Outside Looking In

by T.C. Boyle
Outside Looking In cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 10176
  • Added: 2026-01-16
  • Updated: 2026-01-16
  • ISBN: 9781526610362
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2019-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Set in the early 1960s at Harvard, 'Outside Looking in' follows Fitzhugh Loney, a psychology student, and his librarian wife Joanie, as they reluctantly attend a party hosted by Dr. Timothy Leary. The event, filled with cocktails, pizza, and LSD, leads them into a world of psychedelic exploration that they never anticipated. Their experiences with the drug are so profound that they become deeply involved in Leary's experiments, leading them to Mexico and eventually to a ramshackle mansion in upstate New York. /n/n The novel delves into the cultural and personal transformations that occur as Fitzhugh and Joanie navigate the complexities of their new lifestyle. The story is a blend of historical context and personal narrative, exploring the impact of LSD on individuals and society during this transformative era. It's a tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the consequences of seeking transcendence.

Reviews
John Walters Writer · John Walters · 2024-08-03
engaging 4.00

The novel captures the essence of the 1960s counterculture with vivid descriptions and a compelling narrative. The exploration of Timothy Leary's experiments adds depth to the story.

John Walters delves into the 1960s counterculture through the lens of Timothy Leary's experiments with psychedelic drugs. The novel's vivid descriptions and compelling narrative bring the era to life, making it a captivating read. Walters appreciates the historical context and the way Boyle weaves together the personal and the political, creating a rich tapestry of the times. The characters are well-developed, and the story is engaging, though some might find the pacing a bit slow.

Quick quotes

    Boyle's vivid descriptions bring the 1960s counterculture to life.

    The exploration of Timothy Leary's experiments adds depth to the story.

    The novel is a captivating read that captures the essence of the era.

LA Review of Books · LA Review of Books · 2019-04-18
thrilling 4.00

The novel highlights the sober experience of coming back to reality after a psychedelic trip. The story is both thrilling and introspective, offering a unique perspective on the counterculture movement.

LA Review of Books delves into T.C. Boyle's novel, highlighting the sober experience of coming back to reality after a psychedelic trip. The story is both thrilling and introspective, offering a unique perspective on the counterculture movement. The reviewer appreciates the historical context and the way Boyle weaves together the personal and the political, creating a rich tapestry of the times. The novel is a captivating read that captures the essence of the era, though some might find the pacing a bit slow.

Quick quotes

    The novel highlights the sober experience of coming back to reality.

    The story is both thrilling and introspective.

    The novel offers a unique perspective on the counterculture movement.

The New York Times · The New York Times · 2019-04-10
fascinating 4.00

The novel is a fascinating exploration of the counterculture movement and the impact of psychedelic drugs. The characters are well-drawn, and the story is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The New York Times reviews T.C. Boyle's novel as a fascinating exploration of the counterculture movement and the impact of psychedelic drugs. The characters are well-drawn, and the story is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciates the historical context and the way Boyle weaves together the personal and the political, creating a rich tapestry of the times. The novel is a captivating read that captures the essence of the era, though some might find the pacing a bit slow.

Quick quotes

    The novel is a fascinating exploration of the counterculture movement.

    The characters are well-drawn, and the story is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

    The novel captures the essence of the era.

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