The uniqueness of this plot made me want to pick this one up instantly. There are a lot of heavy themes within this one- content warnings for discussions of death and suicide. Yu does a nice job of making the topics of death and grief and their impact very accessible. If it weren’t for the depth of the topics, I would almost say this reads a little younger. The characters are interesting and I liked the connections that were made both in and out of the white room. The depictions of Kenny’s family restaurant were my favorite scenes. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so I’ll just say that I’m not entirely on board with how things wrapped up for this one. I get where the author was coming from in how she had some characters react to certain situations, but I’m not sure if I totally agreed with some of it morally. That though is definitely something that could be subjective, based on the opinions of the reader. I was also able to figure out one of the bigger twists early on (which was a good one but I wish I hadn’t seen it coming) and another which I had not and was interestingly revealed. If you’re into speculative fiction and want an introspective look into grief, give this one a try.

An incredibly fun and powerful work by one of my favorite writers. More people should be reading Jennifer Yu! I love how this is out-there and weird, but also grounded in very useful themes like family and friendship. Love the integration of electromagnetic interference. I am absolutely pre-ordering and teaching this in my YA course at Northeastern University. Highly recommend.

This book deals with death, grief and the impact these can have on others - directly and indirectly - and it deals with these SO WELL. It’s such an emotional read, it can be heartwarming one minute and then heartbreaking the next. The dynamics of the characters and the character progression was *chefs kiss*

The writing is so beautiful it had me staring off into space at times, I read this book in 24 hours as I just couldn’t put it down. I’d recommend this wholeheartedly but do check your trigger warnings beforehand especially if things like death do affect you

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jennifer Yu's "Grief in the Fourth Dimension" offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on young adult speculative fiction, weaving a poignant narrative about the afterlife, grief, and the enduring connections that transcend life and death. The novel's unique premise sets the stage for an exploration of loss and healing through the intertwined stories of Caroline Davison and Kenny Zhou, two high school classmates who, in life, were worlds apart but in death, find themselves sharing a surreal, timeless space.

Yu's portrayal of the afterlife is imaginative and emotionally resonant. The mysterious white room, which allows Caroline and Kenny to view their loved ones’ lives and influence events on Earth, serves as a powerful metaphor for the lingering presence of those we've lost. The novel brilliantly captures the complexity of grief and the process of coming to terms with one’s own death. It's rare to find a YA novel that handles such weighty themes with such grace and sensitivity.

The characters of Caroline and Kenny are richly developed, each bringing their unique backgrounds and struggles to the story. Caroline, with her passion for softball and a life marked by family dinners, contrasts sharply with Kenny, whose world was filled with NASA photo books and late-night shifts at his parents’ Chinese restaurant. Their evolving relationship in the afterlife, marked by mutual understanding and support, adds depth to the narrative.

However, the novel's speculative elements, while innovative, may not appeal to all readers. The concept of influencing the living world from the afterlife, through radio signals and psychic mediums, requires a suspension of disbelief that might not resonate with those looking for more grounded storytelling. Additionally, the pace of the novel is reflective and introspective, focusing more on character development and emotional journeys than on fast-paced plot twists.

Content warnings for themes of death and grief are appropriate, and the book will appeal most to readers who enjoy speculative fiction with a strong emotional core.

In conclusion, "Grief in the Fourth Dimension" by Jennifer Yu is a moving and beautifully crafted novel that offers a unique perspective on life, death, and the indelible impact we leave on those we love. It's a significant contribution to YA literature, particularly for those seeking a deep, reflective reading experience that explores the complexities of grief and healing.

I was just wondering where all the sci-fi YA was - and this book appeared on my radar!

It’s quirky and humorous, but also brutal and honest. The characters have dynamic and realistic personalities, and the writing is fantastic. This YA book deals with intense themes in an appropriate and approachable way, something that not all authors are able to do.

I loved the twists in the story, and they ALL took me by surprise and kept me on my toes!

Jennifer Yu wrote a fantastic story about the power of forgiveness and kindness in the face of incredible grief. Highly recommended!

Thank you to Net Galley and Abrams Books for the ARC!