I was fascinated and drawn in by the characters in this book, mostly Rob. I'm the parent of a son who skims along the side of the spectrum, and I can see some of the thinking reflect things he might do. On the other hand, my cousin once said, "Aren't we all autistic?", and I know we have all had the same doubts about ourselves and relationships as Rob does. I wanted to be very purposeful in my review, because it goes to another website as well, and so I read the opinions of other people before writing. I still don't understand how lowly this book is scored! It is simple in it's language, but it reveals very complex feelings. I did not have a problem with the shifts in timeline, they were after all carefully indicated. I would also like to "know what happened", but often times in a relationship you never find out why someone left it. Sometimes the other person doesn't know! All in all, I liked it .

I got about 50% through this book and decided to DNF it. I really appreciate the neurodivergent representation, but I couldn't get through how poorly written this book is. The book starts out with the main character, Rob, getting broken up with by his girlfriend Ana. The storyline follows Rob reflecting on his relationship with Ana and trying to figure out where things went wrong. Though the premise sounds interesting, it was extremely confusing for me to follow. I also think there were comments made by the side characters that just gave me the ick in how they were written, so I didn't love it. Couldn't finish it.

I looked forward to this due to the autistic representation in the main character. I think the author was accurate in a number of ways. However, there was too much telling vs. showing, which made it hard to stay engaged. It could've benefitted from a tighter edit. For instance, there are too many exclamation points and repetition. This reads more like a young adult book than general fiction/adult. Also, I don't know that labeling this as a romance is the best option.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC.
This was an interesting look at autistic main character and dating. I liked the seamless integration of internal dialogue, the depiction of stimming, the difficulties in masking, and navigating communication in relationships. I thought the writing was a little plain and more telling than showing. It was also very repetitive and could have used more editing. I was also uncomfortable with devoting the book to the author's ex as we don't know how she feels about being included in this way.

For five years, Rob and Ana were inseparable, facing life’s ups and downs together—career struggles, personal growth, even a pandemic. But when Ana suddenly ends their relationship, Rob’s world falls apart. As he reflects on what went wrong, he’s torn between trying to meet others’ expectations and finally embracing his true self. His journey toward healing and self-acceptance is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

Sounds of Yesterday is a warm and insightful story about love, loss, and navigating life as a neurodivergent person. Jacob’s writing is raw and honest, offering a heartfelt portrayal of both neurodivergent and neurotypical experiences. Rob’s perspective feels so real and relatable, especially if you’ve ever struggled with identity or relationships.

This unique novel left a lasting impression on me, especially in how it invites readers to better understand a world they might not fully know.

Thanks to NetGalley and Celestial Seaside Publishing for the chance to read this touching story!

I read about a quarter of this book and then skimmed the rest of the way through it, as it’s written most like a YA adult novel. I wouldn’t disagree it’s a romance, but having some more depth or a better hook would benefit this story! As it is, I may have enjoyed it earlier in my life. It moves slowly and mostly details shallow, teenager-like conversations between the protagonist and his now ex-girlfriend. A large part of the issue might be the overuse of exclamation marks!

I think this book was pretty good! As a neurodivergent person myself, I enjoyed reading from the perspectives of the characters. The premise was great. Unfortunately, I did feel like the dialogue fell a little flat for me, which made the story drag some at times. Overall, I had fun reading this!

I really appreciate books with neurodivergent characters. I think it’s so important to have authentic characters in our books. Although I feel this story could have been better, I really thought the characters were well written. I’d love to see more by this author.

2.5 ⭐️ rounded up

The novel follows the story of Rob and Ana’s relationship over the course of five years. While the story isn’t told in chronologically order, the novel flows well and isn’t confusing.

While I enjoyed reading about a neurodivergent relationship, the writing was not very descriptive and I was not super engaged in the story. The author did mention in the acknowledgments that he wrote the book as a kind of journal for himself and I feel like that checks out. It feels more like a reflection on a relationship than a love story for others to read. I think I would have needed more details in places and stronger and less repetitive descriptions in order for me to have enjoyed this story.

I definitely think neurodivergent stories need to be told and can appreciate the obstacles that a neurodivergent person may experience that I do not, but I just didn’t enjoy this story as much as I was hoping to.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Celestial Seaside Publishing for an advanced copy of this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel. All of the opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rob is autistic, and dated Ana for many years. When Ana suddenly breaks up with Rob he works out what happened in their relationship. I appreciated the honesty of this novel. I appreciated how Rob’s way of processing his feelings was shown. However, everything became repetitive for me.

Jacob Hubbard's *Sounds of Yesterday* is a romance that defies the traditional expectations of happily-ever-afters. Instead, it dives deep into the messy, complex, and often painful aspects of love, especially when layered with childhood trauma, depression, and the challenges of navigating a neurodivergent mind in a neurotypical world. Hubbard brings these struggles to the forefront through the experiences of Rob and Ana, a couple whose relationship plays out against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic—a time that transformed many lives and relationships in profound ways.

At its core, this novel is a raw portrayal of love in its most vulnerable form. It’s about two people trying to connect, trying to make it work, despite the heavy baggage they carry. What makes Rob and Ana so relatable is the way Hubbard unflinchingly explores their mental and emotional burdens. Readers who have dealt with anxiety, depression, or feelings of being out of sync with the world will likely feel a deep kinship with the characters. The depiction of how they navigate their individual struggles while attempting to maintain a relationship is both heartbreaking and profoundly human.

Hubbard also captures the unique strain placed on relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic. The isolation, uncertainty, and collective trauma of that time are skillfully woven into the narrative, becoming more than just a setting—they shape and ultimately alter the course of Rob and Ana’s love. Rob’s internal journey as he watches the world shut down is particularly poignant, and for many readers, it may bring back memories of the disorienting days of lockdown. In many ways, the pandemic becomes a silent third character in the story, an invisible force that pushes and pulls at Rob and Ana’s relationship.

What makes *Sounds of Yesterday* stand out is its unflinching honesty. It acknowledges a truth that many romantic stories avoid: not all great romances are forever. Sometimes love is fleeting, but that doesn’t diminish its importance or beauty. Hubbard doesn’t shy away from this reality, instead embracing the bittersweet nature of love and loss, and in doing so, he offers readers a narrative that feels grounded and real.

I found myself deeply connected to both Rob and Ana, aching for them as they struggled to hold on to something that was both beautiful and fragile. Their love isn’t perfect, and that’s what makes it so compelling. It’s a romance that reflects the complexities of real-life relationships—the highs and lows, the moments of deep connection and painful distance.

*Sounds of Yesterday* is not just a love story, but a meditation on the nature of relationships, mental health, and the indelible impact of a world-changing event. It’s a story that will resonate with readers who understand that love is often messy and complicated, but also achingly beautiful in its imperfections. Hubbard has crafted a novel that is as introspective as it is emotional, a romance that doesn’t promise forever but offers something perhaps even more valuable: authenticity.

If you’re looking for a romance that breaks the mold and explores the deeper, more painful aspects of love, *Sounds of Yesterday* is well worth the read.

A unique novel by the author showcasing the complex life of a neuro divergent young man, I was glad to read it thru Netagalley and got a lot of insights on the life of a the main character as he deals with school, family, work and social life. Interesting read!

This story is told by Rob, a person on the autism spectrum, about his relationship with Ana, one that she abruptly (to him) ends after five years. Rob looks back at his interactions and memories of his relationship with Ana over the years to try to understand what went wrong. Along the way, he offers a glimpse into his brain as he imagines scenarios on an imagined stage where others judge him. It is a very interesting story about how a person with a neurodivergent mind navigates through the world and specifically through romantic relationships which can be unpredictable in the best of times. Rob's struggle for order and answers to why Ana ended this relationship are elusive making the story a bit unfulfilling. It was an engaging story, however. Thank you, NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Sounds of Yesterday by Jacob Hubbard.

I do love the representation of a neurodivergent person in a book. There are things that neurotypical people just don't understand or know what is going on. My daughter is a high functioning neurodivergent, and I do see quite a few of her reactions to things going on around her. This is a story of love and loss written in great detail.

(3.5/5) Sounds of Yesterday by Jacob
Hubbard is set to release November 19, 2024.
Thank you @netgalley and @celestialseasidepublishing for the ARC!
This book was very cute and endearing. I loved that there was neurotypical characters present in the book. Representation matters!
It was interesting to see the main characters perspective on life.
I overall enjoyed this story, it was a quick read, and kept me entertained. The ending was unexpected, but that's okay! This was a little out of my normal genres, but it was a pleasant surprise!

I think this is a perfect read for those who love Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. It's a fresh perspective of love and relationships through the eyes of a neurodivergent person. Relationships are always so different depending on life situation and person perspective. Most books about relationships follow the highs and all in my opinion very similar. This was a different take that was refreshing to read

An interesting read on the pov of a man with Autism and how he sees the world and relationships. As a teacher that teachers special education at the elementary level, it is interesting to see how some of my students may think as they become adults. I know it's just one perspective but it is eye opening of what kind of thoughts they may experience as an adult that goes through relationships and heartache. I enjoyed the book overall. The different time frames and stream of consciousness gave the book a unique feel.

Jacob Hubbard’s Sounds of Yesterday feels like crashing a deeply personal diary party. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s as if Hubbard has ripped a chapter straight out of his life and slapped it down on print. This brutal honesty is both captivating, heartbreaking and inspiring.

If you're curious about what it's like to walk a mile in someone else’s brain, Rob’s neurodivergent perspective is an eye-opening detour. It’s like getting a backstage pass to a mind that works differently, and it’s surprisingly heartwarming. Sure, it’s challenging at times, it's frustrating at times, but it also makes you appreciate the little things in life (and maybe question a few of your own assumptions).

What truly shines, though, is the portrayal of Rob's support system. His mom, grandpa, and friends are the unsung heroes of the story, their unwavering belief in him a constant source of warmth and resilience. It's a beautiful reminder of the power of human connection in navigating life's storms.

This book was very cute and lovely to read. I loved that there was neurotypical characters present in the book. It was a comfy read
It was interesting to see the main characters perspective on life.

I thought the premise was endearing and I thought the characters were going to be interesting. Unfortunately, I had a difficult time making a connection and the believability was lacking. This is probably a “me” problem as I’m sure there will be many folks who will enjoy this read!