What a joyous story! I thoroughly enjoyed my time immersed in the romp that is The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Written in 1876 (WHOA), this classic remains an absolute treat to read. The prose is nostalgic and fun, effortlessly transporting you to a time in America when there weren’t cell phones or social media—reminding me of an era when I could ride my bike to a friend’s house, leave it in their front yard, and my parents would simply assume I was there. No tracking my cell phone to see where I was. That kind of freedom feels beautifully captured in Tom’s world.

I grew up in Clarksville, Indiana, in the early 2000s, so reading about Tom and his adventures in a small Missouri town of the 1870s was like stepping into another world. Yet, there’s something timeless about the camaraderie and simple joys that Tom, Huck, and the rest of the gang experience. It warmed my heart to see those themes unfold.

Above all, Tom Sawyer is just silly, wholesome fun. From the fence-painting escapade to treasure hunts and moonlit adventures, this story brims with lighthearted moments and mischief. The characters feel alive, bursting with the energy that so many of us might remember from our own childhoods.

Interestingly, I can see how The Adventures of Tom Sawyer has influenced modern works about the trials and triumphs of growing up-Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. Much like Twain’s depiction of Tom, Kinney’s Greg Heffley navigates childhood with humor, mischief, and a knack for getting himself into amusing predicaments. Both stories capture the awkwardness, joy, and occasional trouble that define youth, showing that even though the specifics of childhood may change over time, the essence remains the same.

As much as I enjoyed Tom’s adventures, I recognized something about my own reading preferences while reflecting on this book. While I can appreciate a fun, episodic tale about childhood fun, my heart craves epic fantasy—stories with sweeping narratives, complex worlds, and intricate character arcs. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is undeniably charming, but I found myself longing for the depth and stakes I've found in a Brandon Sanderson, J.R.R. Tolkien, or Robert Jordan epic.

That’s not to say this isn’t a fantastic book—it absolutely is, and I’m thrilled to have read it. Right now, I’m eager to dive back into the worlds of epic fantasy, but I’ll always be grateful for the nostalgic, heartwarming ride that Tom Sawyer gave me.