Project 2014: Mark Twain, I'm Just Not That Into You

This year, I decided my themed reading project would center around Mark Twain. You can read the story here. 

I started out strong, but here it is June and as you can tell by my progress (check out my Project 2014 page), it's been slow going. The first two volumes I picked out of our collection were short stories and clips. While some showcased Twain's clever brain and sharp, I had to force myself to make it through  most of them.  

I started reading Tom Saywer Abroad, but finally decided to ditch it. It just kept going on and on and on. Plus, I got sidetracked by The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley, which I read for a book club. Highly recommended.

Recently, I resurrected Twain from the book pile on my nightstand and read Tom Sawyer, Detective. Loved it! I just started reading The Innocents Abroad, and although I'm just a few chapters in, I think I'm going to enjoy it as well! 

What I'm discovering is that I don't care for Twain's shorter pieces, essays and commentaries as much as I do his novels. The shorter stories seem too disjointed, too rambly, too something that I can't quite put my finger on. I just can't get into them.

What's your favorite Twain piece? Why? Or are you not a fan? 

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep It Real.

Project 2014: Mark Twain Marathon

At the beginning of 2013, I embarked on a year-long journey to read all of the children and YA books (171 total) I collected as a middle school English/Language Arts teacher. When I made the decision to leave the classroom, I boxed up the books but couldn’t bear to let them go. Click here to read how that project went.

For 2014, I’ve decided to read (at least attempt to read) our collection of Mark Twain books. We inherited them from my husband’s parents. The hardback set contains 16 books, plus some miscellaneous paperbacks. I’m not sure what is included, but a brief glance tells me I am in for a treat! Quite a Twain variety! Let’s just say I’m super duper excited. Adding to my excitement is the aesthetics of the books. Faded navy blue hard backs, yellowed pages, fragile pages, fragrant with the musty scent that feeds my addiction to old books. 

Keep your eyes open for the Project 2014 tab, appearing soon on my blog. Join in my journey!

How about you? What is your favorite Twain piece?

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing ... Keep it Real.