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katkatekate's review against another edition
4.5
Initially thought this would be overrated but surpassed expectations. Great read. Little dip about 3/4 of the way through this that held my attention a bit less hence dropping some points.
jackwy's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
trmtrm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
papanda_'s review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
calebmatthews's review against another edition
5.0
I devoured this book. What a good read and so unique. The characters are great and impactful. All of the video game metaphors for life were beautiful. Excellent writing.
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow
OUCH Once you have a child, you’ll never be able to care that much for a friend again
No, you’re never dying. And if you did, I would just start the game over again.
I’m not jealous of you because I see you as an extension of myself.
MADE ME LAUGH MORE THAN IT SHOULD HAVE - You hear carolers singing. You determine they are singing that Joni Mitchell song that makes everyone want to kill themselves.
Art doesn’t typically get made by happy people.
If her child called, it’s bedtime seven nights in a row before the parent then she would receive a prize
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow
OUCH Once you have a child, you’ll never be able to care that much for a friend again
No, you’re never dying. And if you did, I would just start the game over again.
I’m not jealous of you because I see you as an extension of myself.
MADE ME LAUGH MORE THAN IT SHOULD HAVE - You hear carolers singing. You determine they are singing that Joni Mitchell song that makes everyone want to kill themselves.
Art doesn’t typically get made by happy people.
If her child called, it’s bedtime seven nights in a row before the parent then she would receive a prize
hannahgandara's review against another edition
2.0
I feel bamboozled.
After reading many reviews like “I would die for these characters” “I would sell my soul to read this book for the first time”…..why?
This book was painfully boring. I have a great appreciation for video games. I’ve played them my whole life. All sorts of games. And my kids have played games since they could talk.
But this book, I feel like you will need to really really really care for video games. I know that’s not the whole entire point of the book. But it’s embedded into every single part.
The character development is almost nonexistent.
Sam and Sadie truly don’t “grow” until nearly the very end.
Also the author abuses rhetorical questions. They are in every part of this book. So much so they become annoying.
Also, this book is not linear. Which usually does not bother me. But in some parts the time frame jumps from sentence to sentence and it never really allows me to become lost in the story.
My main issue with this story is it’s about people who have every sad and depressing thing that could happen to them, happen to them. And they typically resolve that issue rather quickly. Especially in the first half of the book.
The true climax does not occur until the last 3/4ths. And that in itself only last about 20 pages. The last 80 are okay in some places and up for debate in others.
The characters seem fully aware of all their miseries. And never seem happy. Even with their success.
All in all, I’m giving it two stars because the author writes in a way I can really appreciate from a literary standpoint.
Story wise, I’m not so sure. It took me forever to finish a book that wasn’t even 400 pages.
After reading many reviews like “I would die for these characters” “I would sell my soul to read this book for the first time”…..why?
This book was painfully boring. I have a great appreciation for video games. I’ve played them my whole life. All sorts of games. And my kids have played games since they could talk.
But this book, I feel like you will need to really really really care for video games. I know that’s not the whole entire point of the book. But it’s embedded into every single part.
The character development is almost nonexistent.
Sam and Sadie truly don’t “grow” until nearly the very end.
Also the author abuses rhetorical questions. They are in every part of this book. So much so they become annoying.
Also, this book is not linear. Which usually does not bother me. But in some parts the time frame jumps from sentence to sentence and it never really allows me to become lost in the story.
My main issue with this story is it’s about people who have every sad and depressing thing that could happen to them, happen to them. And they typically resolve that issue rather quickly. Especially in the first half of the book.
The true climax does not occur until the last 3/4ths. And that in itself only last about 20 pages. The last 80 are okay in some places and up for debate in others.
The characters seem fully aware of all their miseries. And never seem happy. Even with their success.
All in all, I’m giving it two stars because the author writes in a way I can really appreciate from a literary standpoint.
Story wise, I’m not so sure. It took me forever to finish a book that wasn’t even 400 pages.
emily_mcclanathan's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sunriseblend's review against another edition
3.0
I received a copy of this book through the Knopf Books giveaway.
It's a solid read - not a book that'll change your life but it's entertaining and engaging to follow the characters from their childhood into adulthood. I think Zevin did a great job in portraying friendships where resentments can come up and fester. Friendships aren't always a smooth ride and it has its own ups and downs. I think too so often we can confuse our platonic love for someone for romantic love and this book dives a little into that conundrum.
It's a solid read - not a book that'll change your life but it's entertaining and engaging to follow the characters from their childhood into adulthood. I think Zevin did a great job in portraying friendships where resentments can come up and fester. Friendships aren't always a smooth ride and it has its own ups and downs. I think too so often we can confuse our platonic love for someone for romantic love and this book dives a little into that conundrum.
bethanyeveleth's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so captivating and wonderfully surprising, devastating, and soft. A must-read. One that will stick with me.