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“We really should’ve got more of Jim” is what I would be saying if Percival Everett hadn’t already beat me to it. Huck was fine and a way better read than Tom Sawyer, but I really just read it so I'd have some background information before I read James.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Kidnapping
Graphic: Child abuse, Racial slurs, Slavery
Moderate: Gun violence
Graphic: Child abuse, Racial slurs, Racism
Moderate: Abandonment
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Kidnapping, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, Religious bigotry
Minor: Confinement, Murder, Abandonment
Graphic: Child abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Violence
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Confinement, Slavery
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I’m pretty sure this was summer reading homework in high school. Without any discussion, I’m not sure what I would have really gotten out of it at that point…probably nothing. I am really glad I chose to revisit it now, though!
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While you definitely don’t have to read Huck Finn prior to reading James, it has given me some context/insight that I otherwise wouldn’t have had. I also think the comparison between the two perspectives is extremely thought provoking and will lead to great discussion (especially for book clubs, buddy reads, etc).
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I was pleasantly surprised by the readability of Huck Finn. It reads like an adventure story, and yet, it explores some BIG themes—slavery, humanity, morality, religion, etc. I also love how this story is told through a (poor, uneducated) child’s eyes. The cruelty, ugliness, and hypocrisy of this time in our country’s history is glaring as Huck repeatedly questions and struggles to make sense of the world around him. All of the “good/moral” members of society condone slavery, and Huck grapples with what might be “wrong” with himself for seeing Jim’s humanity and wanting to help him. As an elementary teacher and a mom, I find this really fascinating! It is important to mention, of course, that Huck doesn’t always make mature choices and doesn’t always treat Jim with respect.
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There are some characters that I found pretty unlikeable and I questioned their purpose, but all in all, I’m glad I read this one and enjoyed it more than I thought I would!
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Graphic: Child abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Classism
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery
Moderate: Child abuse, Gun violence