56 pages • 1 hour read
Last Bus To Wisdom: A Novel
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Book Brief
453
Novel • Fiction
American West • 1950s
2015
Adult
14+ years
1160L
Super Short Summary
Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig follows 11-year-old Donal Cameron's summer-long Greyhound bus journey after his grandmother's surgery forces him to stay with a great aunt in Wisconsin. Displeased with him, Aunt Kate soon sends Donal back to Montana, accompanied by her husband Herman. Their adventures lead them to Wisdom, Montana, seeking a new home. The book includes outdated and insensitive terminology for Indigenous Americans, people without permanent homes, and people with disabilities.
Nostalgic
Humorous
Adventurous
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
25,645 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ivan Doig's Last Bus to Wisdom has been praised for its rich storytelling and endearing characters. Reviewers highlight the novel's vivid depiction of mid-20th century Americana and its heartfelt exploration of coming-of-age themes. Some critics, however, found the pacing uneven and the narrative occasionally predictable. Overall, it is celebrated as a fitting conclusion to Doig's illustrious career.
Who Should Read Last Bus To Wisdom?
Readers who relish heartfelt, coming-of-age stories filled with adventure and introspection will find Last Bus to Wisdom captivating. Fans of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley will appreciate its warm, nostalgic narrative and rich, character-driven journey.
25,645 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Herman Brinker
Herman Brinker
A middle-aged, one-eyed retired sailor who becomes Donal's guardian and travel companion, seeking to explore the cowboy life he has read about while escaping domestic strife.
Aunt Kate Brinker
Aunt Kate Brinker
Gram's estranged sister who reluctantly takes care of Donal, often clashing with him and exerting control over her home life.
Dorothea “Gram” Blegen
Dorothea “Gram” Blegen
Donal’s maternal grandmother and primary caregiver, known for her wisdom and practical nature, who influences Donal's decisions and thoughts throughout his journey.
Rags Rasmussen
Rags Rasmussen
A world champion cowboy and Donal’s personal hero, who owns the Diamond Buckle Ranch and comes to play a pivotal role in Donal’s story during its concluding chapters.
The Greyhound Passengers
The Greyhound Passengers
Various travelers Donal encounters on the bus, including untrustworthy characters and notable figures like Jack Kerouac, contributing to Donal’s experiences and shaping his journey.
The Johnson Family
The Johnson Family
A group of migrant workers Donal and Herman join to harvest hay in Montana, characterized by their unique nicknames and camaraderie.
453
Novel • Fiction
American West • 1950s
2015
Adult
14+ years
1160L
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