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jennifermreads's review against another edition
4.0
Over a period of a few weeks, my husband and I listened to the audiobook narrated by Grover Gardner. Why I had not read this sooner I do not know. Having grown up in South Lake Tahoe and Gardnerville, and, thus, near Virginia City, Mark Twain is a local icon. This writing, in particular, is one I had been urged to read for years. Well, Mom, I finally did it!
I’m first going to address and call attention to the racism and sexism. Yes, both are present and blatant. Are they excusable? Absolutely not. I went into reading Roughing It fully aware of a few things: the book was written in 1870-1871, racism and sexism would be part of the writing, and it is a reflection of Mark Twain’s life, living, and time. This is not to excuse the racism and sexism. It is meant to remind folks: we have come far—and have much further to go. If you are alarmed by the racism and sexism, to me, that is an excellent sign that you have educated yourself to be more aware and cognizant of language usage and equality. The book, at the very least, reflects the times and can be used as a tool to show and teach (a) what not to say and do, (b) the thinking and views of the late 1800s, and (c) how far we have come.
Outside of the blatant racism and sexism, the stories are pure-Twain: witty, humorous, and entertaining. Again, having lived and vacationed in several of the locations he writes about here, I was especially drawn to the stories. I could vividly picture many of the sites—and visualizing exactly what Twain’s Tahoe settlement must have looked like when it was aflame!
I would encourage readers to take their time in reading this tome. Many complain that it is long and winded. However, as we listened over weeks, we found that the stories were quite entertaining given that we were consuming them, at most, in one- or two-hour increments. If readers approach this with the mind-set that they are a series of short stories, I imagine it would help many find it more enjoyable.
I will continue to work my way through Twain’s extensive bibliography. I continue to be fascinated by him—and having just watched Ken Burns’ documentary, I am touched by what a loving husband and father he was. He treasured and deeply loved the women in his life and I took that to heart as I read the sexist bits of Roughing It.
I’m first going to address and call attention to the racism and sexism. Yes, both are present and blatant. Are they excusable? Absolutely not. I went into reading Roughing It fully aware of a few things: the book was written in 1870-1871, racism and sexism would be part of the writing, and it is a reflection of Mark Twain’s life, living, and time. This is not to excuse the racism and sexism. It is meant to remind folks: we have come far—and have much further to go. If you are alarmed by the racism and sexism, to me, that is an excellent sign that you have educated yourself to be more aware and cognizant of language usage and equality. The book, at the very least, reflects the times and can be used as a tool to show and teach (a) what not to say and do, (b) the thinking and views of the late 1800s, and (c) how far we have come.
Outside of the blatant racism and sexism, the stories are pure-Twain: witty, humorous, and entertaining. Again, having lived and vacationed in several of the locations he writes about here, I was especially drawn to the stories. I could vividly picture many of the sites—and visualizing exactly what Twain’s Tahoe settlement must have looked like when it was aflame!
I would encourage readers to take their time in reading this tome. Many complain that it is long and winded. However, as we listened over weeks, we found that the stories were quite entertaining given that we were consuming them, at most, in one- or two-hour increments. If readers approach this with the mind-set that they are a series of short stories, I imagine it would help many find it more enjoyable.
I will continue to work my way through Twain’s extensive bibliography. I continue to be fascinated by him—and having just watched Ken Burns’ documentary, I am touched by what a loving husband and father he was. He treasured and deeply loved the women in his life and I took that to heart as I read the sexist bits of Roughing It.
asolorio02's review against another edition
4.0
I hadn't read Twain since reading Huck Finn in high school and now I'm kicking myself for sleeping on one of the greatest American authors. I found myself chuckling throughout the many silly stories and adventures he shared. He writes the way he speaks so when you're reading it feels like he's actually talking to you. I need more Twain in my life!
lindencat's review against another edition
2.0
There are books out there where you never want them to end. This is not one of those books.
I may be biased, since ol' Sam Clemens is not my favourite author but wow, was it ever a struggle to get through this one. The only reason I gave it 2 stars and not 1 is because I did enjoy learning about the historical context of the time and what others might have been experiencing during a time in America where so much was being (re)discovered. However, between his endless rambling and general asshole energy, I just didn't enjoy this one at all.
And yes, I know that it was typical of the time period, but if I heard (listened to this one on Audible) one more racial slur, I was seriously gonna lose my mind
I may be biased, since ol' Sam Clemens is not my favourite author but wow, was it ever a struggle to get through this one. The only reason I gave it 2 stars and not 1 is because I did enjoy learning about the historical context of the time and what others might have been experiencing during a time in America where so much was being (re)discovered. However, between his endless rambling and general asshole energy, I just didn't enjoy this one at all.
And yes, I know that it was typical of the time period, but if I heard (listened to this one on Audible) one more racial slur, I was seriously gonna lose my mind
2beenough's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.25
agingerg's review against another edition
1.0
When you're laughing out loud for the first chapters of an author you've always adored, and then run into blatant and recoiling racism. And then it continues.
hreed7's review against another edition
5.0
Who would have thought Mark Twain could actually be funny! It's a shame most students' first exposure to him is through Huck Finn, which I found to be much less accessible than this book, which was entertaining and interesting and to me a much more palatable introduction to his style. This book is delightful and episodic, and some encounters (the "Bemis and the Buffalo" tale and the encounter with Slade in particular) are standalone masterpieces of comedy; even just dipping into this book is a rewarding and entertaining experience. His work ranges from clever wordplay, to absurdity verging on the post-Modern. As a fan of the Western genre, this book is a milestone in the origins of Western fiction. What a joy!
akbates's review against another edition
4.0
I must apologize to the random people who saw me reading this book, for my uncontrollable laughter at many parts of this book.
harrisonpunch's review against another edition
4.0
Always enjoyable reading Mark Twain, as well as some interesting insights into life in American doing the time. I can say I know more than most now about what it was like during a time of fervent gold mining. Long winded at times, but Mark Twain's humor can really translate, despite age of the material. I wish it was shorter in some parts, but typical with American literature, explanation of the surroundings seem to be a theme. Worth the read if you're interested in a true reflection of life and sentiments during the civil war times.
ladamic's review against another edition
4.0
It's kind of incredible that Mark Twain was out west 1861–1867, and tried his luck alternately at mining and writing for newspapers. He visited Salt Lake City when its population was 15K, the kingdom of Hawaii, a pristine Lake Tahoe, a desolate-then/desolate-now Mono Lake, San Francisco, etc. To travel back in time with him is alone worth it, his exaggerated tales make it all the more lively, though some parts are a bit rough to swallow.