Swiss Family Robinson - Johann David Wyss

As anyone who reads this blog is already aware of, I'm not one for morality tales. I was hoping this would be an adventure flick unlike Robinson Crusoe, but apparently the author used Crusoe as a model. This tale of stranded travelers focuses on the strengths of ingenuity and self-reliance, while highlighting the nature of prayer in good family values. It's more a teaching manual for youths than a travel or adventure story, and the core goodness and lack of selfishness in all the characters doesn't really resonate with today's reader, who is more used to strife and conflict. Hard-work and accepting your fate are strongly emphasized, and it bothered me quite a bit that they didn't ever try to leave. The role of the mother as a helpless cook and support in particular rubs me the wrong way.

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).

The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications

I was recommended this book to help me prepare for a substantive editing exam. Although I am no copyeditor and have no interest in becoming one, I went ahead and read the book. As far as substantive editing goes, the book is extremely light. It focuses strongly on copyediting (not surprising giving the title), and would likely be of help for those who care about things such as word spellings, etc. In addition to my disappointment due to its particular lack of utility in my situation, I actually had 2 main complaints. 1) The book is quite dated - focusing heavily on editing hard copies of text (in my experience quite rare if not non-existent today). 2) The exercises were not at all helpful. Rather than laying out a clear set of guidelines and then testing comprehension, the text seems to highlight rather than clear up the capriciousness of copyediting and editing in general. Overall, I feel that there are significantly better style/grammar guides out there and that this one should definitely be shelved.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Robert Louis Stevenson

I greatly enjoyed this book, although, as with most of the classics that have moved into pop culture, the original novella was not as I expected. It was better. In my mind, Jekyll had created Hyde to try to purify himself from the 'evil' within, and Hyde was a large, evil overbearing sort to Jekyll's weakness. At the end of the day, Hyde was too strong for Jekyll and won. In reality, Jekyll was a good but complex man who was looking for an escape to pursue the desires of his 'lower nature' without offending his pride and reputation. He is much more realistic as such. I'm forced to wonder what these desires were. Either way, he ENJOYED the freedom that came with being Hyde (a much smaller, younger man) until Hyde's lack of self-control stepped over the bounds that Jekyll deemed appropriate. His failing was the once he started down the slippery slope of giving in to his darker nature, his darker nature started taking over. His courage in committing suicide at the end merely highlighted this internal struggle between the complexities of the man.

Around the World in 80 Days - Jules Verne

I do like Jules Verne. His books are adventurous and fun, as well as hold up high moral standard of the best kind. Even if the skew is anglo-centric (with the inherent superiority of the colonial English assumed), Phileas Fogg is a good man at heart. In a truly dry British sense, he is pulled from his regular life by a bet - not made rashly but based on the firmest of scientific convictions. He is willing to risk his fortune for this bet, but at the same time is willing to risk the bet for both his servant (to whom he owes nothing) and strangers (including a woman that he saves from immolation). The inclusion of the mistaken detective adds plot complexity to what would otherwise have maybe been a plodding journey. I love Fogg's ingenuity and sticktoitiveness - would I be so creative and sure of myself in similarly difficult situations? It's inspiring.

The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner - Daniel Defoe

Ah, the difference between perception and reality. I thought Robinson Crusoe was going to be an adventure book of a man shipwrecked on a deserted island (style along the lines of Treasure Island). Alas, it was preachy and insipid, full of pro-Christian dribble and the superiority of "civilized" over "uncivilized" man. The key message seemed to be to take the 'middle way' and listen to your elders, with some very anti-hubris themes. I didn't really find it enjoyable at all.

The Invisible Man - HG Wells

I've decided to start a book club where you're only allowed to read free kindle books. It's like a simple quality control - if it's been scanned online for free as a classic, it can't suck too much.

Anyway, onto the review. I really enjoyed the Invisible Man, despite its portrayal of scientists as anti-society sociopaths. A man becomes obsessed with the properties of light, makes observations (which he then applies), and takes the final step of experimenting on himself. Unfortunately, he hasn't thought out all of the consequences of his actions, and is somewhat unstable to start with. I like the message of thinking through your actions before you start, and also that one with little chance of reprisal (no societal bonds at all) would take advantage of the system. But the Invisible Man needed society, which was his downfall. I think that the story would be different today - not only because of the prevalent 'superpower' mythology, but because people are 1) less superstitious and 2) more selfish than in the novel. People wouldn't automatically be afraid because someone were invisible. And they would never kill him - they'd capture him, and the government would try as hard as possible to reproduce his work. The man could do the talk show circuit and be an instant celebrity. But even if it wouldn't work out the same today, the message is clear. No matter what your advantage, you should use science for the good and not the ill of your fellow humans.