Tonight, we’ll read the opening to “Roughing It”, by Mark Twain, published in 1872. It is a semi-autobiographical travel memoir following a young Twain through the Wild West during the 1860s. The book offers a vivid glimpse into a bygone era, filled with stagecoaches, mining camps, and encounters with colorful characters.

Twain's signature wit and humor permeate the narrative, as he recounts his experiences as a novice miner, a stagecoach driver, and a journalist. He paints a vivid picture of the rugged landscapes, the bustling towns, and the diverse people he encountered along the way. From the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains to the vast deserts of Nevada, Twain's descriptions transport the reader to a time when the West was still a land of opportunity and adventure.

US Astronauts Frank Borman and Jim Lovell read “Roughing It” aloud to pass the time aboard a two week long mission orbiting the earth in 1965. This highlights the book's enduring appeal and its ability to transport readers to another time and place, even in the most extraordinary of circumstances.