The Wayward Bus

In The Wayward Bus, John Steinbeck captures a moment of chance that exposes the depth of human character. When a cross-country bus breaks down in rural California, its diverse passengers - each carrying their own secrets, regrets, and hope - are forced into unexpected intimacy. As tension builds and tempers flare, Steinbeck paints a vivid picture of postwar America, where the ordinary and the extraordinary collide. Blending humor, pathos, and psychological insight, this timeless novel explores how quickly civility can unravel and how every journey, no matter how short, can change lives forever.