The Lincoln Highway
By Amor Towles
- Release Date: 2021-10-05
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
More than ONE MILLION copies sold
A TODAY Show Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
A New York Times Notable Book, a New York Times Readers’ Choice Best Book of the Century, and Chosen by Oprah Daily, Time, NPR, The Washington Post, Bill Gates and Barack Obama as a Best Book of the Year
“Wise and wildly entertaining . . . permeated with light, wit, youth.” —The New York Times Book Review
“A classic that we will read for years to come.” —Jenna Bush Hager, Read with Jenna book club
“Fantastic. Set in 1954, Towles uses the story of two brothers to show that our personal journeys are never as linear or predictable as we might hope.” —Bill Gates
“A real joyride . . . elegantly constructed and compulsively readable.” —NPR
The bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow and Rules of Civility and master of absorbing, sophisticated fiction returns with a stylish and propulsive novel set in 1950s America
In June, 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the juvenile work farm where he has just served fifteen months for involuntary manslaughter. His mother long gone, his father recently deceased, and the family farm foreclosed upon by the bank, Emmett's intention is to pick up his eight-year-old brother, Billy, and head to California where they can start their lives anew. But when the warden drives away, Emmett discovers that two friends from the work farm have hidden themselves in the trunk of the warden's car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett's future, one that will take them all on a fateful journey in the opposite direction—to the City of New York.
Spanning just ten days and told from multiple points of view, Towles's third novel will satisfy fans of his multi-layered literary styling while providing them an array of new and richly imagined settings, characters, and themes. “Once again, I was wowed by Towles’s writing—especially because The Lincoln Highway is so different from A Gentleman in Moscow in terms of setting, plot, and themes. Towles is not a one-trick pony. Like all the best storytellers, he has range. He takes inspiration from famous hero’s journeys, including The Iliad, The Odyssey, Hamlet, Huckleberry Finn, and Of Mice and Men. He seems to be saying that our personal journeys are never as linear or predictable as an interstate highway. But, he suggests, when something (or someone) tries to steer us off course, it is possible to take the wheel.” – Bill Gates
Reviews
Finally!
5By MCDMUGOne of the best books I have read in a long long time. So well written. Character development was great. Loved how he ended each chapter with a bang. Engrossing story with a few really colorful characters.Painful and unhappy read
2By RockabillyhellcatWhat a Chore! Save yourself the trouble reading this book. Everyone DIES, THE END!Boring
2By VSabioSkipSo Fun!
5By Seattle Winter ReaderYoung men on an adventure! Mark Twain would have been proud of this one.Whimsical
4By Ams1126Interesting. Didn’t know where it was going, which was ultimately nowhere and everywhere.Fantastic book!
5By BhdjejqsgSecond book I’ve read by Towles. Loved them both.Favorite of the Year
5By Jbong68The rich cast of characters on a landscape of story telling that had more on ramps than the Lincoln Highway and more turns than any reader could have hoped for in a novel. SuperbWhat a ride!
5By GM ButlerMany sub-stories within a supremely crafted tale. One of a kind surprises right and left with no shortage of adventure and wisdom - a genuine page turner!Fantastic Characters
5By one who reads occasionallyThis book tells a story of an amazing adventure with two brothers, about 8 years apart, getting ready to set out for their future (as their father recently died). But instead of having a direct path forward, they are deterred by a few other characters and meet a few more. The story is intelligently written connecting pieces along the way.Outstanding
5By Auggie's ManThe writing was fantastic, you cared about EVERY character, and the plot was simple enough to thoroughly explore every character. Very moving. Excellent.A Classic To Me
5By leathersoul:)Not everyone gets it. This book completely and unexpectedly resonated with me.Brilliant!
5By bebe_555I stumbled upon this beautiful story a couple of days ago and could barely put it down. Towles and not being an author I had previously even heard of I began reading with no expectations, only to be instantly and completely drawn into this incredible tale of brothers and families and friends, of love and honor, discovery, adventure, betrayals and redemption. To put it bluntly, The Lincoln Highway blew me away. I absolutely loved this tale and loved the way it was told. Amos Towles is a master storyteller and a master of language and communication. Thank you, Mr Towles, for this memorable journey!!The Lincoln Highway
3By Pharmawoman2I really liked the ending, but the adventure did not seem very realistic to me.Extraordinary book. Classic
5By KlernerfrnkelThis book was one of the best books I have ever read. An adventure, a tale and a story of family and friends. Did not want this book to end.Great read!
5By kdwnkThis is the second book I have read by Amor Towles. The author is an excellent storyteller whose writing style is so engrossing that you don’t want to put the book down.Absorbing
5By 8PlanetsLittle bit Grapes of Wrath but remarkable story-telling, remarkable narrative, absorbing characters. Many folks preferred Gentleman on Moscow. Not this reader. Loved the traveling story-line more than the claustrophobia of the Moscow Hotel.The Lincoln Highway
5By melmyallGreat storytelling. Little history, unusual narrative style but you get it! Amazing ending. Very heartfelt.Best Journey You’ll Take
5By caroleeeeeeeeI just loved this story. Just when you think there’s no divine justice, there it is. This will be a highly recommended book to my friends and one I shall read again. I used to believe no one analyzed things like me. I was wrong. I wish the world were still like it was the 50’s.Exquisite
5By Musical theatre at its best!!Towles characters are so fully and beautifully developed. A great book in every way.
