Book Summary: Lincoln Highway

Matt Dearden
3 min readFeb 14, 2024

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Andy Weir’s novel “Lincoln Highway” takes readers on a journey across the United States, packed with feelings of grief, hope, and redemption. Given the necessity of avoiding spoilers, this summary delves into the heart of the story without revealing any character actions or plot developments.

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An Exit that is desperate:

Emmett Watson’s younger brother, who is eighteen years old and has recently been released from juvenile detention, goes on a daring escape with his older brother, Billy. As soon as they landed in California, their goal was to free Billy from the terrible foster care system. They started on a perilous trek into the west along the legendary Lincoln Highway, driving a stolen automobile and using bogus documents.

Quite an unusual group.

They are joined on the journey by Duchess, a vivacious but mysterious runaway, and Woolly, a massive former cellmate. Both of these persons are members of the group. There is a combustible dynamic inside the group because everyone has their own secrets and motivations for doing what they do. As they journey, their diverse histories and desires clash, straining their relationships and forcing them to confront their demons.

The expedition is portrayed from Emmett’s perspective, revealing his personal struggles with humiliation, loss, and a deep desire to protect his brother. Chasing Dreams and Avoiding Nightmares demonstrates how the trip unfolds. Throughout the novel, a variety of subjects are explored, including family, responsibility, and the choices we make that shape our lives.

Rather than simply being a road trip, “Lincoln Highway” delves deeper into the inner landscapes of its characters, despite the fact that the physical journey through the American countryside acts as a backdrop. Each stop along the road triggers memories from the past, forcing them to confront their vulnerabilities and past misdeeds.

The gang faces a multitude of problems and moral quandaries, such as unexpected detours, potentially dangerous situations, and morally ambiguous decisions that put their ideals to the test. The story leaves you wondering about their allegiances and the motivations behind their actions, creating a tense environment and raising questions about what is morally acceptable and what is not.

Hope in the face of uncertainty:

Despite the difficulties and uncertainties, glimmers of hope are appearing. During Emmett and his companions’ odd bonding experience, they discover the value of friendship, empathy, and the ability to find serenity in the most unexpected places.

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