Book of The Month discussion

In June, 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the work farm where he has just served a year 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 and head west 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.

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.

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** Spoilers might be listed so read carefully
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I'm reading this with my book club. It's a big one! lol

Part 10

(view spoiler)[ I really like this one so far.
I like Duchess and Woolly, although I'm sad that they didn't stay to finish their time. They just had a few months left. I think this will hurt them later.

I can't help but wonder if the money is even still there
crappy what Woolly's brother did to him

I like Billy and his little inquisitive mind.
I'm sad their dad kept the postcards from them - but I guess I can see why he did. Didn't want his sons running off after the mother that left them behind. but I wonder. . .what will they actually find in California? (hide spoiler)]

Part 9

(view spoiler)[Interesting next section
Who could possibly know the name (possible real name) of Duchess or did the box have something else on top? Who would have put it there?

and why did it seem like he was trying to steal the car? That's not good. . .

I like that Billy and Woolly are getting along. I can't help but wonder what medicine Woolly is taking. I don't think the story told us yet

speaking of story! The one about Emmett was very sad. bad luck for sure. but what Duchess did, can't help but wonder if that is ANOTHER instance that is going to come back and bit them

it's so sad that his dad left him behind, though. how crappy (hide spoiler)]

really like this one so far!

Part 8 & 7

(view spoiler)[ ugh, Duchess makes me so mad! I can't believe he stole the car and now he's spending the money?!? AT AN EXSPENSIVE HOTEL? I can barely read his sections I'm so mad

and Wooly stole the car? These two, I can't even with them. . .

That time for Billy with the preacher? that was awful, what a horrible person. Who can hit a kid and steal from him? SO glad Ulysses saved him but. . .yikes, he threw him off the train! Crazy!
I'm glad he was able to get Ulysses to not throw him off the train.

I hate that they are thrown in to this because Duchess stole the car (hide spoiler)]

I really enjoyed the character of Ulysses and the author of Billy's favorite book. The fake preacher who tries to steal Billy's coins, not so much.

Parts 6 & 5

(view spoiler)[ Duchess is awful and I dislike reading his parts. In the midst of him trying to repay all his debts, he's paying them with things HE doesn't own.
he's using even more money and now he's given away the car - to someone who means nothing to him.

that moment with the preacher again was awful. I'm glad everyone he hit made it out alive

I also like that we're getting Sally parts. it was nice to be there when she told off her dad a bit. awful that he's just tryin gto keep her at home to do the things he doesn't want to - like cook and clean (hide spoiler)]

Parts 4 & 3

(view spoiler)[I like the author but honestly this story is a little stalled. these last 2 didn't add much other than moving things along

I'm glad Emmett got the car back - but I hate that Duchess is just recklessly tearing through Emmett's life like nothing has consequences

and drugging Emmett too!?!?!

I'm glad Billy got to meet the author. again, cute but just. . .the story is bogged down in a lot of details I don't need. like Sally's dad drinking, then not, then maybe girlfriend, then not. (hide spoiler)]