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I’m bananas for this book! It was so interesting to learn more about one of the most important writers of the 19th century.

I've always liked Mark Twain—who doesn't? But author Ron Chernow digs into the man behind the mustache in a new way. Mark Twain isn't just a great biography—it’s one of the best books I’ve read in the last few years. It’s sharp, packed with fascinating details, and laugh-out-loud funny. And in a world that can feel pretty heavy some days, it really cheered me up.

‍I highly recommend listening to the audio version—it’s excellent! It brings the characters to life in a way that makes the whole experience even more vivid (and had me actually laughing out loud).

Twain, born Samuel Clemens, wasn’t just a literary icon. He was a traveler, a businessman (mostly unsuccessful), a celebrity before the word existed, and a relentless observer of the world around him. Chernow captures every contradiction with wit and warmth, bringing Twain’s big, complicated life into full Technicolor.

What makes this book special is how human it feels. Yes, Twain wrote Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer—but he also made terrible investments, dodged bankruptcy, experienced great heartbreak, and wrestled with his legacy. He wasn’t just writing about the American experience—he was living through it, fully and messily.

Chernow doesn’t sanitize any of it. He gives you the debt, the depression, the scathing social commentary, and he also gives you Twain at his funniest, most rebellious, and most brilliant. If you’re a fan of American history, literature, or just great storytelling, this one’s a must-read.

Twain once said, “The secret source of humor is not joy but sorrow.” This book shows just how much truth there is in that—and how a little laughter can still go a long way.