Babbitt - Sinclair Lewis

This novel was incredible. A description of 'normal' American life in the era of prohibition touching on capitalism, conservatism, romance, and societal position, Babbitt satirically portrays the lives of characters in an up-and-coming mid-sized town (Zenith). Babbitt describes the details of normalcy without embitterment, yet highlights the lack of satisfaction that even the most successful 'normal' people feel with the lack of passion and freedom in their lives. George Babbitt has an incident, a break with his life, but as soon as he's ready to accept that the consequences of rebellion are too great for him, he is accepted back into the fold without a ripple. The description of Babbitt was truly an Everyman description, and I felt after reading the novel not only did I truly understand Babbitt, but that maybe I'd misjudged other 'normal' people. This novel is interesting in that in most novels where people break out of their societal bounds, they escape permanently for better or worse. Although meant satirically, George Babbitt's re-fusion with society (albeit with his rebellion by supporting his son's life) actually depicts a more realistic (although less dramatic) result. By providing a fair critique of normalcy without over-sensationalization, Babbitt cleverly makes rebellion comfortable and commonplace.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea - Jules Verne

I admit, I've never previously read this classic. Jules Verne is more about worlds than about characters. He uses his narration to describe scientific wonders rather than plot development, and some of the major events (ie squid attack) seem a bit contrived. As a novel, I wasn't very impressed. But as a scientist and a would-be adventurer, I was charmed by this book. I was endlessly impressed by the scientific knowledge presented in a book written in the mid-to-late 1800s. Although I'm not a historian of scientific discovery, I'm under the impression that despite the high accuracy of the marine descriptions presented, some were known at the time and some were Verne's vision. Very impressive. I read this book and wanted to explore - to discover things on my own. It gave me a wanderlust, and despite the ambiguity of Captain Nemo and the lack of substance to Ned, Conseil, and the Professor, I would recommend it.