20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Title: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Author: Jules Verne

ISBN Number: 1466257555

Age Range: 10+

What's it About: This story is about a scientist and his assistant who are living in America when a giant squid  attacks random ships and practically eats them, the gaping hole unmatched by any known creature. Fascinated by the creature, the scientist and his assistant embark on a journey with the famed seaman Ned Land. The search for this possible imaginary creature is a long and drawn out process, and there is whispers of mutiny among the seaman. However, the creature that they are searching for finds them, and destorys the ship, capsizing it and sending Dr. Arronax, his assistant and Ned Land all into the sea. However, they are picked up by Captain Nemo and his beautiful Natalius and journey to the depths of the water to find htis illustrious sea creature. However, Captain Nemo keeps the three of the captive, and Dr. Arronax is fascinated by the treasures that Nemo has collected. However, they try to escape several times and all the attempts are thwarted. However, the giant octopus finds them, and destroys the Nautilius which allows Dr. Arronax and his crew to escape. It is very slow and not at all exciting even for the most diehard science fiction fan. 

Why It is Not Good: I know it is horrible to say, however, this book is absolutely dull. I thought it would be really fun to read a classic book and because Jules Verne is such a well respected and renowned author. I can understand with this book while so many children hated required reading because it is absolutely boring. Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte do not write like this, but Jules Verne has no emotion or tone to his writing which is very painful to read about. As a potential librarian, it pains me to write this about a classic author, however, I would not recommend this book to a child to encourage them to read. However, I think this book is an excellent example of why English teachers should think outside of the box when teaching classics and pair the classic work with a movie or some version of literature that will draw children in.