K. A. Reynolds

A tender and fantastical adventure story perfect for fans of Coraline. After Cecelia Dahl’s little brother, Celadon, dies tragically, his soul goes where all souls go: the Land of Yesterday—and Cecelia is left behind in a fractured world without him. Her beloved house’s spirit is crumbling beyond repair, her father is imprisoned by sorrow, and worst of all, her grief-stricken mother abandons the land of the living to follow Celadon into Yesterday. It’s up to Cecelia to put her family back together, even if that means venturing into the dark and forbidden Land of Yesterday on her own. But as Cecilia braves a hot-air balloon commanded by two gnomes, a sea of daisies, and the Planet of Nightmares, it’s clear that even if she finds her family, she might not be able to save them. And if she’s not careful, she might just become a lost soul herself, trapped forever in Yesterday.

The Land of Yesterday

Nessa Luna

This book was a bit like Alice in Wonderland and Coraline mashed together. And unfortunately, I didn't love it. I listened to this through audio and while I liked the narrator and the different voices she did, I may (or may not) have liked it a bit more had I read it with my eyes. Still, it's a nice story that deals with loss and grief and I do recommend people check it out (especially if you like whimsical books).

Nickie Mohler

This was ok. I thought it was longer than it needed to be.

Trigger warnings: (view spoiler)[death of brother, death of mother (implied), grief and loss depiction (hide spoiler)]

This book was so unique. It is hard to say it wasn't something special, even when this wasn't my personal style of story. 

The Land of Yesterday Cecelia Dahl after her little brother has died and her mother has left in search for him. Her mother has gone to the Land of Yesterday - a place where souls go after life. And Cecelia is going after her. 

While this is definitely fantasy, the magic is one that is otherworldly. Rather than casting spells, it is just there - something that is a part of people and things and worlds. From the Cecelia's houses' spirit to her magical pen, the entire story is worlds away. 

The whimsical writing weaves the story together, telling a fun and adventurous, but still meaningful tale, of loss and grief.

The audiobook itself embodies everything the story does. Be aware, particularly for any older readers, that this does mean that it comes across with a much younger style of storytelling. But all in all, they have done the story justice.

 Bruna Acioly Leão

It was fun and interesting at first, and the world building is definitely very unique, but along the way the writing became overly complicated and flowery and I felt like there were too many gimmicks in this universe.

There are references to other works of literature, like The Little Prince (which felt a little too on the nose, but okay) and there were some sweet messages being discussed, especially about grief and loss and family relationships, and while I did really enjoy a lot of it, I just couldn't help but feel a little bored with the circular nature of the plot and the lack of connection with the minor characters.

I still would recommend it to people who enjoy reading middle grade fantasy and whimsical stories.

 We carry those we love in our hearts always, no matter where or how far we go.

The Land of Yesterday

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