Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

I went back and reread this book to refresh my memory before jumping into "James" by Percival Everett. I first tackled it in school, but this time I couldn't help but notice how much my view of the characters and Huck's journey has shifted. As a kid, I was all about the adventure, the thrill of freedom, and the humor in the story. Now that I’m older, the adventure is still there, but it comes with a mix of anxiety and fear along with that excitement, plus those brief moments of relief when the characters feel free. What used to be just funny now seems like a sharp take on society and some serious moral issues. The straightforward plot now feels more like a layered journey through the complicated emotions of that time. I really enjoyed the book, and I walked away with a more rounded perspective.

Huck Finn is a poor Southern white son of an alcoholic, abusive father. He slips his father's grasp and teams up with a fugitive slave, Jim. Many adventures along the Mississippi ensue. Slowly, Huck makes the decision that he will not return Jim to his captors. Then Tom Sawyer comes along with a hare brained plan to free Jim that almost costs them everything.

Loved this book. The ending is probably the best ending I can remember for a book. Gives a good description of live in the Mississippi River back in those days. Loved Huck and Jim and their adventures. One of my all time favorites. Great read.

Racial undertones of the time period

I have to say I agree with the fact they do not write great novels anymore. Putting aside the racism and derogatory slurs (which was accurate use back in this time frame but very much aged poorly to hear in today's time), the plot, the characters, and the development had a well written flow. The only reason why I read his slowly was my personal struggle to deal with the language and southern slang. I really enjoyed this was written in first person narration.