This luxury cruise was to test us. Others would probably give their right arm to participate in such a journey. If we still go ahead with it, even if it is the last hurrah in our long life together, will we survive it physically, financially, medically, mentally? And would we, by any chance, actually enjoy it? Or was that too much to ask.

What were Phileas Fogg (a fellow of most mysterious background) and his new valet Jean Passepartout (who claimed he came from France) REALLY up to when they suddenly went around the world in 80 days? Much more than a wager, as it turns out, in this exciting new steampunk mystery adventure from James Downard. From submarines and airships battling on the high seas, to electric weapons and technology even more astonishing and threatening, Phileas Fogg and his allies play for the highest of stakes in a battle of wits and wills to keep envious forces from obtaining the secrets of atomic energy, and perhaps even altering the very course of history. Along the way, in India, Mr. Fogg meets his match and mate in Aouda, the even more brilliant and formidable sister of Captain Nemo, while gathering as unexpected a cast of associates as any in fiction. There's the elderly (but far from passe) detective Auguste Dupin, showing he's lost none of his skills in the years since the troubled American Mr. Poe wrote of his exploits in the Rue Morgue. Then there is the reclusive ex-slave Thomasina Maker, whose extraordinary inventions prove essential to their undertaking, even as her indomitable spirit stands up for justice and an unfettered imagination in a world so rife with prejudice and fear. And what of that audacious news correspondent Michel Ardan, friend of the American Mr. Barbicane who planned to fly to the Moon, until Passepartout and Fogg changed their plans? Is Ardan working to an altogether different agenda? And will he ever need to use that little pistol he carries in his pocket? The world of 1872 that Jules Verne teased us with is brought to life anew in all its vivid detail as Phileas Fogg races around the world, by ship and train--and not a few other conveyances of most unprecedented character. Chased by, and chasing after, people who would learn too late the dangers of knowing too little. Fortunately for our heroes, Phileas Fogg carries his Watch, and Passepartout has his Comb.

Find out what's going on any day of the year, anywhere across the globe! Since 1957, Chase's Calendar of Events lists everything worth knowing and celebrating for each day of the year: 12,500 holidays, national days, historical milestones, famous birthdays, festivals, sporting events and more. Publishers Weekly has cited it as "one of the most impressive reference volumes in the world." Library Journal named the 67th edition (A 2024 Starred Review) "an invaluable resource for trivia fans, planners, media professionals, teachers, and librarians.” From national days to celebrity birthdays, from historical milestones to astronomical phenomena, from award ceremonies and sporting events to religious festivals and carnivals, Chase's is the must-have reference used by experts and professionals—a one-stop shop with 12,500 entries for everything that is happening now or is worth remembering from the past. Completely updated for 2024, Chase's also features extensive appendices as well as a companion website that puts the power of Chase's at the user's fingertips. 2024is packed with special events and observances, including National days and public holidays of every nation on Earth Scores of new special days, weeks and months--such as International Day of Zero Waste or World Eel Day Famous birthdays of new world leaders, lauded authors and breakout celebrities Info on the 2024 Great North American Eclipse. Info on the restoration and reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris. Info on milestone anniversaries, such as the 300th birth anniversary of Immanuel Kant, the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress, the 100th birth anniversary of James Baldwin and more. Information on such special events as the International Year of Camelids and the Paris Olympics or Euro 2024. And much more!

In this follow-up novel to the #1 New York Times bestselling Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, it's time to discover a new sisterhood. A story of growing up, friendship, and understanding yourself, about three girls enjoying one last summer before high school. summer is a time to grow seeds Polly has an idea that she can't stop thinking about, one that involves changing a few things about herself. She's setting her sights on a more glamorous life, but it's going to take all of her focus. At least that way she won't have to watch her friends moving so far ahead. roots Jo is spending the summer at her family's beach house, working as a busgirl and bonding with the older, cooler girls she'll see at high school come September. She didn't count on a brief fling with a cute boy changing her entire summer. Or feeling embarrassed by her middle school friends. And she didn't count on her family at all. . . leaves Ama is not an outdoorsy girl. She wanted to be at an academic camp, doing research in an air-conditioned library, earning A's. Instead her summer scholarship lands her on a wilderness trip full of flirting teenagers, blisters, impossible hiking trails, and a sad lack of hair products. “Brashares gets her characters’ emotions and interactions just right.” --Publishers Weekly "Like the previous Pants books, this one will travel from girl to girl." --Kirkus Reviews