Around the World in 100 Days by Gary Blackwood 358 pages

Gary Blackwood is a master at historical fiction. Several of his stories were set in Shakespeare's world. In this novel, he captures the essence of Jules Verne for a "sequel" to Verne's classic Around the World in 80 Days. This story supposedly picks up a generation later with Harry Fogg, son of Phineas who makes a similar bet, but relying on "modern" transportation -- making the trip in a steam driven automobile. He has three companions. The car's creator, the son of his father's rival and Elizabeth, a mysterious journalist. In 1891, cross continent driving can only be imagined as quite an ordeal. I have not watched any of reality TV's great races -- but I would guess that Harry, could beat all reality's competitors. He has a derring-do attitude and does not let illness, mechanical difficulties, or sabotage slow him down. Rousing adventure.