"Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain

Mark Twain's novel "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" was selected as this year's book of choice. It epitomizes the essence of inquiry into the 2009 theme "You and Me."

Twain's delving into the slavery issue is singular in its exploration of early 19th century attitudes. Huck's relationship with run-away slave Jim brings to the fore a series of personal epiphanies that transform Huck's typically period shortsightedness into a transcendental realization of truth and equality. In the colorful and well-studied dialogue, Twain records the idiosyncratic language found along the Mississippi River circa 1824.

"All American literature started with Huckleberry Finn." - Ernest Hemingway

"He was looking at the horrible failure of freeing the slaves - Hal Holbrook

"This is the first time we have had a realistic depiction of an unlettered slave clinging to the hope of freedom. That's what we have here!" - Jocelyn Chadwick, Twain Scholar

"He liberated American literature." - Hamlin Hill, Twain Scholar

"Mark Twain out of his genius has found a metaphor for the tragic comedy of life." William Stryon, Author

"In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain is writing our Homeric epic." William Stryon, Author

Curious readers may find Jon Clinch's recent novel "Finn" an interesting dark sojourn into the untold background of the original novel.

Check out this web-site for some most interesting observations on "Huckleberry."