Sounds of Yesterday

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Pub Date Nov 19 2024 | Archive Date Nov 24 2024

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Description

“. . . When I take the time to listen to the sounds of yesterday, they make me remember the promises of tomorrow . . .” 

For five years, Rob and Ana have been inseparable. They both have overcome career challenges, achieved emotional stability, and survived a global pandemic. Their future seems bright. 

That is, until Ana abruptly ends their relationship. Rob's routine-driven world is shattered, reopening traumas and insecurities he thought were long put to rest. As he obsesses over what might have gone wrong and struggles for healing and self-acceptance, his memories put him on an imagined stage where he teeters between the habit of meeting outside expectations, and the pain of ripping masks away to reveal his true self.

Sounds of Yesterday dives into the complex interplay between love and loss on the autism spectrum, unpacking the diverse ways empathy and emotional agency interconnect inside a neurodivergent world.


“. . . When I take the time to listen to the sounds of yesterday, they make me remember the promises of tomorrow . . .” 

For five years, Rob and Ana have been inseparable. They both have overcome...


A Note From the Publisher

UPDATE 11/06/2024:
On November 24, 2024, "Sounds of Yesterday" will be archived on NetGalley to get it ready for it's official release date. If you are a current ARC reader, reviews will be expected to be posted by then. If you want to post a review but it is past its archive date, you will be doing the author a HUGE favor by posting your review on Goodreads and/or other review websites. Thank you so much! :)

-Jacob Hubbard

What to expect from "Sounds of Yesterday"
This book is a work of literary fiction that some readers may describe as a "doomed romance" but is more of a story about loss and grief. As a result, it does not attempt to follow the tropes of the romance genre in a traditional way. Instead, this novel is a slow-paced, reflective character-driven exploration of love, loss, trauma, and mental health struggles from the point of view of a neurodivergent narrator, making use of a non-linear narrative to depict this perspective. As a result, the writing style and approach of this book will be reflective of this point of view and you should not expect this book to follow neurotypical standards/norms when it comes to storytelling. Every writing choice made has been chosen to represent one specific neurodivergent voice and to prioritize the emotions and feelings of this lived experience.

To depict this point of view, the book makes use of a combination of minimalist, contemporary realism, and stream-of-conscious style of writing.

This book dives into the following topics, some of which can be sensitive and may be triggering for some readers:
Neurodiversity
Internalized ableism
Mental health struggles
Anxiety
Depression
Childhood trauma
Insecurity

If you are expecting a traditional romance with a clear cut character ARC or happy ending, this book may not be for you.

The best way to describe the genre for "Sounds of Yesterday" are the following:

Literary Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Semi-Autobiographical
Psychological Drama
Realist fiction
Semi-Magical Realist

To learn more information (and to provide answers to commonly asked questions about "Sounds of Yesterday), go here on the author's website:
https://www.jacobhubbardauthor.com/my-fiction

Update (Sept. 23, 2024): This is an advanced review copy (ARC) of Jacob Hubbard's debut novel "Sounds of Yesterday." As of Sept. 10, 2024, the proofreading for this novel is complete and thus will be the version that will be made available to the public on November 19, 2024. Everything in this book is what the author intended.

Please consider leaving a thoughtful review on Amazon, Goodreads, Instagram, YouTube, StoryGraph, and/or any other place where books are regularly discussed. This will help with promoting this book. Your help is greatly appreciated. Our goal with this book is to amplify neurodivergent voices!

You may enjoy "Sounds of Yesterday" if you enjoy books similar to the following:
"Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman
"Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin
"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon
"Memorial" by Bryan Washington

Song Playlist for "Sounds of Yesterday"
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6lq5gvLmAGMjS6xKVLRB3W?si=e33721b67bf644d7

UPDATE 11/06/2024:
On November 24, 2024, "Sounds of Yesterday" will be archived on NetGalley to get it ready for it's official release date. If you are a current ARC reader, reviews will be...


Advance Praise

Author Geneva Oleander on Sounds of Yesterday:

"Sounds of Yesterday is a romance. It isn't a happily ever after, but it is a romance. It's a romance between two people that I felt a lot of kinship with: loving someone while dealing with childhood trauma, depression, and anxiety is hard. Trying to play by the rules of a neurotypical world while living in a neurodivergent mind is even harder, and that resonates with readers (at least it resonated with me). It's real romance--messy and beautiful...and not forever. How many great romances don't last our entire lives? Most of them, if we're honest with ourselves. 

Sounds of Yesterday is also a look at romance through the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a time that made or broke couples. You'll have to read the book to see the effects on Rob and Ana, but I can say that I felt so much raw emotion and connection to Rob as he watched the world shut down. The takeaway for me is that nothing was ever the same again after the collective trauma of COVID-19. And that's honestly just a part of the novel, but it really hit home for me. I loved it. I loved Rob, and I ached for Rob. I loved Ana, and I ached for Ana. I think you will too."

Author Geneva Oleander on Sounds of Yesterday:

"Sounds of Yesterday is a romance. It isn't a happily ever after, but it is a romance. It's a romance between two people that I felt a lot of kinship...


Marketing Plan

Novel Title: Sounds of Yesterday
Author: Jacob Hubbard
Genre: Literary Fiction, General Fiction, OwnVoices
Publication Date: November 19, 2024 
Publisher: Celestial Seaside Publishing 

Online Presence: 

  • Launched website www.jacobhubbardauthor.com to help promote the book
  • Engage daily on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and Threads
  • Set up pre-order for book through Amazon, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark
  • Created Goodreads listing 

Paid Advertising: 

  • Arranged for ads in the following publications: Poets & Writers;  Writer's Digest
  • Sponsored social media advertisements 

Reviews & Endorsements:

  • Distributing ARC copies to reviews through NetGalley and other ARC websites for reviews and endorsements from readers 


Media Outreach:

  • Vendor at the Once Upon a Book Fair in San Marcos, CA (October 2024)
  • Vendor at the North Park Book Fair in San Diego, CA (October 2024)
  • Scheduling interview on the podcast “Neurodivergent Scribbles”
  • Vendor at the Mesa Book Festival in Mesa, AZ (December 2024)
  • Vendor at the Tucson Festival of Books in Tucson, AZ (March 2025) 

Book Launch:

  • A Book Launch Event: An Exploration of Neurodiversity
    San Diego State University, Leon Williams Room (4th Floor) -
    Love Library Room 430; 7:00 pm on Nov. 19, 2024

Contact Information:

  • Jacob Hubbard, jhubbardauthor@gmail.com (858-344-7998)

Novel Title: Sounds of Yesterday
Author: Jacob Hubbard
Genre: Literary Fiction, General Fiction, OwnVoices
Publication Date: November 19, 2024 
Publisher: Celestial Seaside Publishing 

Online Presence: 

  • ...

Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9798990847903
PRICE $17.99 (USD)
PAGES 416

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)
Download (EPUB)

Average rating from 26 members


Featured Reviews

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!

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This book is a bit unique, and therefore may be difficult for the reader to get into without some background. Sounds of Yesterday is not a typical Romance - in a couple of ways.
First of all, and most important, the main character is a neurodivergent young man, who also serves as narrator. In this light, this is a brilliant insight into the neurodivergent mind - how they perceive and process their world. By reading this book, I feel I have better insight and understanding of this population. Even knowing this going in, I was sometimes distracted by what comes across as choppy writing. Stick with it; you'll get used to it the more you become invested in the story. In fact, I came to see that the writing style was very well done. The author himself explains that his purpose is to "amplify neurodivergent voices". For this, I am grateful. Isn't this why we read? To expand our horizons, and to understand other lives beyond ourselves?
Secondly, this is not the formulaic love story we usually read. It is the aftermath of a breakup. The author helps us to deeply feel the loss and the grief our main character is feeling as he is trying to process the breakup as best he can.
One heartwarming message that stood out to me was the community and support system surrounding the main character, and how he benefits from this. This is something we all desire - to have "our people" to lift us up.
I would be remiss if I did not mention how much I enjoyed the many musical references the author adds - songs which brought our main character calm and comfort. The author even includes a Playlist for us at the end. (Thanks for that!)
Kudos to author Jacob Hubbard for this important read. I am grateful to NetGalley for the advance read.

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I am quite conflicted by this book and very happy that it exists. While I enjoyed the way the story was told, the plot was monotonous and I kept waiting for some dramatic climax that never happened. But by the end of it I realised that what the book captured so well is, well, life. There's not always some big dramatic reveal and plot twist (like Ana being an international super-spy, as I initially thought), catharsis and closure isn't always accompanied by fireworks and absolute life-changing epiphanies, and there is no such thing as the right time or the wrong time.
I struggled with the non-linear structure of the book at first, but then easily fell into subsequent chapters with harp sounds ringing in my ears. I enjoyed the way Rob envisioned his internal struggle - it made me think of, was it a Shakespeare quote? "The world is a stage and I am but an actor in it." (Do fact check me!) - and it gave me greater insight into how different everyone's internal dialogue must be! I was definitely challenged by some characters and their behaviours and views, but I identified with Ana quite strongly, and I think there is a lot to learn about people in this book.
It was an interesting read, to say the least, and I hope we get to see what more Jacob Hubbard has to offer.
Thank you very much to Jacob Hubbard and Celestial Seaside Publishing for this ARC for my honest review!

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