Journey to the Center of the Earth - Jules Verne

One of the interesting things about Jules Verne is that he makes is protagonists inherently unlikable. Perhaps it is to make them more human and able to be related with compared with the non-narrating characters. Either way, Harry's whiny self-concern doesn't really come off as sympathetic. However, you have to respect him (and questions Hans) for going along with the uncle's insanity - passionately driven by so very little evidence. The uncle is by far the most interesting character, although his motivation remains murky to me. Their adventures are indeed exciting (and dangerous) and make you want to be an explorer. And I really enjoy the way that their human 'ingenuity' comes to play in their fate (whether positively or negatively).