female Warriors And Other Myth-Conceptions About Women's Studies." Community College Week 11 August 1997.

• "Feminist Pedagogy in Community Colleges." The Journal: American Association for Women In Community Colleges April 1997.

• "On Mothering Our Students: One Teacher's Guidelines For Giving Her Students the Help They Desperately Need." Community College Times 27 June 1995.

Interviews and Op-Eds

• January 2017: "The Odyssey from a Woman's Viewpoint." Interview by blogger Wayne Turmel on my latest novel, Unsung Odysseys.

• June 2005: “Young Writers Get College Experience,” Wyandotte West

• December 2004: “Dedication to Students Drives Professor,” Wyandotte West

• December 2004: “Passion, Commitment Make Kansas City Kansas Community College Professor Tops in State for the Year,” K.C. Star

• November 2004: “Professor Named Best in Kansas,” Kansas City Kansan

• November 2004: “Dr Agha-Jaffar named Kansas Professor of the Year,” Kansas City Globe

• December 2001: “Women’s Studies Goes to Wyandotte,” KCKCC Advocate

• November 2001: “Wyandotte High Class Explores Women’s Issues,” Kansas City Kansan

• October 1998: “Women’s Program Fills Need,” Wyandotte West

• April 1998: “Responsibility as an Educator Critical to Tamara Agha-Jaffar,” Kansas City Kansan

• March 1998: “Tamara Agha-Jaffar,” KCKCC Profile

• March 1996: “Women’s Studies Program Helps to Solve Misconceptions,” KCKCC Advocate

• October 1996: “Expanding the Lessons of History,” Kansas City Star

• May 1996: “New Kansas City Kansas Community College Program an Eye-Opener for Women,” Kansas City Kansan

• November 1995: “KCKCC’s New Course Will Give Dignity to Women,” Kansas City Kansan

• October 1995: “College Offers First Gender-Specific Course in Area,” Kansas City Kansan