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 The book includes outdated and insensitive terminology for Indigenous Americans, people without permanent homes, and people with disabilities.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
453
Novel • Fiction
American West • 1950s
2015
Adult
14+ years
1160L
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