51 pages • 1 hour read
Roughing It
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Book Brief
560
Novel • Fiction
American West • 1860s
1872
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
Roughing It by Mark Twain recounts his adventures during the Nevada silver rush of the 1860s. Twain joins his brother on a stagecoach journey from Missouri to Nevada, seeking fortune in mining but failing, and eventually finding success as a newspaper reporter. His travels extend to California and Hawaii, where further failures and experiences ultimately lead him to a successful career in lecturing. The book contains content discussing racism, anti-Indigenous attitudes, and suicide.
Humorous
Adventurous
Informative
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
10,230 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Mark Twain's Roughing It is celebrated for its vivid depiction of the American West and Twain's signature humor. Critics praise its detailed descriptions and entertaining anecdotes, though some find its episodic structure disjointed. Overall, the work is seen as a valuable historical account and an enjoyable read despite occasional lapses in narrative coherence.
Who Should Read Roughing It?
A reader who relishes adventure, humor, and historical insights would enjoy Mark Twain's Roughing It. Fans of travel narratives like Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer or humorous works such as A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson will appreciate Twain's witty reflections on his journey through the American West. This reader enjoys explorations of 19th-century frontier life through a comedic lens.
10,230 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
560
Novel • Fiction
American West • 1860s
1872
Adult
16+ years
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