Instructions for Traveling West

by Joy Sullivan
Instructions for Traveling West cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Poetry
Technical
  • ID: 1601
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-18
  • ISBN: 9780593729069
  • Publisher: Dial Press
  • Published: 2024-04-09
  • Reviews: 4

Instructions for Traveling West is a lush debut poetry collection by Joy Sullivan, capturing the essence of leaving behind the familiar and leaping into the unknown. Mid-pandemic, Sullivan left her planned life behind, sold her house, quit her job, and drove west, a journey that inspired these profound and heart-opening poems. The collection explores themes of loss, loneliness, and belonging, reminding us that naming our desires is a powerful act of self-discovery. Each poem is a testament to the longing within us all and the joy that can be found in embracing change. Sullivan's poems are exquisite in their specificity and galvanizing in their scope, offering a roadmap for those seeking fresh starts and reinvention. The collection is not just a personal narrative but a universal call to heed our instincts and set our own course forward. It's a book for anyone who has ever felt the pull of the unknown and the courage to follow it.

Reviews
Audible · 2025-10-18
enjoyable 4.50

The audiobook is praised for its heartfelt and personal nature, making it enjoyable to listen to. The reviewer plans to purchase the physical copy for repeated readings.

This reviewer found the audiobook version of 'Instructions for Traveling West' to be a delightful experience. They appreciate the heartfelt and personal nature of the poems, which made the listening experience thoroughly enjoyable. The reviewer is so impressed that they plan to buy the physical copy to reread and savor the poems again. The collection is seen as a beautiful and relatable exploration of modern life, making it a valuable addition to any poetry lover's collection.

Quick quotes

    A beautiful compilation of poems. Heartfelt, personal, relatable and thoroughly enjoyable to listen to.

    Will be buying the physical version to reread and savor the poems again.

    The collection is seen as a beautiful and relatable exploration of modern life.

thisbookchangedmylife.substack.com · Unknown · 2025-10-08
moving 4.00

The book is a poignant and introspective journey that explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. It's a deeply personal narrative that resonates with readers seeking emotional depth and introspection.

Instructions for Traveling West is a beautifully written memoir that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the search for meaning. The author's raw and honest storytelling makes it a compelling read, though some might find the pacing slow at times. The book's strength lies in its emotional authenticity, offering readers a profound reflection on life's journey. While the narrative may not appeal to everyone, those who appreciate introspective literature will find it deeply moving.

Quick quotes

    The journey is not about the destination, but the people you meet along the way.

    It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

    The author's vulnerability is both its greatest strength and its most challenging aspect.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-08
beautiful 4.50

The reviewer found the poetry collection deeply moving, with many lines that resonated strongly. They highlighted the emotional impact and the beauty of the language, indicating a high level of enjoyment and appreciation for the work.

The reviewer was deeply moved by this poetry collection, finding it to be a profound and emotional experience. They mentioned that there were numerous lines that stood out to them, each one underlined as a testament to its impact. The language and themes of the collection seemed to resonate strongly, evoking a sense of homesickness and longing for lives not lived. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the collection was evident, and they expressed hope that others would enjoy it as much as they did. The overall tone of the review was one of admiration and appreciation for the beauty and depth of the poetry.

Quick quotes

    First, you must realize you’re homesick for all the lives you’re not living.

    This was SO good! I don’t think there’s a single poem i didn’t underline something.

    This collection truly swept me away it is so gorgeous

MavisMoon · 2025-05-09
heartwarming 4.00

The reviewer loved the collection, finding it heartfelt and relatable. They appreciate Sullivan's ability to capture the essence of modern life with sensitivity.

This reviewer was drawn to the collection after a recommendation and was not disappointed. They found the poems to be heartfelt and deeply relatable, with Sullivan's observations on life resonating strongly. The reviewer particularly appreciates the emotional depth and the way Sullivan's words bring a sense of comfort and understanding to the reader's experiences. The collection is seen as a beautiful representation of modern poetry.

Quick quotes

    I put it on hold at the library because someone recommended it, but I didn't note down who it was. I love it!

    The poems are heartfelt and deeply relatable, with Sullivan's observations on life resonating strongly.

    The collection is seen as a beautiful representation of modern poetry.

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