Nellie v. Elizabeth: the race is on

In this day and age where it would take a couple of days at the most to make it around the world, depending largely on airplane connections, the story of these two remarkable women's round-the world journeys in 70-some days was really an eye-opener for me. I had never heard of either Nellie Bly or Elizabeth Bislad, nor had a heard of their journey, so it was with great interest that I followed them around the world in opposite directions. I learned a lot. Having a background in journalism, I knew something about the role that newspapers played i the lives of the people of the United States during the 1800s, especially in the larger cities. That's why there were so many more newspapers then than now. But it still was somewhat astoishing that the New York World could generate the 3excitement that they did with this race. For example the guess-how-many-days contest! I loved that you had these two women, both who grew up in somewhat lower- to- middle class backgrounds, making history in the way they did. I loved that their race engaged people throughout the country, which was much larger (figuratively speaking) then than now. I enjoyed reading about their love of writing and the English language. I was thrilled at Nellie’s reporting background, particularly the story she wrote about life in insane asylums back in those days. How exciting to be able to report that kind of news and make that kind of a difference. Some of the most remarkable things I learned or was reminded of: -The role that trains played in the growth of America. Prior to train travel, it would have been inconceivable to make a trip around the world that quickly. You couldn’t have gotten across country in much less time. -How damned much of the world was part of the British Empire! Holy moley! They all bowed to the king. -Class differences, particularly as they related to ship travel. Wow, if you were in steerage (which my grandparents were), you were truly a second-class citizen. While your wealthier co-passengers were dining on lobster, you were eating gruel. -The whole Asian culture. It was interesting to learn about rickshaws and some of the foods they ate. And how about that whole torture stuff? Grisly business. I’m interested to know if you were rooting for either of the women throughout the book. I was. I couldn’t help but root for Elizabeth. I think it’s because I was mad at Nellie for forgoing her role as a journalist while participating in the race. She should have brought the problem of the people in steerage to the world. But I did like the fact that the newspaper vowed to not “cheat” and to let things play out as they would (even though they sort of did at the end). And I loved the fact that Nellie made the journey carrying only a little bag. I’m interested to know what you learned reading this book, and how it impacted you.