The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in 100 Greatest Books of All Time [Franklin Library]

Oct 30, 2010 ShaLisa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I reread this book simply because it is one of the very few good books our library has on audiodisc. Oh, what a gem this book is. I enjoyed every minute and because it is recent in my head I can appreciate more depth than prior to this reading. For instance, the internal struggle of Huck as he questions his motive for freeing Jim. He has a desire to be good but his limited religous understanding is sufficient only to make him feel evil when in fact his heart is good. He compares himself to Tom w I reread this book simply because it is one of the very few good books our library has on audiodisc. Oh, what a gem this book is. I enjoyed every minute and because it is recent in my head I can appreciate more depth than prior to this reading. For instance, the internal struggle of Huck as he questions his motive for freeing Jim. He has a desire to be good but his limited religous understanding is sufficient only to make him feel evil when in fact his heart is good. He compares himself to Tom whom somehow established the reputation with Huck as one who always chooses the better way. And what a mixed up perception Huck has of himself compared to Tom who is sneaky and deceitful and does everything for the wrong reason - for glory. Yet, Tom is mighty creative, unusually so. Huck proved his heart many times - he befriended Jim for the person he was, he couldn't bare to watch the King and Duke steal the money from the girls, and he usually wants to tell someone the truth to make situations right again all the while protecting his interest, Jim. He said, "You can't pray a lie." His heart was innocent and he was untaught. I found Huck to be clever and, does it even need to be said, adventurous. I think of my own boys and their adventures and their training and upbringing. Their is something grand and humbling in the trying to glimpse the understanding from a child's perspective.

"I about made up my mind to pray; and see if I couldn't try to quit being the kind of boy I was, and be better. So I kneeled down. But the words wouldn't come. Why wouldn't they? It warn't no use to try and hide it from Him. Nor from me, neither. I knowed very well why they wouldn't come. It was because my heart wasn't right; it was because I warn't square; it was because I was playing double. I was letting on to give up sin, but away inside of me I was holding on to the biggest one of all. I was trying to make my mouth say I would do the right thing and the clean thing, and go and write to [Jim's:] owner and tell where he was; but deep down in me I knowed it was a lie--and He knowed it. You can't pray a lie -- I found that out...

...It was a close place. I took it up, and held it in my hand. I was a trembling, because I'd got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it. I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself: 'All right, then, I'll go to Hell'--and tore it up."

My son entered the room on disc two of the story and was taken with it. Twain is a glorious story teller and the reading of the story was perfect for Klark's ears. He loved the book. I finished it first and the whole time Klark was pleading for his own CD player so he could listen to the story at will and not around my schedule. I love that my boy loves this book. There is a lot to discuss with him and a lot to be gleaned from such a reading. I stand by my firm opinion that their is power and purpose in reading good literature. ...more

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