What do you think?
Rate this book
Road Signs That Say West
It’s Hanna’s wild idea, of course: take their mom’s car, pack up the tent, and drive across the country. Just three sisters, one guitar, and the Trans Canada Highway. They can be back in Nova Scotia before their parents are home from Europe. She doesn’t say she wants to forget about what happened in Italy, and at university. Claire doesn’t say she keeps having nightmares about her friend’s recent suicide. Megan doesn’t say much, unless it’s a complaint. But maybe they all feel, somehow, that this is their one chance to do something together, something big, before time begins to scatter them. With empathy and insight, Sylvia Gunnery writes an engaging summer read about three sisters navigating the difficult roads of adolescence, trauma, secrets, shame, and fear for the future. Peopled with chance encounters and warmed with fireside heart-to-hearts, Road Signs that Say West is a compelling ride through real life.
216 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2017
2 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Gunnery
14 books10 followersSylvia Gunnery is the author of many novels for teens and children. Often, the themes and characters in her books have developed from her classroom experiences with junior high and high school students. A recipient of a Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence, Sylvia has written a teachers' resource, Just Write! (Pembroke, 1998) as well as guided reading books for Curriculum Plus. She has presented at conferences, libraries, and schools across Canada and works on curriculum development and assessment initiatives with the Nova Scotia Department of Education. Sylvia lives at Crescent Beach on the South Shore of Nova Scotia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 31, 2016
I really love road trip books but Road Signs That Say West just wasn't for me.
I thought it was poorly written and I hated how it jumped from perspective to perspective. I felt like Megan was a pointless character and she was even less developed than the other two girls.
I was pretty bored through out the whole book and nothing interesting really happened.
I liked the idea of this book but the overall execution wasn't great.
I thought it was poorly written and I hated how it jumped from perspective to perspective. I felt like Megan was a pointless character and she was even less developed than the other two girls.
I was pretty bored through out the whole book and nothing interesting really happened.
I liked the idea of this book but the overall execution wasn't great.
April 27, 2017
As soon as I read the book description, I was pulled to the storyline about three sisters who take a road trip. In my family we are three sisters and I like stories that center on sisterhood. I liked that the trip was across Canada from Nova Scotia to Vancouver, including a stopover in my city of Montreal.
For the most part I did enjoy this book, but the writing had me confused at times. I found myself rereading certain sections to make sure I did not miss anything. I think the author used the omniscience point of view and jumping from one perspective to another was jarring and confusing at times. I liked all three sisters, even surly Megan. All three sisters were different and had their own issues. I'm not sure that these issues were resolved though, and the ending left me unsatisfied.
The best part of the novel was how the sisters experienced life together and grew closer by the end of the trip, although it was in subtle ways. I also found the parents to be too relaxed when they found out the girls just up and left to drive across the whole country, especially after the traumatic emotional situations they experienced. Suicide of a close friend and sexual harassment and stalking are big issues to deal with, and I think parents would tend to stay close to help their kids deal with their grief, loss and fears.
For the most part I did enjoy this book, but the writing had me confused at times. I found myself rereading certain sections to make sure I did not miss anything. I think the author used the omniscience point of view and jumping from one perspective to another was jarring and confusing at times. I liked all three sisters, even surly Megan. All three sisters were different and had their own issues. I'm not sure that these issues were resolved though, and the ending left me unsatisfied.
The best part of the novel was how the sisters experienced life together and grew closer by the end of the trip, although it was in subtle ways. I also found the parents to be too relaxed when they found out the girls just up and left to drive across the whole country, especially after the traumatic emotional situations they experienced. Suicide of a close friend and sexual harassment and stalking are big issues to deal with, and I think parents would tend to stay close to help their kids deal with their grief, loss and fears.
April 2, 2017
*Review copy received from publisher*
Although I really liked the sisterly relationship and road-trip setting, I felt that this story rambled about disjointedly and the characters flakey (without substance).
The ending was... non-existent. Don't expect any closure!
Although I really liked the sisterly relationship and road-trip setting, I felt that this story rambled about disjointedly and the characters flakey (without substance).
The ending was... non-existent. Don't expect any closure!
January 13, 2026
Week 1 Reading Answers
What were the factors that moved you to choose this book?
Some of the factors that moved me to choosing this book “Road Signs That Say West”the cover looked interesting, it grabbed my attention by how it tells me in the front that the book is something about traveling with no parents, and no permission like hinting its adventurous book.When I opened the book in the middle and read it seemed about 3 sisters explore travelling alone across Canada with a car with no parents.When I turned to the back it just says about how they are worried that this is not a right decision they made, and about them just arguing if they are doing this right or not.I am curious if they will have memorable experiences with them just going alone and being independent.
This book was highly recommended to me by a friend.Her recommendations usually turn out great, and this one book seemed really adventurous and fun, with unique characters that were sisters.The book is mysterious in some type of way in my perspective.I am trying to find out if this adventure experience is worthed to sacrifice responsibilities and jobs to just go around and try new things and learn from them along the way.I also wonder if it will develop the characters grow more independent, since they got to travel across Canada without any guardians.It make me think back what I would do if was in their place,would I have this courage to be able to take a journey like this.
Week 2 Reading Answer
5.What are some elements in the story that might help you to uncover the theme, message, or big idea of the story? What do you think this story is going to be about?
I think some of the story elements int he story is like doing an experience out of the blue like the three sisters travelling across Canada and going back home kinda uncovered the theme is adventures and maybe mysterious.Mysterious because the parents don't know anything about them travelling across Canada alone with no trustworthy older adults so its mysterious how they went with them knowing.The big idea is adventures, their taking difficult experience by them just travelling on the road not knowing where to except they have the idea to just run away across Canada.They are going to face trauma,a hard journey,meet new people and experience new things.They have the courage to do hard experience alone.
Week 3
1.What does the main character want or need? What will get in the way of that? How will the character overcome the problem?
The main characters have the goal to tour and travel across Canada or like discover something new.In order to get in the way of reaching their destination alone with no guardian or adult in the car alone, they will need to follow road signs to lead them to the place like going west in the road trip because they don't know anything about getting there.Fear or regretting that they left their home for the first secretly with their parents knowing can pressure them more.They will need to take breaks across and camp to overcome the problem.The sisters can try to follow the sign more,and maybe remembering that the experience is what that matter, because they will have the chance to explore new things.
Week 4
Is the theme or message of the book something you care deeply about? What is the message or theme and why is it important to you? What are your thoughts and opinions about it?
The theme is about the complexities of sibling relationships,between three sisters Megan,Hannah,and Claire.Its important for me because I can relate to the complexities of family relationships. The sisters struggles, arguments, and support for each other highlight the tension between frustration and love that exists in most families around.Its important to me because I am interested on how it can be like when sisters get along and help each other, like best friends or when they are fighting.I imagine ever have a sister to have group plans together and go across the country together with out our parents.This book his type a connection between me and it, it make me think about what would ever happen if me and brothers ever go alone together on a road trip not knowing away and just figuring out our way by tracking signs around.I would imagine how many fights we would get in to because of stress but at the same time along because we don't have anyone else except each other.
Week 5
How do you feel about a particular character in the book? Describe your feelings or attitudes towards the character, and then describe some of the specific things in the book that have led you to feel that way.
I think one of the sisters Megan is the eldest out of them is responsible.Megan has a big connection with self reflection that makes her think every time what is with her family past/history.She always in the book tried to find and connect to her family where she belonged.In the book she reflected herself to how her family is past history shapes who she is today.She made me think deeply on how people learn about themselves and where they come from and their family is past to see who exactly they are.She made me realize how strong self reflecting and how your own family is history can show who you are today.
Week 6
Visualizing
Describe a scene in the book where a sensory image is used. What sense does the author appeal to? How does the sensory image work to give the reader a better sense of the characters?
“Blur of trees and towns passing by the window.” These sounds and images help the reader imagine exactly what the narrator is experiencing and what is going on in the book.The sensory details make the moment feel real and alive, helping us understand the narrator’s feelings of reflection and movement.Sensor detail have big impacts on telling us in a easier way what the they are experiencing.It shows how the sensory detail connects to the story by imagining them or picturing them travelling across.It helps the reader to better understand what is going on in the book with the sensory details.
Summary Week 7
This story is about three girls travelling across Canada with no parents or parents permission.They ran to travel across while their parents were travelling to europe.Their parents don't have any idea they are travelling.The three sisters don't even know the way they are just following road signs.It is like a mystery to know what will happen next if their parents find out they aren't home by now,The theme is like adventures goes they are trying new experiences by travelling alone together for the first time with no parents.The eldest sister is Hannah she is the one driving the car.The middle sister is Megan she is the one in between like funny and serious.The youngest is Claire she is energetic and funny.
Week 8
If this story is set in a science-fiction or fantasy world, are there logical connections to our world? Are these connections being used to address an issue in our world?
No it's not a science fantasy book because it's made by an actual realistic human,its more a young adult fiction book.It's about siblings' relationship in big advantures and discovering new things around.It engaged all of them to take big new experiences like this and learn new things without parents including adults.The story is leaning towards running away from parents and responsibilities which is a real problem.Its kinda logical to real world problems like family conflict and these issues reflect on many teens today and similar problems.Many people today try to run away or start new experiences after real trauma.The more you grow up the more you have to pick and do different hard choices.
Week 9
Describe some of the secondary characters in the story. What roles do they play? In what ways are they important to the unfolding of the story?
Although the story centers mainly on Hannah, her two sisters, Megan and Claire, play important secondary roles. Each sister represents a different way of dealing with change, family, and uncertainty, which helps move the story forward.Megan’s more cautious and questioning nature reflects resistance to change and highlights the emotional tension within the family. Claire’s younger, more adaptable attitude shows curiosity and openness, suggesting that change can also bring new opportunities. Together, their differing reactions push Hannah to reflect on her own feelings and help her grow as she navigates the uncertainty of the journey west.
Week 10
Describe how you feel about a character in the book. If they were a real person, would you want to know them? Why or why not?
I would want to know about Hannah.She seems like a responsible sweet person that would be friendly.She sounds like a caring person in the book and how she drives them around while none of them actually know how to get there/the way back home or across Canada.Hannah also encourages her sisters to step up, be brave, and make the most of their journey. Instead of trying to make negative messages.She gives advices to her younger sisters and help them to go through the journey with out their parents like she is the older caring almost adult one that is protective.I think people that care for their siblings are really nice
Week 11
Describe your favourite or least-favourite scene(s) of the book. Why did you choose that/those scene(s)?
The best scene in the story is often considered the moment when the sisters are deep into their journey and must confront the reality of what they’ve done. They’ve been driving for hours, and the weight of their decision to leave without permission starts to sink in.One particularly poignant moment happens when they have to decide how to handle a conflict that arises between them. This moment shows how not only it's a journey but also a relational journey between the sisters. This scene circle the main theme of the book road signs that say west the tension between independence and responsibility.
Road Signs that Say West by Sylvia Gunnery
Week 12
Who did the author write this book for? What were they hoping to get their readers to think about? Were they successful? Why or why not?
I think the author wrote this book for people's adventures and would want to learn about new experiences. Road Signs That Say West was written for readers who enjoy reflective poetry and are interested in themes of identity, place, and change.I think she hoped readers would think about how home, memory, and movement shape who we become, especially the tension between leaving and staying. She was successful because her poems use clear language and familiar imagery that allow readers to connect their own experiences to the ideas in the book. While the poems are subtle, they encourage thoughtful reflection rather than giving direct answers.
What were the factors that moved you to choose this book?
Some of the factors that moved me to choosing this book “Road Signs That Say West”the cover looked interesting, it grabbed my attention by how it tells me in the front that the book is something about traveling with no parents, and no permission like hinting its adventurous book.When I opened the book in the middle and read it seemed about 3 sisters explore travelling alone across Canada with a car with no parents.When I turned to the back it just says about how they are worried that this is not a right decision they made, and about them just arguing if they are doing this right or not.I am curious if they will have memorable experiences with them just going alone and being independent.
This book was highly recommended to me by a friend.Her recommendations usually turn out great, and this one book seemed really adventurous and fun, with unique characters that were sisters.The book is mysterious in some type of way in my perspective.I am trying to find out if this adventure experience is worthed to sacrifice responsibilities and jobs to just go around and try new things and learn from them along the way.I also wonder if it will develop the characters grow more independent, since they got to travel across Canada without any guardians.It make me think back what I would do if was in their place,would I have this courage to be able to take a journey like this.
Week 2 Reading Answer
5.What are some elements in the story that might help you to uncover the theme, message, or big idea of the story? What do you think this story is going to be about?
I think some of the story elements int he story is like doing an experience out of the blue like the three sisters travelling across Canada and going back home kinda uncovered the theme is adventures and maybe mysterious.Mysterious because the parents don't know anything about them travelling across Canada alone with no trustworthy older adults so its mysterious how they went with them knowing.The big idea is adventures, their taking difficult experience by them just travelling on the road not knowing where to except they have the idea to just run away across Canada.They are going to face trauma,a hard journey,meet new people and experience new things.They have the courage to do hard experience alone.
Week 3
1.What does the main character want or need? What will get in the way of that? How will the character overcome the problem?
The main characters have the goal to tour and travel across Canada or like discover something new.In order to get in the way of reaching their destination alone with no guardian or adult in the car alone, they will need to follow road signs to lead them to the place like going west in the road trip because they don't know anything about getting there.Fear or regretting that they left their home for the first secretly with their parents knowing can pressure them more.They will need to take breaks across and camp to overcome the problem.The sisters can try to follow the sign more,and maybe remembering that the experience is what that matter, because they will have the chance to explore new things.
Week 4
Is the theme or message of the book something you care deeply about? What is the message or theme and why is it important to you? What are your thoughts and opinions about it?
The theme is about the complexities of sibling relationships,between three sisters Megan,Hannah,and Claire.Its important for me because I can relate to the complexities of family relationships. The sisters struggles, arguments, and support for each other highlight the tension between frustration and love that exists in most families around.Its important to me because I am interested on how it can be like when sisters get along and help each other, like best friends or when they are fighting.I imagine ever have a sister to have group plans together and go across the country together with out our parents.This book his type a connection between me and it, it make me think about what would ever happen if me and brothers ever go alone together on a road trip not knowing away and just figuring out our way by tracking signs around.I would imagine how many fights we would get in to because of stress but at the same time along because we don't have anyone else except each other.
Week 5
How do you feel about a particular character in the book? Describe your feelings or attitudes towards the character, and then describe some of the specific things in the book that have led you to feel that way.
I think one of the sisters Megan is the eldest out of them is responsible.Megan has a big connection with self reflection that makes her think every time what is with her family past/history.She always in the book tried to find and connect to her family where she belonged.In the book she reflected herself to how her family is past history shapes who she is today.She made me think deeply on how people learn about themselves and where they come from and their family is past to see who exactly they are.She made me realize how strong self reflecting and how your own family is history can show who you are today.
Week 6
Visualizing
Describe a scene in the book where a sensory image is used. What sense does the author appeal to? How does the sensory image work to give the reader a better sense of the characters?
“Blur of trees and towns passing by the window.” These sounds and images help the reader imagine exactly what the narrator is experiencing and what is going on in the book.The sensory details make the moment feel real and alive, helping us understand the narrator’s feelings of reflection and movement.Sensor detail have big impacts on telling us in a easier way what the they are experiencing.It shows how the sensory detail connects to the story by imagining them or picturing them travelling across.It helps the reader to better understand what is going on in the book with the sensory details.
Summary Week 7
This story is about three girls travelling across Canada with no parents or parents permission.They ran to travel across while their parents were travelling to europe.Their parents don't have any idea they are travelling.The three sisters don't even know the way they are just following road signs.It is like a mystery to know what will happen next if their parents find out they aren't home by now,The theme is like adventures goes they are trying new experiences by travelling alone together for the first time with no parents.The eldest sister is Hannah she is the one driving the car.The middle sister is Megan she is the one in between like funny and serious.The youngest is Claire she is energetic and funny.
Week 8
If this story is set in a science-fiction or fantasy world, are there logical connections to our world? Are these connections being used to address an issue in our world?
No it's not a science fantasy book because it's made by an actual realistic human,its more a young adult fiction book.It's about siblings' relationship in big advantures and discovering new things around.It engaged all of them to take big new experiences like this and learn new things without parents including adults.The story is leaning towards running away from parents and responsibilities which is a real problem.Its kinda logical to real world problems like family conflict and these issues reflect on many teens today and similar problems.Many people today try to run away or start new experiences after real trauma.The more you grow up the more you have to pick and do different hard choices.
Week 9
Describe some of the secondary characters in the story. What roles do they play? In what ways are they important to the unfolding of the story?
Although the story centers mainly on Hannah, her two sisters, Megan and Claire, play important secondary roles. Each sister represents a different way of dealing with change, family, and uncertainty, which helps move the story forward.Megan’s more cautious and questioning nature reflects resistance to change and highlights the emotional tension within the family. Claire’s younger, more adaptable attitude shows curiosity and openness, suggesting that change can also bring new opportunities. Together, their differing reactions push Hannah to reflect on her own feelings and help her grow as she navigates the uncertainty of the journey west.
Week 10
Describe how you feel about a character in the book. If they were a real person, would you want to know them? Why or why not?
I would want to know about Hannah.She seems like a responsible sweet person that would be friendly.She sounds like a caring person in the book and how she drives them around while none of them actually know how to get there/the way back home or across Canada.Hannah also encourages her sisters to step up, be brave, and make the most of their journey. Instead of trying to make negative messages.She gives advices to her younger sisters and help them to go through the journey with out their parents like she is the older caring almost adult one that is protective.I think people that care for their siblings are really nice
Week 11
Describe your favourite or least-favourite scene(s) of the book. Why did you choose that/those scene(s)?
The best scene in the story is often considered the moment when the sisters are deep into their journey and must confront the reality of what they’ve done. They’ve been driving for hours, and the weight of their decision to leave without permission starts to sink in.One particularly poignant moment happens when they have to decide how to handle a conflict that arises between them. This moment shows how not only it's a journey but also a relational journey between the sisters. This scene circle the main theme of the book road signs that say west the tension between independence and responsibility.
Road Signs that Say West by Sylvia Gunnery
Week 12
Who did the author write this book for? What were they hoping to get their readers to think about? Were they successful? Why or why not?
I think the author wrote this book for people's adventures and would want to learn about new experiences. Road Signs That Say West was written for readers who enjoy reflective poetry and are interested in themes of identity, place, and change.I think she hoped readers would think about how home, memory, and movement shape who we become, especially the tension between leaving and staying. She was successful because her poems use clear language and familiar imagery that allow readers to connect their own experiences to the ideas in the book. While the poems are subtle, they encourage thoughtful reflection rather than giving direct answers.
December 25, 2016
Life doesn't have a conclusion. Perhaps that is what this book is about. A basic road trip, from the east coast of Canada to the west coast, with stops along the way.
And that doesn't make a story in itself, does it? So, put three sisters, first, Hannah who has a problem that has to do with sexual harassment, but we don't know what happened. Second sister, Claire, has problems because a friend committed suicide, and she feels she should have figured it out, and stopped it. And the third sister is just a third sister, Megan, who just seems to. be there to have another voice.
I had trouble getting into this novel because the third person omniscient voice keeps jumping around from person to person. We get into the inner voices of just about everyone we meet on the road. I suppose that is a good way to find out what they are thinking, but it is jarring, as we jump around. Plus, we didn't need that information.
I'm not sure who to recommend this book to, other for those who might want to read about a trip from the east to west coast, as there is a good description of the places they visit.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
And that doesn't make a story in itself, does it? So, put three sisters, first, Hannah who has a problem that has to do with sexual harassment, but we don't know what happened. Second sister, Claire, has problems because a friend committed suicide, and she feels she should have figured it out, and stopped it. And the third sister is just a third sister, Megan, who just seems to. be there to have another voice.
I had trouble getting into this novel because the third person omniscient voice keeps jumping around from person to person. We get into the inner voices of just about everyone we meet on the road. I suppose that is a good way to find out what they are thinking, but it is jarring, as we jump around. Plus, we didn't need that information.
I'm not sure who to recommend this book to, other for those who might want to read about a trip from the east to west coast, as there is a good description of the places they visit.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
January 11, 2017
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Road trip books are always a good read when done well. This book had a lot of potential with 3 sisters driving from Nova Scotia to Vancouver. The problem is that it read like an outline.
Each of the girls has a background, but we're given the briefest of details. I don't think Megan had anything aside from being a killjoy. The roadtrip itself feels rushed from place to place. Canada from East to West is quite a distance, but it didn't seem like they were driving far. I feel like I was reading someone hitting the points of a novel as opposed to reading the novel. That may be because the writing style didn't work.
This book has great potential, but needs serious fleshing out.
Road trip books are always a good read when done well. This book had a lot of potential with 3 sisters driving from Nova Scotia to Vancouver. The problem is that it read like an outline.
Each of the girls has a background, but we're given the briefest of details. I don't think Megan had anything aside from being a killjoy. The roadtrip itself feels rushed from place to place. Canada from East to West is quite a distance, but it didn't seem like they were driving far. I feel like I was reading someone hitting the points of a novel as opposed to reading the novel. That may be because the writing style didn't work.
This book has great potential, but needs serious fleshing out.
July 10, 2017
Another fantastic read. I love any book about a good road trip or vacation because they are absolutely magnificent to read in the summer. They are easy to get lost in and you feel like you are travelling with them. I can picture myself on this adventure, meeting the same people and going through the same events, which makes this book all the more amazing. This was a quick read, I read it in one sitting and I loved it. I couldn't tear my eyes away from this book. It was just magical. In fact, I'm going on a road trip myself, and I read this in the car, which made me love the book more because it helped me get excited over the little things on the road trip. The aspect I liked the most was that it was a Canadian road trip. I hardly ever read books that take place in Canada but in this book, the girls were travelling from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. They took some detours in places like Manitoba as they picked up hitchhikers and talked to random guys and fell in love. I really liked how they were so open to summer flings and how she fell in love with bear in Manitoba. Their family was so cute. I loved how the sisters bonded and how they all had their own individual problems that they shared with each other and solved. The whole thing with Caleb and depression and dioxide was an amazing addition because I love learning about mental health as it's a super relevant issue. Overall, a perfect read and I highly recommend it. It made me look forward to where I'm heading -- Nova Scotia!!
November 7, 2017
I was sent this book with some low expectations. The reviews I had read didn't sit well with me and I was a little worried but I decided to keep my hopes and keep an open mind. To be honest, the reviews were right; the book was really just ok. It wasn't terrible and I didn't have any really strong feelings about it, but I didn't really connect with the characters, the plot wasn't as interesting as it had the potential to be, and Megan was severely underdeveloped. The only one of the three sisters that I really connected with was Clare, but even she could have used more development. Hanna's backstory was probably the most well written and most interesting part of the entire book, but Hanna really had no personality. The part that really bugged me was the change of perspective. It was difficult to tell when perspectives changed and whose perspective they changed to. In some parts I was so confused about who was speaking, I read entire paragraphs thinking I was in the head of one character when really I was in the head of another. Overall, I gave the book two stars because the idea was good, it just wasn't executed properly.
August 1, 2017
It wasn't a BAD book, per se, but I do think that it lacked the development it needed. Sylvia Gunnery covered some pretty heavy topics here, and I think it was done pretty well, but it really needed more development to make me care about the characters and understand what was going on inside of their heads. Somehow, this book seemed both too rushed and to drag.
Still, it wasn't bad. I finished it in two sittings (which isn't really saying much - it's 200 pages - but that's beside the point) and I generally enjoyed it. I thought that the characters were likeable and that they had a lot of potential, but it just keeps coming back to how this book needed more development for both the characters and their plotlines. It almost seemed like this book was just going through the motions. Again, this wasn't a terrible book. I enjoyed the relationships between the sisters and I found Claire's plotline to elicit sympathy and understanding, but I still needed more!
Okay, this is getting really repetitive so
Tl;dr: It's an okay book that needed more development to reach its full potential
Still, it wasn't bad. I finished it in two sittings (which isn't really saying much - it's 200 pages - but that's beside the point) and I generally enjoyed it. I thought that the characters were likeable and that they had a lot of potential, but it just keeps coming back to how this book needed more development for both the characters and their plotlines. It almost seemed like this book was just going through the motions. Again, this wasn't a terrible book. I enjoyed the relationships between the sisters and I found Claire's plotline to elicit sympathy and understanding, but I still needed more!
Okay, this is getting really repetitive so
Tl;dr: It's an okay book that needed more development to reach its full potential
July 4, 2017
I only gave this a one star because I just couldn't get into it. I gave up after reading only the first quarter of the book. The idea of three sisters on a road trip across Canada was wildly appealing to me. The problem was, I didn't find any of the characters the least bit interesting and the writing was just too choppy to follow. The perspective is constantly changing and it just did not flow, at all. It felt like stream of consciousness at its worst. I just couldn't find any enjoyment in the way it was written. Perhaps it turns out to be a fun story, but I just couldn't get past the way it was written.
May 26, 2018
No the best written story I've ever read, but I liked the premise: three sisters and a road trip across the country. What could not be good about this?! So the characters aren't really well developed, the plot meanders a bit, people come and go.... it's a road trip and a light summer read! So what! It's still a fun story! Have a lazy summer day? Pull up to a shady spot, park and read this story. Nothing deep, nothing complicated, but maybe you'll be inspired to take a road trip of your own. Oh, and the ending? Non-existing! It just meanders off and you can think of your own! And that is ok!
I received a Kindle ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I received a Kindle ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
May 1, 2018
A young adult journey - was looking forward to the cross-Canada road trip but the writing style had me give up. Too bad. Won this book on Goodreads.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...
July 14, 2018
Not really my thing but I am sure teenage girls will love it. At least it didn't have too adult themes which I hate in a teen novel. It was well written. Low rating is prob not fair is it is only based on my interest. Keep that in mind!
August 3, 2018
I am often on the look out for new books for my classroom. Many of my students are often nervous taking on YA novels that are now very commonly over 300 pages. I look forward to sharing it with them this fall, especially since the author is also from Nova Scotia.
June 21, 2017
ARC provided by NetGalley and Pajama Press
Right from the get-go I was annoyed by the jumpy writing style and it didn't get any better as the book went on. Scenes would cut away very abruptly, and sometimes in the middle of a chapter, with no explanation as to what happened at the conclusion of the proceeding action.
The only reason I really pushed through this one is because I enjoy travelogues and wanted to give this one a fair go, but the characters and the story just fell really flat for me. None of the characters had a unique voice and despite the fact that they all had their own personal dramas happening, outside of the road trip, I just couldn't care about what had happened to them or what would happen as the story went on.
Right from the get-go I was annoyed by the jumpy writing style and it didn't get any better as the book went on. Scenes would cut away very abruptly, and sometimes in the middle of a chapter, with no explanation as to what happened at the conclusion of the proceeding action.
The only reason I really pushed through this one is because I enjoy travelogues and wanted to give this one a fair go, but the characters and the story just fell really flat for me. None of the characters had a unique voice and despite the fact that they all had their own personal dramas happening, outside of the road trip, I just couldn't care about what had happened to them or what would happen as the story went on.
June 8, 2018
Goodreads. Will be a good read for teenage girls. Not really my thing but it was well written.
February 20, 2017
I was provided a copy of this novel for review consideration. This in no way affects my thoughts expressed in this review
Seeing as I am a huge fan of road trip novels, I couldn't wait to dive into this one. This book had the ability to be all the things, unfortunately, it turned out to be, well, none of them.
The beginning was strong, I will give this book that. The little sibling arguments and rivalry was realistic enough, but the book's overall execution left something to be desired. I felt like this book could have been much longer than it was, perhaps even somehow broken into several novels. It seemed more of an overview than a full-length novel. This left me not only unable to feel like I was truly experiencing a road trip(something I've felt in the past when reading some of my favorite road trip novels), but it also left me completely unable to connect with the characters. Sadly, that made them mostly unlikable to me. This is not to say the novel didn't have its bright points, it did. Some of my favorite scenes involved following a character that had a small, supporting role. That said, having extra viewpoints outside of the sisters sometimes left me a bit confused about what was going on. So many side stories were never resolved, and the ending was honestly very abrupt. I so, so wanted to love this book and I do not take negative feedback lightly. However, unless there is plans for future novels in a series this book left way too many loose ends for me to feel comfortable recommending it. If you want an okay read and are cool with not having all your questions answered then, by all means, give it a try! There was a lot to love within the pages, it just didn't do it for me overall.
Seeing as I am a huge fan of road trip novels, I couldn't wait to dive into this one. This book had the ability to be all the things, unfortunately, it turned out to be, well, none of them.
The beginning was strong, I will give this book that. The little sibling arguments and rivalry was realistic enough, but the book's overall execution left something to be desired. I felt like this book could have been much longer than it was, perhaps even somehow broken into several novels. It seemed more of an overview than a full-length novel. This left me not only unable to feel like I was truly experiencing a road trip(something I've felt in the past when reading some of my favorite road trip novels), but it also left me completely unable to connect with the characters. Sadly, that made them mostly unlikable to me. This is not to say the novel didn't have its bright points, it did. Some of my favorite scenes involved following a character that had a small, supporting role. That said, having extra viewpoints outside of the sisters sometimes left me a bit confused about what was going on. So many side stories were never resolved, and the ending was honestly very abrupt. I so, so wanted to love this book and I do not take negative feedback lightly. However, unless there is plans for future novels in a series this book left way too many loose ends for me to feel comfortable recommending it. If you want an okay read and are cool with not having all your questions answered then, by all means, give it a try! There was a lot to love within the pages, it just didn't do it for me overall.
January 4, 2018
2.5- This book was a fun quick read, there were some problems. But if anyone's looking for a quick read about a road trip across Canada that also touches some darker topics like depression, suicide and sexual assault. This is the book for you.
December 29, 2016
I was able to read this book through Net Galley! This book was just about three sisters taking a cross country road trip. It could have been an interesting story, but it was just terribly written. It bounced from perspective to perspective (not in a good way), and it really provided nothing interesting in completely flat characters.
April 5, 2017
DNF - writing style was too disjointed and the characters had no substance.
Read
May 6, 2017DNF at page 64
I wanted to love Road Signs That Say West. I adore road trip books and finding one set in Canada is like finding a magical unicorn. This book had so much potential - three sisters, a road trip, Canadian landmarks (which you basically never see in books). Instead it read like a draft. We're dumped into the story and right from the first page I felt like I was missing something. The story and the perspective kept jumping around, making it hard to keep up. The characters were completely flat and it took me almost the whole 64 pages to differentiate the three sisters and remember who was who. I was hoping for depth and emotion and complex characters, but got the opposite. I set the book aside thinking I'd go back to it and then decided not to.
This book just wasn't for me, but as always I encourage people to give it a try if it sounds like something that interests you.
I wanted to love Road Signs That Say West. I adore road trip books and finding one set in Canada is like finding a magical unicorn. This book had so much potential - three sisters, a road trip, Canadian landmarks (which you basically never see in books). Instead it read like a draft. We're dumped into the story and right from the first page I felt like I was missing something. The story and the perspective kept jumping around, making it hard to keep up. The characters were completely flat and it took me almost the whole 64 pages to differentiate the three sisters and remember who was who. I was hoping for depth and emotion and complex characters, but got the opposite. I set the book aside thinking I'd go back to it and then decided not to.
This book just wasn't for me, but as always I encourage people to give it a try if it sounds like something that interests you.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews