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.

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.

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 The book includes outdated and insensitive terminology for Indigenous Americans, people without permanent homes, and people with disabilities.

Ivan Doig

Adult

Novel

Two Medicine Country

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Last Bus To Wisdom and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Last Bus To Wisdom Summary and Study Guide

Background

Last Bus To Wisdom Background

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section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Dog Bus”

Part 1, Chapters 1-8

Last Bus To Wisdom Part 1, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Where Manitou Walks”

Part 2, Chapters 9-14

Last Bus To Wisdom Part 2, Chapters 9-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Promised Land”

Part 3, Chapters 15-22

Last Bus To Wisdom Part 3, Chapters 15-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Promised Land” 

Part 3, Chapters 23-30

Last Bus To Wisdom Part 3, Chapters 23-30 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Last Bus To Wisdom Character Analysis

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Themes

Last Bus To Wisdom Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Last Bus To Wisdom Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Last Bus To Wisdom Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

Last Bus To Wisdom Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Last Bus To Wisdom Essay Topics

Last Bus To Wisdom: A Novel

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Last Bus To Wisdom?

Reading Age

Book Details