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Title: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Simon and Schuster Classics) by Mark Twain, Ted Lewin ISBN: 0-671-43791-7 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Pub. Date: October, 1982 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $8.98

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Average Customer Rating: 4.18 (230 reviews)

Rating: 5
Summary: Delightful
Comment: Here is a truly rare gem -- a classic book which can also be described as "easy reading." Most books which inhabit the world of famous literature demand a great deal of concentration and reflection on the part of the reader in order to be properly understood and appreciated. Not so Tom Sawyer. This is a breezy and light-hearted book which takes the reader on a journey through the innocent and universal adventures of boyhood. Mark Twain was a writer who was completely in touch with his "inner child." I doubt that any adult could read this book without recognizing pieces of themselves in the thoughts and actions of Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, Becky Thatcher, and the other characters. They dig for buried treasure, play with captured insects during class, and keep the adults in constantly revolving states of worry, agitation, and relief.

Humor abounds throughout this story. Every chapter practically commands you to smile and reminisce about your own childhood adventures. Serious morals about honesty, compassion, greed, love, jealousy, justice, and responsibility are numerous here as well, but they are presented in such a quaint and unpretentious manner that they are easily digested by readers of any age. I have a one year-old nephew who will definitely be receiving this book as a birthday present in a few years

Rating: 5
Summary: The Greatest Story Ever Told
Comment: "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" is a wonderous tale of childhood, mixed with fact and fiction, from Mark Twain's own life, as well as those of several childhood friends. Tom Sawyer is the mischevious, imaginative, intuitive child we all once dreamed of being, if only for a day. Huck Finn is the outcast, shunned by the adults, and envied by all the children. Becky Thatcher is the girl that steals away Tom's heart, and breaks it more than once.
Here is a brief summary of the four distinct adventures intertwined within the main story, including the graveyard adventure, The Jackson's Island adventure, the treasurehunt adventure, and the cave adventure.
In the first adventure, Tom and Huck Finn stroll out to the graveyard along midnight attempting to cure warts with a dead cat. They inadvertanly come upon a grave robbery, perpetrated by Injun Joe, Muff Potter, and Dr. Robinson. When Injun Joe demands more money from Robinson, a fight ensues, and Muff is knocked out. To Tom and Huck's horror they witness Injun Joe murder the doctor. The two flee moments before Muff comes to, and Injun Joe lays the blame on him. Tom and Huck swear an oath never to tell a living soul what they saw; something which later on weighs heavy more on Tom's shoulder's, than Huck's.
In the Jackson Island adventure, Tom, feeling rejected by Becky Thatcher, and the world in general, runs away from home with Huck Finn and his bosom friend Joe Harper. On the island the three children hunt, play, fish, and learn to smoke, until becoming home sick. Tom steals away in the middle of night to find out wether or not his family misses him. Not only does he discover that they do, much to his delight, but that they are presumed dead, and will be holding a funeral for them. A plan is born in Tom's mind, namely to attend their own funeral and make a grand entrance. And what an antrance they do make!
In the treasurhunting adventure, Tom and Huck hit upon the idea of searching for treasure. Tom is certain there must be some kind of fortune hidden somewhere within the abandoned homes of St. Petersburg. When he and Huck explore one such home, their adventure is interrupted when two men arrive. One man is a stranger, the other man, a "deaf and dumb Spaniard" seen around town of late turns out to be Injun Joe, much to the boys horror. These men are at the home planning a job when Injun Joe finds an actual treasure buried long ago by Murrell's Gang, it is supposed. Tom and Huck are awe-struck at such a glittering sight; but are heartbroken when the men leave with the treasure. From that moment they begin a dangerous mission to track these men, in the hopes of stealing away the money.
In the final adventure, Tom, and Becky Thacther, become lost in the cave they are exploring during a picnic. There is an immediate rush to find a way out, which only leads to further confusion. Suddenly, the two realize they may die in the cave, if they can't find a way out. Their struggle continues as they search deeper in the cave. Becky, weak with hunger, pleads with Tom to go on without her. However, he is too much the chivalrous one, and refuses. In their plight, Tom sees a shadow and calls out, as he runs toward it. His relief is rapidly turned to shock when he sees the face of the man - Injun Joe. Luckily for Tom, Injun Joe does not recognize his voice, and makes a mad dash for safety. Tom and Becky are left to continue their search, and when all hope seems to be fading, a way out is finally found.

Rating: 5
Summary: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Comment: Now that I have completed The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, I can see why it is such a renowned classic. It tells the story of Tom Sawyer, a carefree boy who looks for nothing more than to have fun in life. Mark Twain called it a "hymn" to boyhood, as it is an accurate depiction of the life every young boy desires. His adventures vary from the many runaways, to his cleverness with chores (the whitewashing of the fence) and the chilling witness of a murder. His many experiences, have aided his transition from an immature boy, to a well versed, developed young man. Many lessons can be learned from this classic tale. Through his actions Tom displays an enviable character who has no regard for rules and society. His lighthearted spirit, subconsciously questions, what are rules if they are not broken, and what is "society." The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, is truly a timeless masterpiece which will withstand the test of time, and provide excellent literature for generations to come.