Play Book Tag discussion

Phelan explores here 3 intrepid journeys in the late 19th/early 20th Centuries that were inspired by or in some way echo Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne, which had been a sensational hit ever since it's publication in 1873. I confess to adoring it myself, including most film and series adaptations. No surprise that this caught my eye.

The 3 journeys are quite distinct and unique, reflecting the motives and personalities of the journeyers. First up is Thomas Stevens who rode a big wheel bicycle around the world, financed by writing articles for Outings publication by the Boston bicycle manufacturer. Around the World on a Bicycle is the book he ultimately wrote about his adventure, and I might just have to rad it some day. Stevens was a miner who one day decided to come above ground and ride a bicycle across the US, from San Francisco to Boston. He buys the bike and after learning to ride it starts off, devising as he travelled across the US the intention to bicycle around the world. Frankly, this journey seemed flat, with little insight into the man himself. He seems a bit flat and colorless. Which is why I'm not rushing to read his book!

Next is Nellie Bly and boy does her stubborn personality spring off the page! A woman in the male dominated newspaper business, Nellie spent a year essentially convincing her editor that she could make the trip in 74 days as opposed to the fictional Phineas Fogg's 80 days. Though the trip itself reads as rather boring, seeming exclusively train and boat, Nellie herself draws you in. One of the highlights was meeting Jules Verne himself - and I'll say no more so as not to spoil it! I have at least one book about Nellie's trip in my TBR and it needs to move to the top!

Last up is Joshua Slocum's sailing around the world alone in a 36 foot sloop. Of all of them, this is more the story of an internal journey than of an adventure sailing alone around the world. There is darkness in it, some deep loss and sadness that colors Joshua's world. It's this one that has me questioning the Middle Grade rating for this graphic novel. I found Joshua's journey far too adult for any tweenie.

As always, Phelan's artwork is wonderful.