The Trouble Begins at 8: A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West

A rip-snortin' author gets a rip-snortin' biography treatment. Fleischman's writing mimics Twain's humor and tall-tale style. From creative humorous old-style chapter titles to the well-placed generous illustrations and photos, this book for older readers is a folksy delight, well-researched as well as entertaining from start to fast-paced finish. My only quibble is that younger readers may need to have a dictionary handy as they read this, because there's quite a lot of old-fashioned or more archaic words in it. But that just adds to the nineteenth-century feel, I think.

I’ve been a Sid Fleischman fan for years, ever since one of his books showed up as part of a reading list for one of my first years in school. I fell in love with his style, and so far, I can’t say I’ve come across a book of his that I didn’t enjoy.

After growing up on the likes of By the Great Horn Spoon and McBroom’s Wonderful One-Acre Farm, I was surprised to discover, a few months ago, that Fleischman didn’t just write fiction—he wrote some biographies, too! This is the second biography I’ve read from his pen, and although I’m unsure just how many other books he wrote that I haven’t read yet, I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for other titles!

Everyone has heard of Mark Twain’s famous stories—or at least show more references to Tom Sawyer and/or Huckleberry Finn. But what surprised me in this book was how little I knew of the author of these stories. I’ve heard vague things over the years, but on the whole, most of the information in this book was new to me—and that was both surprising and made the biography all that much more interesting!

This biography wasn’t as much of a favorite of mine as Fleischman’s one of Houdini (I mean, come on…who can beat cool magic tricks?), but I still found it insightful, entertaining, and intriguing. I enjoyed this peek into what made Samuel Clemens into the world-renowned author, and all the many things he faced and conquered (or didn’t!) throughout his life.

If you’re looking for a short, gripping, easy-to-read biography about Mark Twain, I’d highly recommend you check this book out. It’s a fascinating peek into another century, and is a genuinely well-written story all on its own! show less

Let me start by noting two things: 1. I loved this book 2. I think it would be best classified as a teen book. Here's why:

The Trouble Begins at 8 (a reference to how Twain billed his speaking engagements), is a highly entertaining and informative look at one of America's best known authors - although he is arguably equally famous for his biting wit. The book chronicles "the adventurous years that turned the unknown Samuel Clemens into the world-famous Mark Twain."

With chapters titled "The Man Who Made Frogs Famous,"and "Eggs, Three Cents a Dozen," through "Golden Gate, So Long," Fleischman's book follows Twain's mixed attempts at finding his fortune, his travels in the wild west, and his growing career as a writer. Peppered with many show more period photographs and art reproductions, as well as excellently sourced quotations, the reader is fully immersed in the whirlwind of personality that was Mark Twain. Mark Twain was at times a liar, a printer, a schemer, a riverboat pilot, a lecturer, an author, a lazy drifter, even a dueler! In his own words, "I have been an author for twenty years, and an ass for fifty-five."

The Trouble Begins at 8, ends with an Afterstory, A Mark Twain Sampler (an excerpt from the story that made him famous, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County"), a Mark Twain Timeline, References, Illustration and Photograph Sources, Bibliography, Novels and Other Works, and Index. It is an exhaustive look at a finite period in this American icon's storied life.

Some of the reasons that I loved the book are the reasons that I find it unsuitable for a Juvenile Biography classification. It's focus on a short period of Twain's life makes it unlikely to be acceptable for a school biography assignment. Additionally, Fleischman's success in offering the unique "flavor" of times gone by, makes the prose difficult reading for all but the oldest of the juvenile audience,

"In addition to the paper's social denseness, Clemens felt in the wrong harness at the fact-
obsessed Call. His nimble imagination went unappreciated. he was heavily blue penciled for
writing sentences his editor regarded as salty caviar to the paper's meat-and-potato readers. "

Fleischman's use of period quotes is also very entertaining,

"Concerning the difference between man and the jackass: Some observers hold that there isn't any. But that wrongs the jackass,"

but perhaps above the level of the average juvenile nonfiction reader.

In short, I loved this book, but I think it will be better received by teens and adults. show less

Have you met Mark Twain? If you haven't, or if you met some stodgy old coot, you should pick up this biography and meet the hilariously funny alter ego of Samuel Clemens! The title of Sid Fleischman's newest book comes from the original publicity posters created by Mark Twain for his first lecture: "Doors open at 7, the trouble to begin at 8." Samuel Clemens was one for adventure of all kinds, from piloting riverboats on the Mississippi, writing as a journalist, humorist and novelist, prospecting, and spending an entire two weeks as a soldier during the Civil War. One of his best friends referred to him as "the hardest-working lazy man I ever knew!" Fleischman doesn't spend a lot of time on the most famous works, like Tom Sawyer and show more Huckleberry Finn; instead, he spends his time showing us the events that became the fodder for many of those stories and novels. This is a well-written, amusing biography that includes cartoons, photos, and illustrations which add to the delightfulness of the title -- and Mark Twain is someone that every student should meet. 6th grade and up. show less

A thorough, detailed, beautifully written book about one of the most beloved authors of all time, Samuel Clemens, but we know him as the master-writer of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer... Mark Twain. Sid Fleischman has once again taken a topic that causes most kids to run screaming in the opposite direction - and made it interesting, intriguing and most importantly - Fun! You will thoroughly enjoy the wisecrack for which the book is named..."The Trouble Begins At 8."

The life of Mark Twain has been written about by some of the brightest minds, however, knowing these texts are written with a dialogue that will never reach children, Fleischman targets the young minds with his books. Not an easy task and yet he has been able to deliver the show more absolute perfect mix of educational information and entertainment to keep youngsters turning pages and parents happily observing. Sid Fleischman writes with an elegant, well-informed simplicity that immerses the reader, breathing life into the pages of the book, so much so that at the conclusion it feels more like you have spent time with these people as opposed to having read a book about them. Every character, as well as, each stage of Clemen's journey contributes depth and richness to the story and has been beautifully captured in this unique, highly entertaining biographical book that reveals the creation of Mark Twain. From his early days in Missouri, through his quite interesting personal adventures; as a steamboat pilot, mining for gold, dancing the 'kangaroo' in San Francisco, just to name a few.

While you may think you know all there is to know about Mark Twain you have never had the pleasure of reading anything quite like this. Complimenting the narrative are numerous black and white photographs that truly bring the legend to life. Often referred to as a 'gentlemen of leisure,' Mark Twain's life was above all, interesting. Sid Fleischman has captured the essence of this free-spirited writer that today is one of only a handful of authors counted as true masters of the pen. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in literature, regardless of age. Sid Fleischman is a talented writer and his ability to continually breath new life into old stories is unparalleled. This is an exceptionally well written and highly enjoyable read - Don't Miss it!

In today's high-tech, highly competitive market, I commend Harper Collins for delivering such unique, educational, fun titles show less

A re-telling of Mark Twain's life from childhood to the publication of his first writings (and subsequent fame) this is YA biography at its best: engaging writing (Fleishman is definitely channeling Twain), well-paced, well-referenced (does this librarian's heart good :-) and spiced with Twain's own words of wit & wisdom. In addition to all of this, we have wonderful archival photographs and drawings. Anyone, at any age, who wants to understand better the man who wrote the greatest American novel of all time, should read this.

Written in an engaging tale-teller's voice, this biography of Mark Twain concentrates on the entertaining events in Twain's life - so there's never a dull moment. While it is far from comprehensive, it is a good example of a light biography, and is a good introduction to the author. As an extra treat, the short story 'The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County' is included.
I'm not sure who I'd recommend this to, possibly kids who enjoy tall tales, as they'll enjoy the style of this.