101 Books to Read Before You Die discussion

Discuss the second half and the book as a whole.

While I liked the book, and loved reading about Huck and Jim's adventures, I thought it lost some steam towards the end when Tom Sawyer showed up and they had set up an elaborate plan to "rescue" Jim. It was still fun to read, but it didn't have the same feel to it as the rest of the book, and almost felt forced just so we could see Tom again. It was a very good book though, and I enjoyed it.

I agree, that part was completely ridiculous, although it was much better once you realized there was no danger at all and Jim was free all along. I think it would have gone very differently if Tom hadn't been aware of that fact, he probably would have made it much less elaborate because there truly would have been more danger involved.

I forget how freely (and apparently unthoughtfully and unapologetically) the "N" word was used in literature of the time! It actually made me think somewhat of Robinson Crusoe, and his treatment of his "savage." Huck really views Jim as less of a person than himself, because he's been brought up that way. But that softens over time as he gets to know Jim and grows to respect him. I don't think he ever viewed Jim as the same as himself, but his growth in perspective is still remarkable, even as disgusted as we modern readers might be by his language and behavior.