A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court

I picked this book (1) because I found it for free, and (2) who doesn't like Mark Twain's writing? Even if one doesn't care for classical literature, there is something about the satirical humor of this author that keeps the reader wondering what outrageous comment or event will come next.

Now, I'm not going to lie. The beginning of this book was hard for me to get into. I knew the first main event was an eclipse that saves Hank Morgan (The Conneticut Yankee) from being killed, so I read rather impatiently, so I could see what happened after that event. One of the characteristics of Mark Twain's writing, which could easily turn away the modern day reader, is his wordiness. However, if you buckle down and decide to enjoy the comedy in his wordiness, it becomes more of a distinction than a flaw.

I began this book with preconceived ideas, and found that I had a lot to learn. Mark Twain's writings are often politically motivated. Just as one should read with purpose, Mark Twain wrote with purpose. Even more incredibly, he managed to make me laugh, cry, and ponder within a matter of pages.

I'm not going to rewrite the book in short form for you, because I'm hoping you'll take the time to read this book yourself, but I will give you a glance into the book. Hank Morgan finds himself 1300 years back in history. He is rudely introduced to the gaudy galiantry of the day. He's a bright, ambitious man and quickly earns the fear of King Arthur and the English people. Respect was harder to gain, since the English people had learned to respect nobility and clergy for their power rather than their goodness or accomplishments.

I would say Mark Twain's message was primarily this: a people that is long taught to accept what they are told, rather than what makes sense, will quickly revert back to living under tyranny, even if taught otherwise. Twain spits on the idea of a state church (as do I), and scorns the notion of a people brain washed into obedience.

If all the political talk has made you mentally put this book back on the shelf, I'd like to throw in that there is a tragic romance intertwined into this tale. All in all, I would say, it was an excellent book, and I look forward to reading another book my Mark Twain.

Favorite Quote:

 “People talk about beautiful friendships between two persons of the same sex.  What is the best of that sort, as compared with the friendship of man and wife, where the best impulses and highest ideals of both are the same?  There is no place for comparison between the two friendships; the one is earthly, the other divine.”

Introduction:

In college I had a teacher who always used the phrase "Readers are leaders." This is very true. There is a catch though. Not everything available as literature is healthy for the mind and spirit. Our culture today is driven by quick and easy entertainment, sex, and fantasy. It is easier than one might think to get pulled into this murky, messy, destructive drive. Even Christian fiction can open doors to the mind that are best left close. I speak from experience.

It is important to be selective about what one reads. I don't mean that one can only read the Bible and classical literature, but I do mean to say that there should be a purpose behind what one chooses to read. It is not wrong to read for entertainments sake, but it is important to also read to educate oneself, to broaden one's understanding of the world, and to learn how to relate to people that are unlike the reader himself.
I've started this blog to encourage myself mostly, but others also, to stay accountable for what they read, and to find the message behind what is being written. It is possible to read without thinking! So next time you pick up a book to read, which is hopefully soon, ask yourself what you would say about that book if someone asked you to explain it's message.
Most importantly, remember, if we were created to glorify God, than what we read ought to bring Him glory as well.

Revelation 4:11

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."