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For the fall, I'm planning on reading The Classics.
Just what The Classics are depends on who you ask. According to Penguin Publishers UK. who have a list of the 100 Must-Read classics, the No. 1 Must-Read classic is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (published in 1813). Some of the books on the list, like I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith (published in 1948), I've never heard of. But The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis (published in 1950) is No. 16 and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (published in 1964) is No. 47.
However, the Classic that I want to read is not on this list. So I either need a new list or I write my own list.
The first Classic on my list is Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne. Jules Verne is a French novelist; in fact, he is said to be the second most translated author in the world, as well as the Father of Science Fiction. You can see why I'm surprised he's not on that list.
There have been many movies and TV series based on Around the World in 80 Days, as recently as this past summer, which is why I decided to read this book.The novel takes place in 1872. The main character is Philieas Fogg, a "stuffed shirt" if ever there was one. Phileas loves his routine and never wants to deviate from it. At the beginning of the book, he dismisses his valet because the shaving water isn't the correct temperature.
While playing the card game Whist at his club, the conversation centers around the completion of the railroad across India. One of his friends says that with the completion of the line in India, a person could travel around the world in three months. Phileas mentions that the trip can be done in 80 days. The other men become annoyed with him. Phileas doesn't lose his temper or argue, really, just calmly repeats that a person could circumnavigate the world in 80 days and nothing will change his opinion on the matter.
So, the bet is on. With his new valet, Passepartout, they set out for Italy. The name Passepartout translates to "goes everywhere" and all the poor guy wants is to stay at home. Of course, everything that can go wrong does go wrong. The saving point is that nothing ruffles Phileas. His whole routine is upended: it doesn't phase him a bit. They get half-way across India and the railroad that was supposed to be complete isn't. This railroad that really isn't finished is what started the story to begin with. And does Phileas throw a fit? Nope, he buys an elephant!
To make matters worse, the day he leaves on this trip is the same day that the Bank of London is robbed and everyone thinks his wager is an elaborate attempt to escape justice.
There is unexpected romance. There is, like I said, the elephant that carries them across India. There are delays, there are two rescue operations. And in all, Phileas remains the King of Chill.
If you haven't read Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne, I recommend you do.
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Susan Miriello is the Executive Director of the Mifflin County Library. She is currently reading Walden by Henry David Thoreau.