A Page Before Bedtime

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

2026-03-07T14:44:00.111-06:00

Rating: 2 of 5 stars

Pages: 327 pages
Published: January 1885

I grabbed a free electronic copy of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain from the Fable reading app as a bit of a homework assignment. I wanted to reread this novel as an adult and in preparation for my virtual book club's upcoming read of James by Percival Everett in the months to follow. Since James reimagines the story from Jim's perspective, I wanted to revisit the original text to gain a better appreciation of the modern retelling. It's been years, OK decades, since I read this book, and approaching it now as a more well-read and more critical reader gave me a very difference experience.

At just over 300 pages, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is not long. It follows the titular character, who is referred to as Huck, as he escapes his abusive (and possibly unstable) father and travels down the Mississippi River with Jim, an enslaved man seeking reunification with his family. On their journey, they meet con men, feuding families, and a series of misadventures. Many literary scholars consider this book the great American novel, praising Twain's use of an engaging plot and sharp satire meant to expose the hypocrisy and moral contradictions of the pre-Civil War era in the United States.

Despite its critical and historical acclaim, I didn't fully enjoy it. The dialect, while intentional by the author, made for a very challenging read. I read the book in small doses - a couple of pages at a time - as I had to remain extremely focused to discern not only what Jim was saying (as a lot of readers have noted) but the speech patterns of Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, and the other secondary characters. So, as I mentioned it's not a long book, but it certainly felt that way. Beyond the heavy, indistinguishable dialects, I struggled with the stereotypes. Jim is a main part of the story, yet he's frequently reduced to a caricature, often only being use as a plot device to move the story along. I felt he was very underdeveloped and his humanity was sacrificed for the ignorance and antics of Tom Sawyer, Aunt Sally and the like. Yes, the book was written "post-slavery" but still during a deeply unjust period in American history. And frankly, I just don't think Twain, as a white man in the late 1800s, was equipped to tell Jim's part of the story with the respect it deserved.

No spoilers here, but after trudging through more than two-thirds of the book, the ending fell flat for me. The tonal shift, the reappearance of certain characters, and the way Jim's fate is handled did the whole adventure a disservice. I think there was a missed opportunity for deeper reflection and a more meaningful resolution. But again, reading this in 2026, maybe the author simply wasn't capable of delivering that in his time.

Long story short: I didn't enjoy the book, but I am glad I read it. It's a classic for a reason, and I think reading it again will provide a richer experience when I pick up James later this year.

Recommendation: On this blog, I often say, not every book is for everyone, and this is a prime example for me. Twain couldn't tell a Jim's story with proper representation because it wasn't one he lived or was even stood adjacent to. This makes me all the more excited to read Percival Everett's take. I have high hopes his perspective will be more inclusive and attuned to Jim's point of view. More on that later!

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Heartwood by Amity Gaige

2026-02-21T18:24:00.109-06:00

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pages: 320 pages
Published: April 2025

I ran across Heartwood by Amity Gaige at the local Barnes & Noble. I found the cover art beautiful and the synopsis intriguing; however, I left the bookseller without making the purchase. The premise stuck with me, and I later checked my local library to request the electronic copy. As luck would have it, in just a few days, the library's copy became available for me to borrow.

The story is about Valerie Gillis, a 40-something nurse who decides to hike the challenging Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. She nearly completes the challenge when she goes missing. The bulk of the novel alternates between the nurse, Beverly, who is the game warden in charge of Valerie's missing persons search, and Lena, a retiree who believes she holds critical information to solving the case. The novel moves at a steady paces as the reader follows the linear events to solve the mystery and learn Valerie’s fate.

The search is the basic plot device of the novel, but there are underlying themes that add to its complexity. Overall, Heartwood is a layered exploration of mother-daughter relationships. Gaige’s thought-provoking prose through Valerie, Beverly, and Lena’s pondering captures the tenderness, tension, and misunderstandings of the complicated bonds between this familial relationship. The author writes with emotional clarity, offering scenes that are rich in description and meaning. Reading about these three focus female characters and the relationships they developed with their respective mothers made me reflect on the relationship I have with my own mother.

Beyond that, the inciting action and following mystery are both compelling as the plot is based on a similar real-life story. Knowing this added a poignant layer to my reading experience. Despite the heaviness of its origins, the novel leans in to healing and offers a sense of hope, not in a tidy and unrealistic way, but in a way that honors resilience, forgiveness, and growth.

About Books

“Lena knew that without books, there was nothing but time.” -p. 47

“A reader is never lonely.” - p. 106

Profound Thoughts

“How strange to shout the words, ‘I’m here!” and be left with no confirmation.” -p. 87

“The one who has the most to prove works harder, works until she bleeds, works all day and night, takes every call, dispenses with the weekend.” -p. 170

“No, the real sorrow of human life is that we feel. That’s our affliction.” -p. 258

“Hate is just soured love. Fear is wounded love. Longing is homeless love.” -p. 302

Mother-Daughter Relationships

“Once you see that your daughter suffers, you must acknowledge that you are impotent and perhaps even insufficient as her mother and protector.” -p. 236

“The real mother, the mother you get, you’ve got to love her, there’s no choice. She is the mother you needed. She gave you strength, either because she loved you well or because she loved you poorly. She gave you your mission. It’s the dream mother you have to let go of. The one you pined for, the one you thought your decency promised you. She’s the one you’ve got to bury. She’s a mirage. She’ll only break your heart.” -p. 273

Gaige does an excellent job of painting a realistic picture without making the novel too sad. She doesn’t shy away from the difficult aspects of family life, but she also doesn’t leave the reader in the midst of despair. Gaige carefully and thoughtfully guides the reader toward quiet optimism that is honest and human.

I would consider this book a readalike to The God of the Woods by Liz Moore or Wild by Cheryl Strayed.

Recommendation: If you are like me and enjoy a beautifully constructed sentence, an engaging story, and realistic emotional family dynamics between mothers and daughters, you might consider adding Heartwood to your list. This reflective story is an invitation to consider how we love, heal, and survive the hardest times; which is especially relevant right now.

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murders by Jesse Q. Sutanto

2026-02-08T14:49:00.066-06:00

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pages: 352 pages
Published: March 2023

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers was my first read by Jesse Q. Sutanto, and I picked it up to read along with the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club. I'm so glad I did. This cozy mystery brings together a lively community of San Francisco residents who are all connected by a suspicious death that occurred in the titular character's tea shop. What follows if less about the murder and more about the relationships and healing that result from the unexpected tragedy.

I respected how this novel explored themes of estranged family members, ageism, and the universal desire to belong. Vera is a wonderfully quirky character, who might seem overbearing at first, but whose quirks become an endearing part of her personality. As the central literary figure, she becomes the glue that holds this mismatched community together. Sutanto beautifully illustrates how community can emerge from the most diverse group of people an unlikely circumstances. The connection, rather than the answer to the mystery, becomes the integral component of healing for all the individuals touched by this death.

Another aspect I really appreciated was how prominently the Asian culture was woven throughout the story. From traditions to family dynamics to language and humor, the culture richness added depth and authenticity from the author. It was a nice reminder that fiction, while imagined, can be based in fact and a powerful teacher by offering a window to experiences, histories, and identities that may be different from our own.

And bonus! As a foodie, I was drooling at the descriptions of Asian cuisine. I found myself craving noodles, dumplings, and the speciality teas as described by the Sutanto. There is emotional power in food, and the author used this device in her storytelling to show how food comforts, connects, and communicates love without saying a word. Cooking for someone is its own kind of tenderness.

Recommendation: This cozy mystery has heart, humor, and a strong sense of community and friendship. It's culturally rich and full of memorable characters. And the best part? You don't have to leave Vera behind once you're finished. There's a second book, Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man), and you guessed it, it's on my list to read soon!