Last Bus to Wisdom: A Novel (Two Medicine Country)

Loved this coming-of-age novel, narrated by an 11-year-old red-headed orphan boy as he rides between Montana and Wisconsin by Greyhound bus one summer in the early 1950s. He’s a wanna-be rodeo announcer and ranch-hand with a penchant for fantabulism, meeting a variety of odd and wonderful folks in his travels.

I could have done without the bad language, especially "taking the Lord's name in vain". Considering the characters introduced, I guess some bad language just had to be. I loved the story even though I anticipated the ending.

Ivan Doig writes excellent and interesting books. This one is one of his best as it is told by a teenage boy who is on his own after a series of disasters but finds a great friend in his "step-uncle". Fun read!

An amazing read about the adventures of a young boy traveling solo from Montana to Wisconsin on a bus. Once in Wisconsin, a new story unfolds with his "uncle". If you like Doig, you will love this novel.

An amazing read about the adventures of a young boy traveling solo from Montana to Wisconsin on a bus. Once in Wisconsin, a new story unfolds with his "uncle". If you like Doig, you will love this novel.

While not the equal of The Whistling Season, Ivan Doig went out on a high note with Last Bus to Wisdom. A coming of age/road trip tale with a happy ending, this one is a charmer that features larger than life characters….cowboys, Indians, hobos, ranchers…. a plot that happily forces the reader to suspend reality, portraits of the “wild west” in the early 1950s, and the warmth of intergenerational friendship, support, and love. I already miss anticipating what would be Doig’s next novel. Gone too soon.

Rich story and richly told, with the richness of Ivan Doig's prose - and poetry. I will miss his books tremendously. One of his best, I believe. A reader's life will be enriched by reading "The Last Bus to Wisdom: A Novel," I dare say.

Great story about surviving in tough circumstances. Comedy , drama, suspense, even. And illuminated with all the color Doig is capable of. Deeply written characters that you know you must have met somewhere -- or would like to.

Ever since I read The Whistling Season, Ivan Doig has been one of my favorite writers. Loved this story as much and more. Only sorry this will be his last book. Highly recommend for young and every age reader!

Not my favorite Doig, but an interesting tale that takes the reader into a world of rough and tumble, lovable men trying to make it in the hard West in a different time. Colorful language and characters will keep you engaged.

One of Ivan Doig's best. Sadly, his last. Especially resonant for anyone who grew up in the mid-20th century. A real treat for readers who love the American West. Down-to-earth, eminently human, and relatable. Great read!

Youthful self reliance in a world and time I think could have been. Young man using his wits to survive against sometimes bad but not evil people....and saved by unlikely knights. I read it over two days and was in a good place the whole read.