Ingram

A Novel

By: Louis C.K.

Narrated by: Louis C.K.

A suspenseful, often harrowing yet hopeful odyssey through rural America follows a young drifter’s coming of age in an indifferent world, in this debut novel by comedian Louis C.K.

When Ingram is forced by overwhelming poverty and spiritual exhaustion to walk away from his home, he leaves behind a neglectful childhood on a dirt farm on a dead-end road. With no family, no resources, and no practical understanding of the world, Ingram’s only compass is the daily fight to survive and the narrow dream of one day owning a truck.

A picaresque novel set against the backdrop of working-class Texas, Ingram invites listeners to see the world through the eyes of a child who drifts through a tough American landscape of corn farms and oil fields, guided by diner waitresses, migrant workers, and criminals, trying to make sense of a world that doesn’t care about him anymore than a jungle or desert does for the creatures that toil to survive within them.

The reality Ingram discovers is wild and cruel, but filled with unexpected wonders. Though this young boy faces tornadoes, explosions, thieves, and rampant violence, his curiosity, humor, and resilience never dull.

As he begins to push against the tide of social and natural bad luck that seems to almost chase him, Ingram begins to forge himself into an individual with agency and the ability and right to choose his own moves, even if he’s not always prepared for the consequences.

Through Ingram’s journey, he begins to come to terms with a forgotten tragedy from his past that shapes the way he understands himself, his family, and his own place in the world.

©2025 Pig Newton Books, LLC (P)2025 John Marshall Media

Slowly fell in love with Ingram

At first I did not think I was going to like it. Then I kept wondering what terrible thing or terrible person was Ingram going to meet next. I think Louis CK could write a sequel to this and I hope he does. Not bad for a first novel.

Looking forward to the next book

What an excellent book. Ingram reminded me of a Jake Chamber (Stephen King's the Gunslinger) character who's adventures, tragedies and perseverance made me want to know more. I would definitely read another adventure of Ingram.

Poignant

I’d find myself thinking of this story all throughout the days I spent listening to it. At home, work, while I painted at night before bed. I felt like Ingram was someone I’d known. I was kind of sad when it came to an end.

Ripping good story.

I wasn’t sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised at the gritty, heartfelt, hopeful story.

Great first book!

Louis CK is a talent. He will only grow as a writer from here. Great story but I believe he will develop into an accomplished writer in the coming years.