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Signs of You
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Since sixteen-year-old Riley Strout lost her mother two years ago, her saving grace has been her quirky little family in the grief support group she joined as a freshman. Jay, Kate, and Noah understand her pain; each lost a loved one, and they’ve stuck together in spite of their differences, united by tragedies only they understand.
When Riley thinks she spots her mother sh ...more
When Riley thinks she spots her mother sh ...more
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As an avid reader, it's always refreshing when you come upon a book that completely takes you by surprise. Going into Signs of You, I never really knew what to expect, especially since it was a debut novel. It baffles me now why this book isn't more acclaimed and hyped because oh my goodness, it's brilliant.
From the very first chapter, the voice establishes itself right away. It's strong and emotional, which made me interested and invested in Riley's narr ...more
As an avid reader, it's always refreshing when you come upon a book that completely takes you by surprise. Going into Signs of You, I never really knew what to expect, especially since it was a debut novel. It baffles me now why this book isn't more acclaimed and hyped because oh my goodness, it's brilliant.
From the very first chapter, the voice establishes itself right away. It's strong and emotional, which made me interested and invested in Riley's narr ...more
This would have been a solid 3 star book until the end. Because there was NO ending. No resolution of many of the things the story had been building. It stopped so abruptly that it felt like a few chapters had just been torn out of the book.
Instead of figuring out a solution to any of their problems, the story ends when the main character kisses a boy. Because that's the solution to everything, ladies.
Aside from how it ended, I also just wasn't a fan of this story once I realized what it was ab ...more
Instead of figuring out a solution to any of their problems, the story ends when the main character kisses a boy. Because that's the solution to everything, ladies.
Aside from how it ended, I also just wasn't a fan of this story once I realized what it was ab ...more
This book blew me away. The writing style was beautiful and I loved the plot. Once I picked Signs of You up, I couldn't put it down. I thought Riley was an incredibly well written character. I really liked how Sign of You focused on friendship and loss and didn't get twisted and confused by forcing romance into the plot.
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I LOVED THIS BOOK!
SIGNS OF YOU defies categories. It has shades of contemporary, mystery, and magical realism, but it’s something completely unique. My best description would be that this is a contemporary mystical story. Riley is dealing with a terrible loss, and she finds her way through grief as she and her friends--all burdened with loss--decipher a mystery surrounding a relic of St. Ignatius. Riley's journey is a hard one--she believes she is responsible for her mother's death--but it is a ...more
SIGNS OF YOU defies categories. It has shades of contemporary, mystery, and magical realism, but it’s something completely unique. My best description would be that this is a contemporary mystical story. Riley is dealing with a terrible loss, and she finds her way through grief as she and her friends--all burdened with loss--decipher a mystery surrounding a relic of St. Ignatius. Riley's journey is a hard one--she believes she is responsible for her mother's death--but it is a ...more
*I would like to thank Soho Teen & Penguin Random House for sending me a finished copy of this book for the #ThrillerThursday campaign.
This doesn’t affect nor influence my review.*
This was my first time reading something like this book & it was my first time reading something by Emily France. I didn’t know what to expect. Thriller + Drama + Mystery + Romance (mostly thriller though! goosebumps(!!)). This book was all in one. It was way more than what I expected it to be.
The name of the main cha ...more
This doesn’t affect nor influence my review.*
This was my first time reading something like this book & it was my first time reading something by Emily France. I didn’t know what to expect. Thriller + Drama + Mystery + Romance (mostly thriller though! goosebumps(!!)). This book was all in one. It was way more than what I expected it to be.
The name of the main cha ...more
Such a unique, interesting, and ambitious premise- a historic, magical cross that when worn, allows the main characters to see loved ones that have passed away. I'm pretty sure my heart was in my throat from the first chapter when Riley saw her deceased mom in the grocery store, and from there, I was turning pages to unravel the mystery. I really loved the depiction of Riley's relationships with her friends, and how they're united by grief but process it in different ways. Faith, hope, guilt, an
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To be honest, I did not know whether or not I wanted to read this at first. However, there was just something about the synopsis that called to me, and the high Goodreads rating definitely factored in as well. When I started reading this book, I was taken by surprise because I didn't know that religion (St. Ignatius of Loyola) would be involved, and I don't read books that involve religion as a general rule. But as I said, there's just something about this book that's compelling, and I couldn't
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I loved SIGNS OF YOU so much I barreled through it one day (and that is a major accomplishment for me because I am not a fast reader by any means)!
The premise of SIGNS OF YOU was in itself so unique and intriguing-sightings of departed loved ones and a mysterious relic-that I knew I needed to read this book. But when I began reading, I connected with Riley's voice so strongly I was immediately pulled in from the very first page...and did not look up again until I was halfway through the book (s ...more
The premise of SIGNS OF YOU was in itself so unique and intriguing-sightings of departed loved ones and a mysterious relic-that I knew I needed to read this book. But when I began reading, I connected with Riley's voice so strongly I was immediately pulled in from the very first page...and did not look up again until I was halfway through the book (s ...more
I stayed up until midnight on a work night to finish reading this book (my first read of 2016), so I'd say that's a good start to my year's reading list (and a terrible habit to set for my sleep)!
I got an ARC of Signs of You, which will be out in July. It's a YA book that touches on love, loss, and big life questions, like what drives us to make the choices we do and how do we listen to our hearts?
As an adult orphan, I found Emily France's descriptions of grief and mourning believable, relatable ...more
I got an ARC of Signs of You, which will be out in July. It's a YA book that touches on love, loss, and big life questions, like what drives us to make the choices we do and how do we listen to our hearts?
As an adult orphan, I found Emily France's descriptions of grief and mourning believable, relatable ...more
This wasn't what I was expecting. It ended up being different from what the description lead us to believe. Luckily it ended up being a decent book. The characters were okay. They all shared the bond of losing someone close but other than that there was nothing special about them.
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Signs of You completely took me by surprise. It was raw, surreal and wow, magic. Just magic. I'm not sure if this book is under fantasy genre, but for some reason, I don't think it fits in that genre. It seemed too real to be categorized as just fantasy. Sidenote: This book is not under fantasy, I just checked.
This book was amazing and beautiful, and it lets us look at grief in a completely different way. Even though I did not bawled my eyes out, I felt like this book just ripped my heart out op ...more
This book was amazing and beautiful, and it lets us look at grief in a completely different way. Even though I did not bawled my eyes out, I felt like this book just ripped my heart out op ...more
A little bit historical mystery, a little bit ghost story, a big part teen friendship story, and most of all an exploration of grief in all its facets--SIGNS OF YOU is doing a lot, and it's doing it in a really lovely, very engaging way. Riley and her friends are wonderful characters. They're all hurting in their own way, all grieving for people they've lost and looking for ways to move on, but still trying to live their lives as ordinary teenagers as best they can. They're all wonderfully belie
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I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love it when a book takes a turn in a way that I don't expect. Well, I love it when that happens and it's well done and original. And the good news is that Emily's book is both! It has such a perfect balance of contemporary and supernatural as well as having an incredibly brilliant hook. The characters jumped off the page and the camaraderie they share is so fun and authentic. The author's note at the back explained how much resea ...more
I love it when a book takes a turn in a way that I don't expect. Well, I love it when that happens and it's well done and original. And the good news is that Emily's book is both! It has such a perfect balance of contemporary and supernatural as well as having an incredibly brilliant hook. The characters jumped off the page and the camaraderie they share is so fun and authentic. The author's note at the back explained how much resea ...more
This was a completely lovely book. Four friends - Riley, Kate, Jay and Noah - form a little high school family. One common thread binds them all - they have all lost someone close to them. I loved this book about the big and little mysteries of life. How do we process loss? How do we hold on to the memories our loved ones have given us? How do we hold on to each other even when things feel so difficult and impossible? How do we let go?
I loved the historical mystery as well - the lost early vers ...more
I loved the historical mystery as well - the lost early vers ...more
Signs of You is GORGEOUS. I stayed up late last night and woke early this morning to finish it. I expected the writing would be gorgeous because I had read some of Emily France’s shorter fiction, but I was so pleasantly surprised by the uniqueness of the story and Riley’s journey. I have never read anything like this in YA and am glad this novel is available for readers of all ages because it beautifully explores the connection between grief and love and hope--and the triumph of human will. And
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This was an excellent book. I highly recommend it. I read it in two days, which is unusual for me lately. It's a cool kind of spooky, gothic teen tale.
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I checked this audiobook out from my library on a whim, and didn't really know what it was about or what to expect. The beginning was intriguing, and the ending was satisfying for me, but the plot went in a completely unexpected direction that I can't say I really liked. I think people with who are very spiritual would enjoy this book, but it just wasn't for me. I am love with the beautiful cover though, and the narrator was wonderful.
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3.5 stars
Signs of You was both an engaging and emotionally entangling story about grief, friendship and the power of self-awareness. Although the initial hype for the book promised an emotional journey that would make me weep, I found the careful prose and a tightly woven mystery of France’s debut made more of a well-rounded story than a simple sobfest. The realistic dialogue made me laugh, the mysterious plot devices made me shiver with suspense and yes, I cried a little too. But while I undeni ...more
Signs of You was both an engaging and emotionally entangling story about grief, friendship and the power of self-awareness. Although the initial hype for the book promised an emotional journey that would make me weep, I found the careful prose and a tightly woven mystery of France’s debut made more of a well-rounded story than a simple sobfest. The realistic dialogue made me laugh, the mysterious plot devices made me shiver with suspense and yes, I cried a little too. But while I undeni ...more
Why I Recommend Bumping This UP On Your TBR:
WHOA. This book made me think so much. I read it like it had contemporary elements masquerading as fabulism, and that worked for me. The conversations about grief were thorough, to the point that they made me feel anxious and sad (I cried!) but also made me think a lot about life, death, and grief. The subplot about her mother's experiences got my wheels turning. The relationship dynamics were well fleshed-out, felt organic, and made these characters w ...more
WHOA. This book made me think so much. I read it like it had contemporary elements masquerading as fabulism, and that worked for me. The conversations about grief were thorough, to the point that they made me feel anxious and sad (I cried!) but also made me think a lot about life, death, and grief. The subplot about her mother's experiences got my wheels turning. The relationship dynamics were well fleshed-out, felt organic, and made these characters w ...more
I received this ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review.
Where do I start with this one? I loved the premise and the beginning held a lot of promise. Riley and her friends were initially drawn together because of one thing: they all lost someone close to them. Riley is still grieving for her mother, Cam's brother committed suicide, Jay's father did as a result of his alcoholism and Kate lost her aunt. One thing that struck me was how amazingly unbelievable Riley's dad was. First of al ...more
Where do I start with this one? I loved the premise and the beginning held a lot of promise. Riley and her friends were initially drawn together because of one thing: they all lost someone close to them. Riley is still grieving for her mother, Cam's brother committed suicide, Jay's father did as a result of his alcoholism and Kate lost her aunt. One thing that struck me was how amazingly unbelievable Riley's dad was. First of al ...more
I absolutely loved Signs of You! For me, this arc was a YA The Da Vinci Code only done better! Emily France is a stunning writer - with brilliant and moving passages on loss and grief while at the same time injecting sharp and funny characters and dialogue. The MC, Riley, is not only dealing with the death of her mother but also a staggering amount of guilt for her supposed role in her mother's death. Guilt as well as fear of living keep Riley from moving forward with her life and towards any jo
...more
Grief is a lens to look at life through.
The final 5 minutes of this book is just full of #allthefeels and now I'm just sobbing. SOBBING.
Signs of You is a little nugget of a contemporary with a bit of magic/paranormalism mixed in. It's one of those books that you'll likely consume in one sitting, not just because of it's dainty size but because the journey of Noah, Riley, Kate, and Jay is equally as mysterious as it is mesmerizing.
Everyone has experienced grief at some point in their life. For ...more
The final 5 minutes of this book is just full of #allthefeels and now I'm just sobbing. SOBBING.
Signs of You is a little nugget of a contemporary with a bit of magic/paranormalism mixed in. It's one of those books that you'll likely consume in one sitting, not just because of it's dainty size but because the journey of Noah, Riley, Kate, and Jay is equally as mysterious as it is mesmerizing.
Everyone has experienced grief at some point in their life. For ...more
ARC Review:
Ahh!! This book. What an original, intriguing premise! I was so engrossed with what was happening to these four characters. I just LOVED this. France is a natural storyteller. I really felt like I learned something about myself and about faith and life. What a cool, unique concept to write a book about. I enjoyed this one, and I KNOW others will too. I'm such a fan!!
A unique and intriguing debut that I will certainly be thinking about for a long time to come <3 ...more
Ahh!! This book. What an original, intriguing premise! I was so engrossed with what was happening to these four characters. I just LOVED this. France is a natural storyteller. I really felt like I learned something about myself and about faith and life. What a cool, unique concept to write a book about. I enjoyed this one, and I KNOW others will too. I'm such a fan!!
A unique and intriguing debut that I will certainly be thinking about for a long time to come <3 ...more
Jun 15, 2016
Ms. Yingling
added it
Very young adult- introspective navel gazing. Four teens all think there is a way to see beloved dead relatives again based on some religious writings. Sad and possibly hurtful to people who have lost someone. There are no spirits; there is no afterlife; no one is coming back, and it probably wouldn't end well if they did.
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I don't DNF a lot...hardly ever but I could NOT get past page 59. The dialogue was awkward, there was too much going on...and I really wanted to get sucked into a story about dealing with grief and this was just disappointing. Always a risk with a new book and it was a free ARC donated to my classroom from a local bookstore.
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YA author Emily France's Signs of You is a unique, fast-paced melding of teen angst and GHOSTS (!), which may or may not have something to do with a 16th century saint and the relics he's left lying about. I devoured my pre-release arc in one sitting. Expect a full review closer to pub date.
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Signs of You by Emily France is a really interesting book about Riley and her friends. First of all, the book is about a girl named Riley and her friends Noah, Jay, and Kate. Jay's dad has a necklace that he keeps in velvet cushion but he doesn't let nobody touch it. Later on Jay's dad dies and the kids wear the necklace. The next day they see their dead Family members. At the end they want to get rid of the necklace but it is the only way they can get in touch with their family members that hav
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This would have been a 4, 4.5 star book, except for the resolution... or rather, lack of one. There was no ending. It was so sudden I wasn't sure if there were a few chapters that were torn out of the back of the book. The character never figured out any of their problems, and the conflict was never fully resolved.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the story. I've never read anything like it, and it was a really spectacular mix of genres. I admired the characters the author created, which was why ...more
Other than that, I really enjoyed the story. I've never read anything like it, and it was a really spectacular mix of genres. I admired the characters the author created, which was why ...more
Apr 17, 2016
Luke Reynolds
marked it as dnfs
ARC Review (7/11/16, received from Sarah Prineas)
I couldn't make it 32 pages into this novel. By the time the main protagonist was blasting a popular girl for being rude yet without the reader having seen it and also calling her 'conformist', all because she was texting her male childhood friend that our narrator had a crush on, I immediately had a bad feeling. This continued throughout the rest of that chapter until it was too much (her complaining about said crush ending up with all the wrong ...more
I couldn't make it 32 pages into this novel. By the time the main protagonist was blasting a popular girl for being rude yet without the reader having seen it and also calling her 'conformist', all because she was texting her male childhood friend that our narrator had a crush on, I immediately had a bad feeling. This continued throughout the rest of that chapter until it was too much (her complaining about said crush ending up with all the wrong ...more
It's so disheartening to realize that it's been a long while since I've read an honest to goodness GREAT YA book (a YA book rated higher than 3 stars). It was in March. A whole four months ago. It's not for lack of trying, either. Unfortunately for me (and I guess just for me because the ratings for this book on GR are through the roof), Signs of You was no exception.
Signs of You had so much potential to be great. I tend to like books that deal with loss, so I had assumed that I would like this ...more
Signs of You had so much potential to be great. I tend to like books that deal with loss, so I had assumed that I would like this ...more
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Emily France graduated from Brown University before going on to law school, where she was the editor-in-chief of the law review. She finds creative inspiration in all things spiritual, from sitting with Benedictine monks for 4 a.m. vigils in a Rocky Mountain monastery to trekking to Buddhist and Hindu temples in India. Now she writes full-time and lives with her husband and their fearless Tibetan
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“But if it hadn't happened, I would have never seen you- a beautiful, complicated loop of light.”
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“Noah's eyes have always been the most beautiful among us; they've always been the most honest.”
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