Book for Bad Boys and Girls

by R. Kent Rasmussen

The first-ever compilation of Twain's own wise and witty essays, sketches, and stories on the joys and rewards of misbehavior, Mark Twain's Book for Bad Boys and Girls is a delightful, politically incorrect treasure that will warm the hearts of bad boys and girls (of any age) everywhere. 27 illustrations.

Genres: Fiction, Classics, Literature, Humor

192 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1995

About the author

(I'm writing this in November 2016 merely to report I have not been active on GoodReads for several years. I've been busying writing and editing books and haven't had the time or inclination to keep up with social media. I don't object to this sort of site on principle. It's just that I'm bothered by the way keeping up everything can suck up one's time and become an end in itself.)

Reviews

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't believe there is another American author who possesses the same wit and verve as Mark Twain. The abundant examples of suggested "naughtiness," taken from his own childhood, prove where he obtained his wealth of experience for his writings.
I'm glad he wrote them down ... and I'm equally glad I was not his mother.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was edited by R. Kent Rasmussen, who entered little biographical tidbits before each section. I enjoyed Twain’s old fashioned style of writing, along with his regional vernacular. “Let us swear while we may, for in heaven it will not be allowed.” These type of little cuties are what to expect in this book, plus excerpts from some of his other writing. In the beginning, the editor states that Mark Twain’s writings often included his childhood antidotes, but were written for the entertainment of adults and secretly peeked at by children. Much of his writing is period based and is therefore written during a period of time when slaves had only recently been emancipated, but were still treated poorly. Some parts of the autobiography in this book is painful to read. Still, there are parts that made me chuckle. I recommend this book.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This treasury has excerpts from books, magazine pieces and speeches written by Mark Twain. I'm not sure if I would recommend this as a starting point for new readers of Twain, but you get a good overview of his humor and philosophy. Each reading ranges from a page to 4 pages long, so it makes for perfect bedtime reading.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious Quotes from the Master of American Humor! I love it!!!

[Dan Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny stories and once again Mark Twain...need I say more.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Mark Twain. How can you go wrong?

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

funny..even in today's times.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious! And some not funny but completely accurate essays.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooooooh such fabulous goon fun! This book is as delightful as sneaking candy and not getting caught.

[James Swenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nicely chosen collection of excerpts, perhaps for people who are more rebellious than bad.