What is the best way to "take notes" on The Adventures of Tom Sawyer?We will be tested at the end of summer.

First, buy a paperback copy of The Adventures of
Tom Sawyer if you have not already done so. A new one is only a few dollars,
and a used one is likely readily available for even greater
savings.

If time permits, it is preferable to read the book
in its entirety before you worry about analysis.

On your
(hopefully) second read-through, keep a highlighter and a pen with you at all times as
you read. If something strikes you as interesting or important, highlight those
sentences. Make a note in the margin about why you think the passage is interesting or
important. Do not go any farther into analysis at this
point.

When you have completed your reading, highlighting,
and marginalia, sit down with some note cards. Try to use multiple colors to help you
keep things straight. Designate a color to co-ordinate with a topic: green for
characters, yellow for plot, pink for themes, etc.

Go back
through your highlighting and marginalia. Probably not everything you at first thought
important will need to be transferred to the cards. A second reading will be most
helpful in making these distinctions, by the way.

On each
card, either record direct quotes or paraphrases. Review your note cards often, and have
a friend quiz you on the contents.

Follow these steps, and
your post-summer reading test will be a breeze.  Good luck!