This is a classic I have not read before, and I thought it was finally time to change that fact. Of course, I had heard of this book, but growing up, I was always in the wrong age group. I didn't read for fun as a kid after school, and after my youngest years, school took my time and joy to read for what reading is meant to be. Adults smiled mentioning it, teachers said you would read it for school when we were older, and some said it was reminiscent of boyhood, which seemed like it was meant to be less compelling for me as a girl who didn't dream of adventures when things got hard, but slow living and survival. The classics genre title, which seemed much more daunting back then, made me feel a little runoff from reading it myself when I was younger. But since I never read it for school, I am only encouraged to read it for pure enjoyment and hope to fall in love with it. Especially as an adult, and classics are my favorite. 

I wanted to read it now because people keep recommending The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which is the sequel to this story, and they tell me it is a riot, but I don't yet know if they meant it sarcastically or not. (I feel that they did.) For now, I want to find out if I love the characters and story as I tend to read children's classics, especially with an appreciation of the writing and connection as an adult. Also, my mom begged us last Christmas to watch It's A Wonderful Life for the first time since we were little, and we didn't like it for how long and tense it seemed. We watched it to humor her, and I enjoyed it! As a book lover, I want to know the parallels between stories and Clariance's love for this book, which he never leaves the afterlife without. I would love to know why, and perhaps we may find that in common, at least on a home shelf. 

Now I read Mark Twain before, some short story work for my American Lit course in 11th grade, and early this year, The Prince and the Pauper, which I greatly enjoyed, albeit a little dark; it also reminded me of Treasure Island, which I read last year and adored. I love Mark Twain's writing, and I have fallen in love with the preface, much in a similar way as I had Narnia and the writing of Witman. And I hope against hope that I fall in love with this story. It's a classic for a reason, and I hope it holds my heart for a long time. With that out of the way, here are the stages of my review: 


This story was slower than I expected and had fewer adventures in the ways I anticipated in making such a renowned American classic. However, it is a charming story of adventure, and after balancing initial impressions with film adaptations, I genuinely like this story. The parallels between Clarence and It's a Wonderful Life are very strong and beautiful. Yes, I will think fondly of this story; no, I don't consider it an all-time favorite, but I recommend it. Certainly, it was a good read. I got impatient listening to it as an audiobook and a physical copy. Still, I did additionally watch two adaptations of the book as well, the 1974 musical film and the 2014 film. 

In the book's first reading, I didn't know how old Tom was to justify the careless attitude that he carries himself with often. Teenagers dismissal and pushing of the borders of limitation to make ordinary days adventurous and savored is different compared to little boyhood, which maintains further innocence and desire for experience in a different light. Also not to be forgotten is the influence of Tom's life, the religious balance or lack thereof in the way he needed, which can feel more oppressive if only seen and wielded as unforgiving rules (as I have observed in life myself as a Christian, especially when humans play God and forget who He is) and no parents also searching for ways to be himself, live to the fullest even if it means dreams and influence may be a little wild and unseemly to most people of normal society regardless of wealth. 

In either case of age, I was nothing like these children. Yet, I love hearing stories of slow life and a little mischief, which encourages imagination and strong themes of friendship, coming of age, and many more themes it is important to hold onto in our storytelling. I also tend to adore characters who live in a way that makes these plots possible, to whom I might never find myself even able to speak, seeing ourselves and interests so differently, yet I am drawn to them in fiction. In the book, I feel it's important not to cut things as they tend to in various interpretations of the film and to be mindful of what was acceptable when it was written and what is not, and perhaps borderline never been since they were banned after publication. I don't condemn why, especially with the influence of wrong things through Tom's books, in his measures of escapism, and if you look at things a particular way, a boatload of content warnings. 

Even so, though the book itself was a bit slow and a little peculiarly placed, it is worth the read, and I highly recommend the films, especially the musical version from 1974. The book opens doors to deep conversation and debates on moral and practical perspectives, which can take root in contrast to the characters and from the reader's relation to differences in era or person. While I disagree, this book is a good idea for our children to read for school, at least in grades less than high school, knowing for many, it is required. It is pretty dark for that age range, discussing the severity and consequences of the story; it also has lighthearted aspects that don't always translate all that well off the page. However, especially since I did not read this for a class, I got excited reflecting on built-in discussion questions. Only in classics. (happy sigh.)

If you like this book, especially the hint of romance between Becky and Tom, Flipped will be a great book/ film for you. If you're like me and enjoy classics, this could be a good one for you, especially if you are trying to read classics from American authors. I was right about my feelings and similar stories at the beginning of this review and initial impressions. 
So, to those who are hesitant about trying this story out in any of its forms, may you come across a white-washed picket fence and a little courage and imagination in your pockets as you walk along the grass-lined path in the sunshine, whistling a tune. Regardless of your age, race, gender, or any other factors that may have deterred you until now, as did for me, those limits vanished. Time holds still by the Missisippee to greet you, should you hope to tarry a bit with Tom Sawyer and his beloved friends. 

An entertaining and endearing read for an audience of all ages. Children can relate and say "I do that!" and adults can marvel at the charm of youth and reminiscence on their own childhoods.