Twenty years ago, my daughter, who was around the age of 7 or 8. read kids’ versions of Twain’s books “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”. When she finished those, she then asked whether there was a book about the adventures of Becky Thatcher (Tom Sawyer’s female friend/neighbor in his book), and I told her I wasn’t aware of one. I wish someone would write that book now in the vernacular of that time for little kids, particularly little girls, so that they can see the girls of that time having “adventures” too.
You're very kind but, trust me, my efforts were very unimpressive. Pam and Jen, library ladies and library leaders, deserve the lion's share of the credit but nobody's touching my spoon.
I also love Mark Twain and your statement that he was « one of us « resonated immediately in my shaking self today. I live in Mystic CT, not far from your lovely Redding and thought Mystic was at least as civilized and dedicated to great American traditions of maritime history and craft, but yesterday there was a Trump boat parade down the river, a Trump supporter dressed in a full KKK outfit holding a Trump sign in front of our beautifully aquarium, where he was seen by hundreds of children of all colors visiting the aquarium. Today 300 motorcycles roared down Main Street carrying huge American flags. We have never needed Mark Twain more. I’ll be visiting the library seeking solace and happy to contribute to its bringing us eternal hope from Twain’s heart.
I love this: "He [Twain] was the best kind of intellectual, the kind that understands that the intellect alone is worthless without empathy, generosity of spirit, and humor."
It wasn't just his humor and his skill as a novelist and essayist that makes him endure- it's the fact that he did not allow anyone to dictate what things he could and could not write about, and he ranged widely across genres and forms in his bibliography. That contrariness is a very American trait his humorous heirs would inherit.
Congrats from California, where we love us some Mark Twain. (In fact, I live about an hour away from the town bearing his name, Twain Harte)
New paid subscriber... I’ve been a cheapo, reading the freebies until today!
You can save up for a chain, so you can wear your spoon as an accessory.
I kicked in a pittance because I love The Innocents Abroad so much this felt like a nice way to pay it back.
I just talked to Mark. He thanks you.
Kudos to you and your efforts to honor reading, libraries and Twain to the world.
Twenty years ago, my daughter, who was around the age of 7 or 8. read kids’ versions of Twain’s books “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”. When she finished those, she then asked whether there was a book about the adventures of Becky Thatcher (Tom Sawyer’s female friend/neighbor in his book), and I told her I wasn’t aware of one. I wish someone would write that book now in the vernacular of that time for little kids, particularly little girls, so that they can see the girls of that time having “adventures” too.
Thanks for all of you!
I still remember "Stella" as ridiculously hilarious!
OBSCURE! Doodoodoodooo! Congratulations, Michael! I’m glad you won. It’s a nice spoon.
Full Kudos to you Michael.
Sam Clemons might raise a glass of some cold liquid to you. As do I
Solid, Mike.
I really loved your podcast where you read and analyzed Jude the Obscure. Have you ever considered doing one on Twain?
Hi Jennifer! We are still listening and it’s still fun! No pig part throwing in current book, but you can’t have everything!
Obscure continues to do this day! We are currently reading Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy.
Oh wow! Thanks for letting me know, I did not realize it went on after Jude! Hurrah!
So very impressive and well deserved for your important work.
Congratulations for fostering the concept
"readers are leaders"
You're very kind but, trust me, my efforts were very unimpressive. Pam and Jen, library ladies and library leaders, deserve the lion's share of the credit but nobody's touching my spoon.
I also love Mark Twain and your statement that he was « one of us « resonated immediately in my shaking self today. I live in Mystic CT, not far from your lovely Redding and thought Mystic was at least as civilized and dedicated to great American traditions of maritime history and craft, but yesterday there was a Trump boat parade down the river, a Trump supporter dressed in a full KKK outfit holding a Trump sign in front of our beautifully aquarium, where he was seen by hundreds of children of all colors visiting the aquarium. Today 300 motorcycles roared down Main Street carrying huge American flags. We have never needed Mark Twain more. I’ll be visiting the library seeking solace and happy to contribute to its bringing us eternal hope from Twain’s heart.
I’m not far from you at a little seaside clam shack in New Bedford, MA. Trump hats everywhere. So upsetting. Samuel would be fired up.
Same as it ever was.
You deserve that spoon. And compared to most "very famous" people, you're A-list. (At least B+).
I love this: "He [Twain] was the best kind of intellectual, the kind that understands that the intellect alone is worthless without empathy, generosity of spirit, and humor."
Did you write that, or did Pam and Jen?
Hahaha! (It was Pam and Jen)
It wasn't just his humor and his skill as a novelist and essayist that makes him endure- it's the fact that he did not allow anyone to dictate what things he could and could not write about, and he ranged widely across genres and forms in his bibliography. That contrariness is a very American trait his humorous heirs would inherit.