Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne

I had never read any Jules Verne before this classic tale of an adventure, an expedition and a very large bet. Phileas Fogg has bet half his entire fortune that he can make it around the world in just 80 days. He sets off with his servant, Passpartout, on a journey where the slightest delay might be the difference between success and failure. I expected this book to feel dated as it was written in 1873, but I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, you can make it around the world in less than three days with current technology; however, instead of feeling antiquated, “Around the World in 80 Days” felt more nostalgic. Reading about long train trips and days aboard steamer ships was charming. On the whole, I can see why “Around the World in 80 Days” has stayed popular throughout more than 140 years. It is worthy of the term “classic.”