Around the World in 80 Days

Title: Around the World in 80 Days

Author: Jules Verne

Original Print Date: The story originally started as a newspaper column in 1873. Even though the newspaper was Parisian, Verne's story captivated audiences from around the world (no pun intended). With that said, he decided to turn it into a novel, and now it is one of the most beloved and recognizable classics.

Quick Summary: Phileas Fogg, a wealthy, methodic, and extremely reserved man, is presented with a challenge from his acquaintances to travel around the world in 80 days. He stoically accepts and sets off on an adventure with his bright-eyed servant, Passepartout. Despite it being his first day on the job, Passepartout immediately feels obliged to be loyal to Fogg. Right before the two embark on their journey, the local bank is robbed by a man fitting Fogg's description. This throws quite a few bones in their trip because a greedy detective plans to arrest Fogg once he receives an arrest warrant. The catch here is that warrant he needs does not have good timing, so the detective ends up taking the whole trip with them and deceives Fogg the whole time. At each stop on their trip it seems getting from train to ship, ship to train, etc. couldn't be more tricky. The crazy adventures they end up experiencing is the best part of the book, and I can't be giving that away. So with that said I will stop here with my summary.

My Thoughts: Everytime I read a classic, the more I understand why books are placed in this category-because they are timeless. They are forever relatable to all people no matter what time period you are living in. I remember growing up any 'classic' such as Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Jules Verne, Emily Bronte, and so on and so forth, were considered uncool and boring. As I matured and my love for reading blossomed I decided to take a Shakespeare class and read Jane Austen's 'Emma.' Needless to say these were eye-opening experiences for me, and now I have a deep appreciation and love for anything considered a 'classic.' Around the World in 80 Days was no different. I found myself completely enthralled by the each of the characters, contemplating their thoughts and actions. I was always wondering what was going to happen at each stop and everytime Verne caught me off guard and pulled off some crazy adventure that somehow seemed realistic but so unpredictable. I also think that part of being a classic means there is a valuable life lesson for you to take away. Here, I would say the morals of the story are if you believe, you can achieve, and to always stay true to who you are.

Favorite Character: Passepartout

• He is always causing problems in a 'Get Smart' kind of way. He never realizes he is in a dilemma until he is too far in, but yet he always finds a way out.


• Provides comic relief


• He is dangerously honest and extremely loyal to his master, despite the detectives accusations.

Rating: Must Read!!