Rating: 
Summary: If Enough Suspension of Disbelief, Excellent Adventure Novel
Review: This is a high-adventure novel. A German scientist puts together an expedition to follow successfully in the tracks of a previous, attempt to reach the center of the Earth. In Verne's time, it was not known that the Earth had a molten core, and the nature of the core, while believed by many to be molten, was debated. The expedition encounters many unexpected creatures, land-forms, plants, and obstacles. The pace of the writing is very fast, in general, with a few digressions to explain scientific debates. The science in the novel is actually superior to the science of the film, as the dinosaurs of the book are more believable than those of the film. Definitely a fun read!By the way, I read the novel and watched the film at about the same time, and now realize that the film was only very loosely based on the Jules Verne novel. The premise remains intact: a scientist leads a small team in an attempt to retrace an earlier expedition to the Earth's center. However, the movie added several characters and plot-lines, rearranged many aspects of the "world" found within the Earth, and inserted a solid dose of comic relief not found in the novel. The film discarded an ongoing discussion of scientific theory between two characters (played by Mason and Boone in the film), possibly because their debate is now a moot point. If this film, as is, came out today, it would be blasted as being totally unfaithful to the novel. I wonder if that occurred when the film was released. Either way, it is still an interesting and entertaining film. However, please do not expect the film and the novel to be very similar.
Rating: 
Summary: Jules Verns greatest book
Review: Adventure, suspense, bravery, sea monsters, underground caverns, unbearable heat these are just a few of the wonderful subjects this book has to offer. The story begins when Professor Hardwigg finds a very old book with a piece of parchment in it. On the parchment was a form of writing in some secret code. When the Professor and his nephew, Harry, discovered its meaning they were both shocked to find out it was the instructions for a journey no man thought possible, the journey to the center of the earth! Almost immediately they went on the journey picking up a man by the name of Hans to be there guide. There were many hard times in this adventure. For example, the Professor thought that they would find water in an abundance only to find that there was none till Hans made the discovery by drilling through a wall. Who knows how they will ever survive. I would give this book a very strong four out of five stars because of its ability to keep you wondering what is next.
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