Great American Stories: Ten Unabridged Classics

Book Description

These ten classic stories from four of America's greatest authors of the 19th and early 20th century were selected for their literary importance as well as their dramatic oral qualities. The stories include Mark Twain's "The One-Million Pound Bank Note," "A Visit to Niagara," and "A Mysterious Visit;" Stephen Crane's "The Blue Hotel;" Ambrose Bierce's "The Eyes of the Panther;" and Jack London's "The Love of Life" and "To Build a Fire."

Customer Reviews:

Negative, negative, negative.......2007-06-11

I bought this selection because of the title, which credits the stories to Mark Twain. I would have loved ten of his stories! Unfortunately, the selections for inclusion (other than Mr. Twain's) were some of the poorest examples of American literature that I have read. They weren't even good irony; they were just depressing. I'm sure there could be a great collection of American short stories; these were certainly not that.

Wonderful! .......2007-05-12

I bought this and a few other books on CD for my husband who has a bit of dislexia (sp?) and has trouble reading. He was so engrossed in the stories that if he were near the end of one, he would sit in the driveway and listen until it was done. So then, by proxy, I know all of the stories and it seems like a wonderful 'read'. This is a perfect gift for someone who enjoys fine adventure literature by fine authors.

Successful Gift.......2006-12-13

I purchased this for my father along with a selection of other audio books. He reported that he liked this one the best. Apparently the selection of stories was excellent, and the reading was clear and expressive.

great honest review.......2006-02-21

honestly, I would never waste my money again on such a load of junk... so much better lit out there... go surf amazon.com to find some really good books

Great American Stories: Ten Unabridged Classics.......2005-11-17

Book Description
These ten classic stories from four of America's greatest authors of the 19th and early 20th century were selected for their literary importance as well as their dramatic oral qualities. The stories include Mark Twain's "The One-Million Pound Bank Note," "A Visit to Niagara," and "A Mysterious Visit;" Stephen Crane's "The Blue Hotel;" Ambrose Bierce's "The Eyes of the Panther;" and Jack London's "The Love of Life" and "To Build a Fire."

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (The Classic Collection)

Average customer rating:

Great Classic
Excellent Audio CD of Classic
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (The Classic Collection)
Mark Twain
Manufacturer: CD Unabridged
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Classics | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1587886006
Release Date: 2001-08-01

Book Description

When we first met "the pariah of the village . . .the son of the drunkard" in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", Tom was "under strict orders not to play with him", so he played with him every time he got the chance. Twain took his most outrageous and outcast character (and perhaps the one he loved the most), Huckleberry Finn, from the book and wrote his own Adventures.

This giant work, in addition to entertaining boys and girls for generations, has defined the first-person novel in America, and continues to demand study, inspire reverence and stir controversy in our time.

Customer Reviews:

Great Classic.......2006-07-16

This is a great book and deserves the place it has as a literary classic. The audio version was very good with the narrator using very different voices for the various characters so there is no confusion about who is speaking - a weakness with less talented narrators. The reason that I gave this product 4 and not 5 stars was the packaging - which I found to be inadequate - the case is cardboard and each CD comes in a paper envelope - not good for storage over the years, especially if it is used on a consistent basis by multiple persons. But the actual narration was first class and brought the well known book to life.

Excellent Audio CD of Classic.......2004-03-09

Finally, a reading of a classic that is worth the money.

This story's narration covers a total of 9 Cds, and each disc has about 97 tracks (each track is only about 30 to 45 seconds). The good aspect of this is that it is quite easy to find your spot and, then pick up where you left off, if you happen to stop reading in the middle of a chapter. The negative aspect of short tracks is that it is difficult to skip around to particular chapters without "guessing" where a chapter might end (because there is no insert to tell which chapters are contained in each disc).

Overall, Dick Hill does a superb job of reading in this unabridged version of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Hill's voice personifies Huck's narrative, and he keeps the Southern flavor of Twain's novel intact. What makes this reading particularly great is that Hill has a great ability to not only take on Huck, but other characters as well. Hill changes his voice for other characters such as Tom Sawyer, Jim, the Duke and the king, Pap and others. For this reason, this CD is a great tool for the reluctant readers in classes, and serves as a great supplement for the study of this novel.

I have found that buying audios to classic to be a gamble because you never really know what you are getting, but this is one of the best I've gotten.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.......2004-02-21

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a really interesting book about a boy and his adventures. The main character, Huck, narrates it. This gives it a certain amount of intimacy that it would not otherwise have. One of the things I found most interesting about this book is that Huck befriends a slave, Jim and helps him escape to freedom. This presents a large moral dilemma for him, because he does not want to be considered an abolitionist, but Jim is his friend. In the end he decides to help Jim and they raft down the Mississippi together. The description of their friendship is the best description I have ever read. Another aspect of the book that makes it all the more interesting to read is the colorful characters they meet along the way. Mark Twain has an incredible imagination and you then find yourself becoming attached to the characters as you move through the book. This is one of Mark Twain's greatest strengths. In the end I would recommend this book to readers of all ages because I think someone of any age could get something from it. Whether you read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn as a means of entertainment, to gain a life lesson, or to understand the social pressure associated with befriending a black man prior to the Civil War, you will definitely be able to gain something from reading this novel.

Average customer rating:

Not bad with one exception
this is wonder

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Mark Twain
Manufacturer: The Audio Partners
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1572703075

Book Description

Tom Sawyer remains one of the most beloved characters in the history of fiction, and this best-selling reading gives Tom and his adventures new life. All the memorable characters and scenes are here in this unabridged version: Aunt Polly with her Bible-based morality, independent Huck Finn, the famous fence-painting scene, the night on Jackson's Island. The book is no saccharine tale of childhood; Tom and Huck also witness grave-robbing and murder one night at the graveyard where they've gone seeking adventure and a cure for warts. Twain's themes of adult hypocrisy and the importance of character remain resonant with today's readers - and now, listeners in this virtuoso performance of one of the greatest American classics.

Customer Reviews:

Not bad with one exception.......2007-05-02

The narration is not bad, with one glaring exception. I do not conceive of Huck as sounding like Bill Clinton when he is whining.

this is wonder.......2007-03-02

This books is great, and the narrator is great, too. You'll never regret buying this book.
It's about boyhood and adventures that Tom Sawyer, a playful boy, makes up as he goes along.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Unabridged Classics)

Average customer rating:

The Greatest American of All?
ok read
Danielle's "Pick..."
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
A True American Classic

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Unabridged Classics)
Mark J. Twain
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1402714602

Book Description

Who could forget the pranks, the adventures, the sheer fun of Tom Sawyer? It’s something every child should experience and every child will love. From Tom’s sly trickery with the whitewashed fence—when he cleverly manipulates everyone so they happily do his work for him—to his and Becky Thatcher’s calamities in Bat Cave, the enjoyment just never ends.

The illustrations for this series were created by Scott McKowen, who, with his wife Christina Poddubiuk, operates Punch & Judy Inc., a company specializing in design and illustration for theater and performing arts. Their projects often involve research into the visual aspects of historical settings and characters. Christina is a theater set and costume designer and contributed advice on the period clothing for the illustrations.

Scott created these drawings in scratchboard an engraving medium which evokes the look of popular art from the period of these stories. Scratchboard is an illustration board with a specifically prepared surface of hard white chalk. A thin layer of black ink is rolled over the surface, and lines are drawn by hand with a sharp knife by scraping through the ink layer to expose the white surface underneath. The finished drawings are then scanned and the color is added digitally.

Customer Reviews:

The Greatest American of All?.......2007-07-04

It being the Fourth of July, or Small Explosives Day as I call it (training kids early to think bombs are fun can pay off with trillions of tax dollars, no questions asked), I am reminded of my favorite American, Mr. Sam Clemens.
I remember it was a hot July day, I was five or six and happily wandering the local library, and I saw an old copy of Tom Sawyer on a shelf. I'd heard of it, saw the cover of a kid with a slingshot in his back pocket, and said, "This is for me!"
I have never looked back.
Huck Finn is a deeper book, no doubt, dealing with deeper issues, while TS is all about the joys and pains of being a kid, and especially the joys of being a smart little rebel. No other book ever made America seem more appealing to me.
Twain understands what this country was meant to be, could be, should be, might be. He knows what kids are about, and how much smarter than adults they can be. From Tom Sawyer to Letters From The Earth rises and falls an arc that few artists of any nation can touch. Twain knows that this is the best and the worst country on earth, full of truly good-hearted if misinformed people who would love to trust their leaders if they could.
Above all, Twain lets us laugh at ourselves while seeing our foibles in the light of day.
There's a game where you pick three figures in history you'd like to have dinner with. I always used to choose Christ, Buddha, and Shakespeare. Thinking about it now, I might have to go with Twain at the head of the table.
Alas, to be betwixt Twain and Shakespeare...o, to lean back and listen. And laugh.
Thank you, Mr. Clemens. You will always be the real Uncle Sam.

ok read.......2006-06-14

This book is an okay book to read. It starts off kinda slow but begins to get better as you read it. Mark Twain is a very good author and knows how to write a book, but this isn't one of his best books. I really liked his other book Huckleberry Fin. that was a fun book to read, cause i could picture really well what was going on with the two boys. But this book is still a good book to read if you are bored or if you need a book to read over the summer, but it would not be a book that I would choose to read again.

Danielle's "Pick...".......2006-04-03

I think this book was the best book for reading counts because the characters are funny and some of them get into alot of trouble. I like the way the author writes the story. He makes the characters sound interesting and the situations that they are in don't sound boring. I think if people don't like to read as mush as other people do, they will enjoy this book. In this story, there is a boy named Tom Sawyer , who gets really gullable people to do his work for him. He also gets himself into alot of trouble. For example, Tom and his friends went to an island and they decided not to return home. Their family was getting worried and they were searching for them all over the town. Soon they asumed that they were dead. On the day of the funeral they returned, and of course, they got into alot of trouble. I reccomend this book because it is exciting and adventerous. You will really like this book!

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.......2006-03-04

Excellent adventure story for readers of all ages. Mark Twain hits it right on the head of what child experiences as he matures into his teenage years.

A True American Classic.......2005-12-21

This is simply one of the most mystifying tales that I have laid eyes upon, making the long story worthy of its five star rating. This historical fiction has everything I'd look for in a book and so much more. Mark Twain has included action, mystery, romance, and even comedy. "Tom Sawyer" is on par with the work of Homer's Iliad and the Odyssey, and deserves it place in history. The vivid descriptions in the story make the characters seem real, and makes the back hills of Missouri come alive. The plot never gets dull, and it even gets more exciting as the story goes on. The book is told through the eyes of a child, increasing the interest of the book. Everything seems filled with danger, and every odd and end is a treasure to behold. If you want a story that will enchant your every emotion, and makes you feel like you were just a child, pick up "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain. You won't be disappointed.
-Jason

Average customer rating:

Pleasantly surprised!

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain
Manufacturer: Blackstone Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Classics | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0786180374

Book Description

Huck Finn is a homeless rebel who loves freedom more than respectability. He isn't above lying and stealing, but he faces a battle with his conscience when he meets up with a runaway slave named Jim, who provides him with his first experience of love, acceptance, and a sense of responsibility.

The title character of this famous novel tells his own story in a straightforward narrative laced with shrewd, sharp comments on human nature. The boy's adventures along the Mississippi River form the framework of a series of moral lessons, revelations of a corrupt society, and contrasts of innocence and hypocrisy.

Customer Reviews:

Pleasantly surprised!.......2007-01-05

I teach high school English, and some students just can't catch Twain's humor without hearing his "voice." I found these recordings to be an effective way to jump-start my students' understanding of Twain's style of writing...many would have jumped ship straight to the cliff (notes, that is.) I planned 2-3 class periods to listen to some of my favorite passages, and it was a great success. Interest was up, and essays improved. Enjoy!

The Diaries of Adam & Eve: Translated by Mark Twain

Average customer rating:

interesting point of view.
Sweet
Perfect Gift for Next Valentine's Day
Treasured
The Diaries of Adam & Eve: Translated by Mark Twain

The Diaries of Adam & Eve: Translated by Mark Twain
Mark Twain
Manufacturer: Fair Oaks Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Reference & Collections | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Biographies & Memoirs | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

Reference | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0965881164

Book Description

An American legend rewrites a remarkably contemporary Adam and Eve. In tackling the first three chapters of Genesis, Twain creates a story of The First Couple who are psychologically familiar to even 21st Century Americans. He wrote the Diaries as a tribute to his own marriage, so they are also his most heartfelt and personal work. Between 1893 and 1906, he attempted six versions; only these satisfied him and were published in his lifetime.

This expanded edition is • beautifully illustrated • faithful to Twain's final rewrites • faithful to Twain's wish that the two tales be "bound together" • and includes passages published for the first time.

Customer Reviews:

interesting point of view. .......2007-05-10

unique and intriging. fun and fast to listen to. very creative.

Sweet.......2007-05-09

I came to this book by way of a banned books list (The Diary of Eve has been banned in some schools). I was hesitant to read it; high school didn't make me a fan of Twain but I can finally say that I have a favorite book by him. I'm glad I decided to go ahead and 'knock it off my list' because both these 'diaries' tell a sweet love story. This is what a romance novel should be!

P.S. My religious beliefs fall under "eclectic paganism"; you don't have to be Christian to enjoy this book.

Perfect Gift for Next Valentine's Day.......2007-03-29

We got this CD because we had seen THE APPLE TREE (which is based on THE DIARIES OF ADAM & EVE), and wanted to go back to the source. The source is beautiful, a love story like none other. And what a perspective on the Bible. Now we'll have to buy the book so we can put our own voices to the text.

Treasured.......2007-01-06

My spouse and I loved this book so much we chose it as the only reading in our wedding, and so I completely agree that it would make a great wedding or anniversary gift. It is perhaps the best thing Twain ever wrote, because it is everything: hilarious, tragic, cynical, tender, and hopeful. Apparently, Twain started this before his wife's death and came back to it again afterwards, which I think is why there is so much passion and reflection in the story. There are earlier versions that were published in serial format and are also worth reading.

In essence, this is the first and the last love story, as Eve says. And so it is also everyone's love story. The development of Adam and Eve's relationship is the main focus here, but I disagree that Twain's views about God are not here, too. Whereas Adam seems content to just follow orders, it's Eve's questioning of God and The Fall that adds such depth to the story. This piece really is about the best and worst not only of the human race, but of God as well, told in a way that makes you realize why Twain is probably the best writer this country will ever see. It's only a 45 minute read, but it's one that you'll treasure.

The Diaries of Adam & Eve: Translated by Mark Twain.......2005-10-10

Great buy....just as described....quick delivery!!!

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Unabridged Classics)

Average customer rating:

The Greatest American Novel
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Unabridged Classics)
Mark J. Twain
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Adventure & Thrillers | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

Classics | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1402726007

Book Description

Mark Twain’s brilliant 19th-century novel has long been recognized as one of the finest examples of American literature. It brings back the irrepressible and free-spirited Huck, first introduced in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and puts him center stage. Rich in authentic dialect, folksy humor, and sharp social commentary, Twain’s classic tale follows Huck and the runaway slave Jim on an exciting journey down the Mississippi.

Customer Reviews:

The Greatest American Novel.......2007-09-14

"Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain is the greatest American novel. Because it is our greatest novel it has been reviewed, analyzed, admired and vilified probably more than any book in American literary history.

Everyone knows the story. Huckleberry Finn is a character introduced in "Tom Sawyer". He's the neglected son of the town drunk. After discovering a small fortune with Tom at the end of Tom Sawyer, Huck is given a home with spinsters. The idea is to `civilize' Huck. That means bathing regularly, going to school, church in order to elevate him above the level of poor white trash.

(Forgive me for using the term. But author is unsparing in his use of language considered to today to be politically incorrect. We'll discuss this more later.)

Huck's father's paternal instincts are stimulated by the smell of money. He wants custody of his son. Unfortunately the law is on his side. Huck decides to run away. Inadvertently he takes one of the household slaves with him a runaway named Jim. They ride down the Mississippi River on a raft and sail into the annals of literature.

The single largest misconception about "Huckleberry Finn" is this is a children's novel. It is often given to children as a gift or taught in junior high English class. Twain was master of American dialects. His characters speak as they should for their time and place. Consequently, the n-word is used extensively. If you're the only black kid in the class, constant use of this word could make things uncomfortable.

This one of the reasons this book this book keeps winding up on the banned lists. But to put this book on the banned list in the name of political correctness is short-sighted and ignorant.

Another reason this is not a kids book is it tackles issues and situations far beyond the junior high level. The average 13 year old simply does not have the life experience to fully appreciate the book.

Huck and Jim represent the dregs of pre-Civil War southern society. All their lives they've been reminded of this. They must always listen to the counsel of their `betters', be it con men, childless old ladies or noble families hunting each other to extinction. Most of their `adventures' are because they yield their better judgment to idiots.

But there is a notable exception. Jim ran away rather than be sold away from his children forever. He's not as interested in freedom as much as he is in taking care of his family. Huck is conflicted because he's stealing an old woman's property. However he begins to see this `property' as a human being.

The point where Huck decides he will go to hell before he returns Jim to an uncertain future is one of the greatest moments in the history of American letters.

Huck and Jim may not be the smartest people in the world. But they both show presence of mind, loyalty, devotion and love in abundance.

In short, they represent the best of humanity.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.......2007-05-18

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Most everything about this book was GOOD!
This book had many interesting unexpected moments! It had a great blend of mystery, suspense, and surprises. All of the chapters had a great sense of imagery. Mark Twain describes every character with great detail. You can imagine what every character is wearing and what they look like. It is a great fiction book.
This book takes place out in the Mississippi River where two men from different races are looking for adventure and are traveling for freedom. There is murder, a feud, and a lot of adventure. In the book you are faced with many problems like how will Jim (the slave) get freed, or how will Huck Finn find a way to get away from his alcoholic father.
This book had my attention ever since I picked it up! This is a good book for young adults because of the outdoor setting and some mature words.
In the end this book has a great moral and teaches you so much on how to treat others and how you want to be treated. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants an adventure!

The Works of Mark Twain, Complete and Unabridged

Average customer rating:

The Works of Mark Twain, Complete and Unabridged
Mark Twain
Manufacturer: Longmeadow Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound
ASIN: 0681319224

Product Description

Includes Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Prince and the Pauper, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, and others.

Average customer rating:

Perfect Capture
Becker is great, sound quality is ok, too bad its not on CD.

The Humor Of Twain (Humor)
Mark Twain
Manufacturer: In Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

Comic | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Classics | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1584722622

Book Description

The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, Tom Quartz, The Story of the Old Ram, What Stumped the Blue Jays, Journalism in Tennessee, Carnival of Crime, Buck Fanshaw's Funeral.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect Capture.......2005-04-23

The narrator perfectly captures the western personality and expression of these pieces. Surely the greatest possible narration of the Twain's Humor.

Becker is great, sound quality is ok, too bad its not on CD........1998-01-17

It is difficult to appreciate a short story that is filled with sentences of one long word after another. However, Becker's reading of Twain makes it flow together so well that you just have to laugh out loud. Jounalism in Tennesse and Political Economy come to mind as I imagine that Lightning Rod Salesman just carrying on and the young editor trying to be impressive with his suave article which is later ripped to shreds by the author. How I Edited the Agricultural Paper was grand and I listened to it several times finding it funnier each time.

Tom Sawyer [UNABRIDGED] (Classic Books on Cassettes Collection) (Classic Books on Cassettes Collection)

Average customer rating:

Best Book On Boyhood Of All-Time?
DVD review
You will LOVE this book!
Great Twain work
Twain's Classic Boy Adventure

Tom Sawyer [UNABRIDGED] (Classic Books on Cassettes Collection) (Classic Books on Cassettes Collection)
Mark Twain , and Christopher Hurt
Manufacturer: Audio Book Contractors
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

General | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1556850700

Product Description

This classic by Mark Twain tells of the pranks of the American everyboy. Narrated by Christopher Hurt. (Five 90-minute cassettes)

Customer Reviews:

Best Book On Boyhood Of All-Time?.......2007-10-01

Ever since my dad first read this timeless classic to my sister & me as kids, while camping in our trailer during the summer, it has left its indelible impression upon my imagination. How I too wanted to shove off from shore on my "skiff" and have my own adventures down the Mississippi! I know of no other book that so wonderfully captures the essence and joy of carefree boyhood.

When I say "carefree", however, I am not forgetting the grim and serious elements of the novel. But these work just as well as the sunnier and funnier parts. In fact, just when the narrative needs it, a murder comes along which boosts the plot most effectively, giving it a shot in the arm. And speaking of the darker aspects, does not Injun Joe have to rank highly on the list of greatest villains in the history of literature? I can assure you that as a boy listening to the cave chapters, his menace was palpable and unforgettable.

Unfortunately, literary snobs have often found it fashionable to belittle Tom Sawyer as inconsequential and a 'lightweight' seen against the towering greatness of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". I couldn't disagree more. (I love Huckleberry Finn dearly and plan to review it soon as well). I read a quote in a foreword that I thought was very insightful: "Huckleberry Finn is a greater book, but not a better one." I think this is exactly so. Extol the greatness of HF by all means, but don't make the mistake of downgrading Twain's other masterpiece, just because its theme is not so weighty and grave. In fact, the episodic nature of the telling of Tom Sawyer fit Twain's particular brand of genius perfectly (whereas there were some sub par stretches in Huck Finn).

Loved it as a boy, love it no less as a man. Thank you, dad, for imparting such an enduring gift.

DVD review.......2007-09-04

This is an exciting coverge of something some of us lived through and puzzled over for years. As the movie indicates someone may feel sure that the Zodiac is dead from a heart attack but the rest of us have been left in wonder.

You will LOVE this book!.......2007-07-16

Invaluable for teachers and for students who need more than just plain text. The sidebars offer endless historical factoids and pictures that walked my students through the story because they could visualize the characters, household and farming tools, and places during Tom Sawyer's life. For teachers, it empowered me with so much extra and interesting information to heighten the interest of my students. Sadly, I do not think this book is still in print. PLEASE put this book back into print!

Great Twain work.......2007-07-15

This a great story about three of the most recognizable characters and one of the best American authors. There maybe a lack of `adventures' but a glimpse into the daily life of Tom is a well written, entertaining work which is necessary for any classical literature list. Great introduction to Twain's prose makes the reader want to immediately start the Huck version.

Twain's Classic Boy Adventure.......2007-06-29

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" was Twain's somewhat serious tale of a boy coming of age on the Mississippi River. It was also a wonderful social commentary of the times in which it takes place. "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," on the other hand, gives us a fun glimpse into the life of one young boy in a fictitious town on the Mississippi River in Missouri. It's definitely the funnier of the two novels, even though it deals with the very real dangers of running off alone, thieves, murderers, and even slacking off on memorizing Sunday school verses. Tom gets into trouble without even thinking about it. He, Huck Finn and a wonderful cast of characters spend their days cutting class, playing pirates, pretending to be Robin Hood, get lost in a cave and even hunt for treasure. It's a grand tale told on a grand scale and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure in the Americana vein.

**Potential Spoiler**
One character that I'd like to single out is the murderous Injun Joe. As loving and protective as Jim is in "Huck Finn," Joe is completely the opposite. He strikes fear into Tom and all of his friends and is the primary catalyst for much of the second half of the book. He's one of the best villains around and his fate (as far as children's books are concerned) is one of the most upsetting. It's amazing how Twain could find a perfect fit for such a wicked character in such a fun book.
**End Spoiler**

I'm sure that an intellectual could digest this book in greater style than I and reveal countless points on morality, religion, ethics, etc., but for most readers (young and old), this is simply a great adventure. Whether you're fourteen or forty, you'll love this book. Highly recommended.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books