“The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles

 In a book that spans only ten days in the summer of 1954, and eight narrators giving the story their unique perspectives, the novel recounts a hero’s journey of redemption, and explores the meaning of justice, as Emmett, recently released from a juvenile detention facility, embarks on a journey to California with his young brother, Billy, but meets continuing obstacles from two men he met in the detention center who have hatched their own plan for a journey.  Although the story meanders and gets bogged down at times, and the precocious abilities of young Billy seem a little far-fetched, the author delves into the character and strength required of a hero, and likens this modern journey to the ancient journeys of both fictional and real heroes, unfolding an adventure worth experiencing –full of warmth and shock, joy and sorrow, and which invites the reader to vicariously engage in the hero’s quest and root for his success. 5 Stars