about the book
A Journey Through Time and Identity
New Yesterdays is a story that takes readers on an extraordinary journey through history, blending elements of time travel, historical fact, and the deeply personal struggle of finding one’s true place in the world. Set against the rich backdrop of early 19th-century America, this novel explores the lives of the Cherokee and Seminole people during a pivotal moment in their history, just before the Great Removal and the infamous Trail of Tears.
The story follows Jim, a young boy from modern-day America, who accidentally stumbles through a mysterious portal and finds himself transported back more than a hundred years. Thrust into a world on the brink of great change, Jim must navigate a society that is both unfamiliar and deeply fascinating. As he forms bonds with the Cherokee people, particularly a group of children his age, Jim begins to feel a sense of belonging he never expected. But as he becomes more connected to his new life, he is faced with a profound challenge—one that will not only test his loyalty but could change the course of history forever.
A Tale of Adventure, Friendship, and Cultural Preservation
At its core, New Yesterdays is an adventure, but it’s also a story of friendship and cultural preservation. Jim’s journey with the Cherokee and Seminole tribes not only highlights the struggles these Native American nations faced but also showcases their resilience, intelligence, and the depth of their cultural traditions. Throughout the novel, real historical figures like Chief John Ross and President John Quincy Adams are woven into the narrative, giving readers a vivid sense of the political tensions and broken promises of the time.
As Jim introduces the Cherokee and Seminole to future knowledge and technology, the story presents a “what if” scenario, imagining how history might have unfolded differently. Through these changes, New Yesterdays reimagines the sovereignty and strength of the Native American nations, offering a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on the impact of colonization and the importance of self-determination.
Themes That Resonate
Jim’s internal journey of identity and belonging mirrors the external conflicts of the world he finds himself in. Torn between the modern world he knows and the new community he has come to love, Jim must make a difficult choice: Does he return to the life he’s always known, or does he embrace his new identity and future with the Cherokee?
The themes of belonging, loyalty, resistance, and cultural preservation resonate throughout the book, making New Yesterdays not just an adventure but also a reflection on how we define who we are. For readers who enjoy historical fiction with a twist of fantasy, this novel offers both an educational and emotionally rich reading experience.
A Story Rooted in History and Heart
While New Yesterdays explores historical events, the heart of the book lies in its characters—the friendships Jim forms, the love he develops for the Cherokee people, and his deep sense of responsibility to their future. It’s not just a story of history altered by time travel; it’s a tale of how one person can make a difference, how knowledge can be a tool for both change and preservation, and how love for a community can reshape one’s sense of self.
Rich in detail, culturally sensitive, and emotionally compelling, New Yesterdays invites readers to step back in time and explore a world that is both familiar and wonderfully new. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction, time-travel stories, or tales of personal growth and discovery, you’ll find something to love in Jim L. Wright’s New Yesterdays.
[Upcoming Titles]
Jim is hard at work on his next historical adventure. Stay tuned for more information and sneak peeks of his upcoming books, where you can expect more thrilling time travel, deep historical insights, and complex characters.
Whether you’re new to Jim’s writing or a devoted fan, these books are designed to entertain, inspire, and challenge readers to think beyond the present.
