Assessment:

Plot/Idea: Two Thousand Miles from Omaha, a follow-up to Two Thousand Miles from Spokane, catches up with Ryan Collins, a young man with a record who struggles to forget his past love through hazy romantic encounters, and by isolating himself in small town America. After receiving an unexpected promotion, though conflicted over the nature of his work, he heads on the road with new coworkers, leading perhaps closer to where he wants to be: if only he knew where that was. 

Prose: Goldman's prose is polished, measured, and particularly captures dialogue and character interactions well. 

Originality: Largely a character study, Two Thousand Miles from Omaha examines the life of an individual who is unsettled in his life, his career, and filled with regret over the past. Goldman examines familiar themes, but the work provides intriguing dimension when it comes to the protagonist's ethical concerns and friendships.

Character/Execution: Though the novel's pacing can be sluggish, Ryan Collins is a carefully constructed character suffering through quiet conflicts. Additional players throughout the story enhance the novel and also allow Ryan's character to more fully emerge. 

Date Submitted: August 30, 2024