Adventures of Huckleberry Finn with Connections

by Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., Langston Hughes, Alfred Uhry

So, in two seconds, away we went, a-sliding down the river, and it did seem so good to be free again and all by ourselves on the big river and nobody to bother us.
(back cover)

Contains:
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Negro Speaks of Rivers
from Exodus from the King James Bible
African American Freedom Songs
from Driving Miss Daisy
Twain and Huck finn: Two Commentaries
The Passing of Grandison
Mark Twain (biographical sketch)

Genres: Classics, Childrens

348 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

lang read again...if I have to hear about satire one more time I might explode

[Vanessa Yeazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those classics everyone must read at some point in their lives. Twain's novel displaying southern society sparks a discussion about race and how we treat the "other" in society, no matter who the "other" is. Huck and Jim's partnership, and friendship, shows great significance in literature and in culture, as it was the first time African Americans and whites were seen working together. Huck's growth from southern society to seeing Jim as human is gradual and realistic. Their partnership is symbolic of times changing. The middle of the novel, with the con men, was a little boring, even though I understand why Twain included it. The end with Tom was exciting and fast-paced, even though Tom got frustrating after a while. Tom was representive of southern society, and how they don't take the safety of African Americans seriously. That, though, was one of the many parts of the novel that showed the disgusting racism of southern society. The inclusion of the n word is necessary to the novel. It reminds us of our history of racism. We can't white wash our history, or pretend it was something it wasn't. We need that reminder of how terribly we treated African Americans, so we make sure we never do it again to anyone. Huck Finn is a must-read classic that explores our history of racism, and overcoming it. Everyone must read this.

[bup · Rating 4 out of 5]

In high school I was taught this is America's greatest novel, and that it's our epic. Thirty years later, I read it again with more confidence in my own opinion.

The first part of the book, before Huck and Jim take off down the river, is great. Their island really is majestic, Huck's deception of his pa entertains and interests, as well as speaking volumes about Huck's character.

The middle of the book, Huck and Jim are too much of bystanders watching other stories - the feuding families, all the adventures with the King and the Duke.

The end of the book, when Tom Sawyer shows up? Ouch. It's a thin joke gone way too far. Just tiring to read. Then the denouement fairy shows up on literally the last 2 pages to sweep away the 2 major points of conflict in the book.

That said, it's still a very powerful, humorously ironic upending of racist America in the middle 1800's, and Twain should be proud that some doofuses still get worked up that his book has that word in it. The novel also expresses Twain's love and knowledge of America's great river well.

I think I'll read it again in 30 years.

[Rena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty good book in comparison to other book that are required reading. I actually enjoy Huck's transformation, though at the end it seems like he doesn't change at all. Twain definately shows his view of Southern culture, but I like the way he tells the story. Every part is told through Huck just as if he were in person talking about his adventures. Overall, not a bad book.

[Lídia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Slavery, parenting, and philosophy by an uncivilizated child and his point of view