I know it's a classic, but personally I found the majority of it boring and a slow read. The final adventures were a more interesting read and the book as a whole does show how different the world was. Toms antics though we're terrible and cruel in the treatment of Jim and it seems that no matter how awful the boys are, they don't really have any repercussions ( )

I read the Adventures of Huck Finn in high school and very quickly thereafter read Tom Sawyer. Both are such great adventure stories but also a lesson in writing in dialect. While there are aspects that are unfortunate/unpleasant in the way of terrible events and actions in history regarding 'The South' and the stain of the nation, it's an entertaining look into the past through the point of view of a young boy just making his way. Of course it definitely offers up opportunity for further and deeper discussion, but on the surface, it's an adventure story. ( )

I'd read this book before, but the Norton Critical Edition info made it much more enjoyable. Taking off half a star for the problematic ending. But still, it's easy to get caught up in the adventure of this book. ( )

Huckleberry Finn, like other classic works of the imagination, can provide every reader with whatever he is capable of finding as he reads. The well of the narrative runs as deep as the Mississippi River. Thus the book may be enjoyed by young boys and adults as well. It also means that the book can be and is a foundational document in American literature influencing many writers who have followed in its wake. The story is both epic and intimate. Over the years the excitement of Huck's adventures have gained depth of meaning for me that could not have when I was a boy even though I enjoyed them as much or more as a young reader. However, the friendship between Jim and Huck has come to the forefront for me in more recent readings. I have enjoyed my readings and as with all great works of literature I look forward to reading it again and gleaning more from its' depths. ( )

When Mark Twain titled this Adventures of Huckleberry Finn he wasn't kidding. Huck is a almost orphaned boy living with a widow. Dad is an abusive alcoholic who shows up occasionally to try to steal from Huck. While Huck is grateful to the widow for a roof over his head and food to eat he is of the "thanks, but no thanks" mindset and soon runs away. He would rather be sleeping out under the stars, floating down the Mississippi while trapping small game and fishing than minding his ps and qs and keeping his nose clean in school. Huck is a clever boy and he shows this time and time again (getting away after being kidnapped by his father, faking his own death, dressing like a girl, tricking thieves etc), but his immaturity often catches up to him. Huck's partner is crime is Jim, slave of Miss Watson's. Together they build a raft and travel down the Mississippi getting into all sorts of mayhem. One of the best things about The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is the descriptions of the people and places Huck and Jim encounter along their journey. ( )