A Journey of Healing and Discovery: A Review of All the Tomorrows After by Joanne Yi
It’s not every day that a debut novel brings me to tears, yet Joanne Yi’s All the Tomorrows After managed to do just that. When I stumbled upon this book, the themes of travel and familial love spoke to my own dreams of adventure, as well as the bittersweet realities of relationships. Who can resist a tale that intertwines the aspirations of a young heart with the complexities of family? I was instantly drawn in, and I’m so excited to share my thoughts with you!
At the center of this poignant story is Winter Moon, a character whose journey resonated deeply with me. Winter is fiercely determined to travel the world with her beloved halmoni, yet her dreams are upended when her mother steals her hard-earned savings. This betrayal forces her to connect with her estranged father, and thus begins a tumultuous journey marked by grief, anger, and ultimately, forgiveness. The quotes from Lao Tzu—“Do the difficult things while they are easy”—echoed throughout Winter’s evolving understanding of life and love, reminding us that every step, no matter how small, matters.
Winter’s struggles felt so familiar. Like her, I often dream about escaping the mundanity of life through travel, secretly hoping it will help me run away from my own burdens. Yi’s portrayal of Winter’s heartache around her grandmother’s health made my own experiences with my family’s struggles hit home in a way I didn’t expect. Her imperfect nature, her stubbornness, and her moments of vulnerability made Winter multi-dimensional and relatable. I found myself cheering for her, aching with her, and ultimately, celebrating her growth.
And then there’s Joon—the sweet, gentle boy who becomes a beacon of light in Winter’s journey. His kindness warms the narrative, adding layers of hope and possibility. Even as a side character, Joon’s presence enriches the story, emphasizing that love and connection can emerge in the most unexpected places. Sometimes, it’s the subtle characters that make the biggest impact!
Joanne Yi’s writing style flows with an effortless quality that draws you into Winter’s world. The pacing feels just right, allowing moments of introspection balanced with heart-pounding developments. The cultural nuances woven into the plot, especially regarding Korean traditions and food, added a refreshing depth that made me feel like I was learning along with Winter.
Overall, I don’t think I’ve encountered a debut quite like this. From the relatable characters to the layered themes of loss and redemption, All the Tomorrows After had me utterly captivated. I especially appreciated how Yi dealt with the weighty topics of death and grief with grace and sensitivity. The satisfying yet somewhat predictable conclusion felt like a warm embrace after a long journey—a perfect ending for Winter’s resilience.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary YA fiction that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life. If you’ve ever found solace in family bonds or dreamt of distant places while grappling with personal challenges, this book will resonate with you. It’s a beautiful exploration of healing, forgiveness, and the steps we take to reclaim our dreams.
As I closed the book, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and an urge to seize my own adventures. Thank you, Joanne Yi, for a heartwarming debut that I won’t soon forget!
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for providing an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. 📕