Review: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

4 stars for Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne.

I am glad to have finished reading this book in time to review post it before the year is out.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is another classic novel by Jules Verne that I have always wanted to read. It has been on my list of to-be-read for so many years that I cannot remember when it was being added. I started on this book soon after I have read his other book, Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

The story of Twenty Thousand Leagues is totally not what I have expected and this is what makes it different and an interest to read. As I read, I will wonder about the sea, about how deep the sea really is and what kind of creatures lurk in the depths of the ocean.

This book about the mystery of the great ocean depths is not exactly an easy read as it is more scientific fiction than science fiction. Speaking for the general readers, I feel that the book has way too much basic facts and details. Though good to know, these nitty-gritty overload is oft unnecessary and makes for many a dry, boring science lecture. In my opinion, this is a book that will appeal more to naturalists, or more specifically, ichthyologists who specialize in the study of fish and conchologists who study mollusc shells.

The above said, there are still pieces of the story that make reading this book enjoyable. I have a great time exploring the underwater wonders with the characters as they go about their submarine adventure: the hunting trip in the (underwater) forests of Crespo island, the running aground in the Torres Strait, the facing off against the savages of Papua, the Coral cemetery, the pearl fisheries of Ceylon, the Cretan diver, the Arabian tunnel, the Suez passageway, the fires of Santorini, the boundless wealth in the Bay of Vigo, Atlantis, the Ice Bank, the memories of the South Pole, the imprisonment in the ice, the battle with the devil fish, and the storm in the Gulf Stream and more.

Are you ready to go on a 20,0000 leagues underwater tour of the world? It is one guaranteed to bring you many wonders across the Pacific, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Southernmost and Northernmost seas.

Crochet: Amigurumi: Sleepy Sloth

I like sloths and have always wanted to crochet one.

As always, it is a challenge trying to find a good pattern that comes with no price attached. After countless attempts with no great results for a nice Sloth pattern, I decided to pay for one. This is where I bought my Sloth pattern from.

This Sleepy Sloth pattern is simple yet well designed. It took me less than a week to complete without any hiccups. And I have an enjoyable time trying out this new pattern. The only thing I dislike is having to crochet two of each, for the arms and legs. But this is basically a must for most Amigurumi featuring animals or dolls; there is simply no getting away from it. So, I just grit my teeth and get it done.

I am fairly pleased with my handmade Sloth though I feel that I could have done a better job sewing the mask onto the Sloth's head. But what's done is done. It will take a lot more to undo in order to redo. So, I just leave it as it is. Perhaps I will try again some time in the future with a different type of yarn.

This Sleepy sloth is a great project for anyone including beginners. The end-product not only makes a great curtain tie-back, but it can also double up as a bag charm or simply an accompaniment on a chair or computer monitor.

Crochet: Amigurumi: Mini Sleepyhead 2

End of last month, I crochet Sleepyhead 2 by following the free pattern from this website.

After the full-sized Sleepyhead is completed, I yearn to crochet Mini Sleepyhead. Again. Yes, history is repeating itself. So, I searched for my old post and followed the pattern which I recorded five years ago.

I have no qualms about crocheting Mini's face, body and hat. However, when it comes to the arm, I started questioning the sanity of my decision to crochet Mini again. After a fierce battle with the yarn and hook, I heave a sign of relief. One arm down. Then I bite my teeth and continue with the next one. Another battle.. the struggle is real. My fingers hurt and my eyes stung. I hope I didn't strain my eyes too much.

The first Mini Sleepyhead was gifted to a little girl and all I have are pictures for memory. This time, I am keeping Mini Sleepyhead for myself, and I intend to use it as a bag charm. So, I made a foundation chain, connected it to the tip of Mini's hat and hung it to the bag that I am currently using.