Go West, Young Man: A Riveting Western Novel of the American Frontier by William W. Johnstone

Go West, Young Man: A Riveting Western Novel of the American Frontier Reviews

• 
  Andreas Tornberg

  A new standalone story by William and J.A. Johnstone about a wagon train of people traveling west to build a new and better life for themselves. The story is set in 1860 when rumors of war between the North and South are spreading across the land.
  
  This is a well written story with interesting characters. I wasn't hooked from the start but the more I read the better it got. The book has everything you are looking for in a western, gun fights and Indian attacks. The book is quick to read and fans of Western novel will enjoy this book.
  
  Thanks to NetGalley, Edelweiss, the author and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this book in advance and to share my honest review
  
• 
  Andreas Tornberg

  A new standalone story by William and J.A. Johnstone about a wagon train of people traveling west to build a new and better life for themselves. The story is set in 1860 when rumors of war between the North and South are spreading across the land.
  
  This is a well written story with interesting characters. I wasn't hooked from the start but the more I read the better it got. The book has everything you are looking for in a western, gun fights and Indian attacks. The book is quick to read and fans of Western novel will enjoy this book.
  
  Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this book in advance and to share my honest review
• 
  Bill Riggs

  With the threat of war coming between the North and the South 27 families decide to hazard the perils of the Oregon Trail in search of a better life. Along the way they will be tested by tragedy and heartbreak, but will also come to appreciate the majesty and freedom of the American West.
• 
  Joanne

  I have seen a lot of this author come through at my library's' donation days and they sell very well at our book sales. Way out of my wheel house, but I have been struggling to read lately and I thought something different might shake me out of my slump.
  
  It is 1860, tensions are rising between the States, and a Civil War is brewing. 27 families leave Missouri with a wagon train and follow the Oregon Trail in search of a better life.
  
  The writing is very simple but I think that is what gave the book authenticity. I could hear the slow drawl of the leader of the train and the simple down home folk that traveled with him. I latched onto the large group of characters as they encountered Indians, bad weather and all of the other "unknowns" that came with traveling across the country.
  
  A good introduction to the genre Western and the author has peaked my interest. I will try another of his books to see if this was a fluke. Either way, it seems to have helped with my reading problem, so thankful for that.
• 
  Abibliofob

  I have read Go West, Young Man by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone and have #Kensington #Pinnacle #Edelweiss and #Netgalley to thank for that. I don't know if this will be a series or if it's a standalone book, either way it was a pleasant read with the traditional wagon train set for Oregon with all kinds of troubles along the way. Maybe to nice and easy but still a good western.
• 
  Lisa Johnson

  Title: Go West Young Man
  Author: William W. Johnstone and J. A. Johnstone
  Pages: 352
  Year: 2021
  Publisher: Kensington
  My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
  John Zachary and Emmett Braxton are heading west on the Oregon Trail along with others seeking the promised land. The wagon master, Clayton Scofield, and his nephew, Clint Buchanan, will lead the company of travelers through all different types of country. As they set out, who knows how many different kinds of dangers all of them will face? They expect Indians to attack, drought is a real possible hazard and who knows what else but in order to get to greener pastures they all must band together and face the danger head on!
  Ruby is one of the travelers on the train, and her husband is about to cause trouble for everyone with his antics. There is also Billy who shows up while everyone has already been on the trail. His appearance may not bode well for him or the person he is seeking! Then there is Cal who seems like a card sharp and not a good man, but can appearances be deceiving?
  Go West Young Man is a wonderful tale that will take readers through many different landmarks on the Oregon Tail. There were times where I felt like I could see in my mind’s eye what the characters were seeing. I enjoyed the various players on the wagon train and how they came together to face some of the scariest moments, or cross various rivers.
  Grab a copy and enjoy the exciting times the travelers face on The Oregon Trail!
  Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
• 
  David Schwinghammer

  GO WEST, YOUNG MAN is a traditional western with some blatant stereotypes. I had to check the copyright to see if this had been written
  fifty years in the past. No such luck. I think I've seen the same plot in a number of movies from back in the Roy Rogers, Gene Autry times.
  Characterization is always a big thing with me, and I did relate to some of the characters. Clint is a scout for a wagon train moving from Independence, Missouri to the Willamette Valley in Oregon circa 1860. Clayton Scofield is the Ward Bond of this oater, except that he shoots people after they've been wounded as if this was to be expected. Certainly the dead man had been trying to kill him in revenge for the death of a friend of his, but still I was a bit non-plussed. Clint is a morale upstanding young man who saves Scofield from a lot of grief, but he doesn't seem to be at all bothered by what seemed to be an execution. This sort of thing happens more than once.
  There are also two gunfighters, the first one a rather degenerate son of a a woman who once ran a saloon in Dodge City who owns one of the wagons. I was expecting a gunfight between him and the invincible Clint, but he's dispatched almost as soon as he appears. The second is a gambler gunfighter, Cal, who turns out to be a rather good guy. I was also surprised by what happens to him.
  The stereotypes occur every time we see an Indian. The wagon train is accosted no less than three times, the first really an attempt to steal horses. One of them is an ambush on a rough part of the trail. Johnstone's choice of fictional Indians is rather surprising, the Nez Perce, of Chief Joseph “I will fight no more forever” fame. Of course I'm the type who routed for the Indians in “Dances With Wolves”. Even the scalping was predictable, a practice initiated by French fur traders. One of the emigrants is scalped and Clint chases after the Indians to rescue the man's wife. Would you believe the husband survives a scalping?
  There's also a damsel in distress, Ruby, with a despicable drunk for a husband. She loses no less than two husbands on the way to Oregon.
  My idea of a good western is “McCabe and Mrs. Miller”. The director managed to make Julie Christie look like a slut. This one doesn't measure up.
• 
  Jacqui

  This is a well told story of one wagon train crossing America via the Oregon trail, told through the eyes of two families who decide to trade their settled life on dying farmland for a dangerous and unknown world with the possibility of a rich future. It describes their life as part of a well-led wagon train in vivid detail including river crossings, Indian attacks, family squabbles, low supplies, living off the land, and more. I felt like I was part of the world settlers in the mid-1800's experienced in this trip across unsettled North America.
  
  Everything about this book is satisfying and it is highly recommended for not only its historic insights but its drama.
• 
  Sue

  It's been awhile since I've read a book like this. I've got several paperbacks, but I always love to read about wagon train travels. Reading about the two families and good friends making this journey for a better life and to stay away from the north and the south wars. Plenty of adventure, hardships and making new friends on the Oregon trail. Of course their travels were hard and anything worth having is hard work. Loved it. HEA. I just reviewed Go West, Young Man by William W. Johnstone; J.A. Johnstone. #GoWestYoungMan #NetGalley
  
• 
  Darlene Christensen

  John Zachary and Emmett Braxton along with their families join the 27wagon train lead by Clayton Scofield and Clint Buchanan the scout. The wagon train is traveling to the Willamette Valley in Oregon to make new homes. On the way the travelers encounter Indians who attempt to steal their cattle and steal guns and women or children they can sell into slavery. This story depicts the hardship and friendships developed during the long journey faced by many people during the settling of this country. I would give this book a 4.5 rating if possible
• 
  Lori

  This is a story about a group of pioneers that set off in search of a better life along the Oregon trail. It shows some of the hardships, friendships and sights that they experienced along the way. They had to rely on the knowledge and experience of the wagon master. The characters were well developed. They had to cross rivers, encounter indians, ration their food, and overcome many obstacles along the way. It was an interesting and enjoyable glimpse into the past.
• 
  Ashley Dulaney

  In "Go West, Young Man" Williams Johnstone delivers another solid western. Following the Scofield Wagon train west to Oregon you really get to know the members of the party. The story moves at a decent pace filled with problems big and small, from drunkards to Indians and desperados. The story is very believable. If you are looking for a good book about a simpler time this is for you.
• 
  Nolan

  Twenty seven wagons heading from Missouri to the Willamette Valley in Oregon. Interesting enough story. Not fast paced, a little slow and a lot of repeat in areas, but an okay read.
  
  I have never heard of going against the tide on a river in the middle of Kansas. Going against the river’s current I can understand, but against the tide? That’s a new one for me.
  
• 
  Jk

  I received a free Kindle copy of this book via the Goodreads Giveaways program and would like to thank anyone involved in making that happen.
  
  I always enjoy reading stories about the Oregon Trail and this was no exception!
• 
  John Harris

  Purty darn good.
  
  I thought this book was pretty good. It was a bit predictable but had a few twists. I’ve lived around Oregon City along time so it was interesting to read a book about it.
• 
  Ron

  This was an entertaining book with an interesting cast of characters.
  
  27 wagons on the Oregon trail in 1860. Villains, indians, danger, strife, and lots of action.
  
  It reminded me of the old Wagon trail show we saw in reruns as a kid.
  
  Older wagon Master and the Young dashing scout.