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melbsreads's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
Content warnings: misogyny, bullying, ableism, alcohol, vomit
I read this cover-to-cover in the space of three English lessons and had a fabulous time. I borrowed this in December and then promptly put off reading it for the better part of six months for literally no reason. So I was kind of surprised when this turned out to be an absolute page turner.
Anyway, I really liked the characters and the competition between them, although I DID find it a little suss that they're taking up a table in a cafe for 3+ hours without buying anything more than a single coffee each and also they've got the game music blasting out of their laptop speakers the entire time???
Ultimately, I *do* wish this had been a split narration, and I do wish the romance aspect of the story had been more prevalent than it is. But on the whole? Delightful.
I read this cover-to-cover in the space of three English lessons and had a fabulous time. I borrowed this in December and then promptly put off reading it for the better part of six months for literally no reason. So I was kind of surprised when this turned out to be an absolute page turner.
Anyway, I really liked the characters and the competition between them, although I DID find it a little suss that they're taking up a table in a cafe for 3+ hours without buying anything more than a single coffee each and also they've got the game music blasting out of their laptop speakers the entire time???
Ultimately, I *do* wish this had been a split narration, and I do wish the romance aspect of the story had been more prevalent than it is. But on the whole? Delightful.
gillyreads's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I found the pacing a little off at the beginning but overall found this very enjoyable.
kt01's review
2.75
L *
Almost DNF’d it after first 50 pages due to character voice and lack of relatability to Australian-Asian (which ended up being interesting to read about) or gaming content. Took a break, read something else, then continued and glad I persevered. Second half of the book is better than the first.
I related to the sibling content and trying to get yourself out there in the creative world and realising you might not stand out. It was also an interesting (and I feel accurate) portrayal of cultural/family expectation.
A good novel I think of you need to try to rediscover your passion for a creative project after disappointment - it doesn’t always go the way you want but that doesn’t mean you have to give it up completely.
Main character/voice was a little …not enjoyable ?… The writing style felt very formal at times and there was a lot that was over explained - from what was happening in the character’s life to the games that were being played/designed - but all in all a good debut.
Would be perfect for a young Australian-Asian gamer.
Almost DNF’d it after first 50 pages due to character voice and lack of relatability to Australian-Asian (which ended up being interesting to read about) or gaming content. Took a break, read something else, then continued and glad I persevered. Second half of the book is better than the first.
I related to the sibling content and trying to get yourself out there in the creative world and realising you might not stand out. It was also an interesting (and I feel accurate) portrayal of cultural/family expectation.
A good novel I think of you need to try to rediscover your passion for a creative project after disappointment - it doesn’t always go the way you want but that doesn’t mean you have to give it up completely.
Main character/voice was a little …not enjoyable ?… The writing style felt very formal at times and there was a lot that was over explained - from what was happening in the character’s life to the games that were being played/designed - but all in all a good debut.
Would be perfect for a young Australian-Asian gamer.
mollyoneillwrites's review
5.0
Been a while since I stayed up late to finish a book and this was definitely worth it!
Two Can Play That Game by @shewhowritesthings is a fantastic YA romcom that traces the competition between two young Malay-Australians as they duel to win a ticket to a games workshop.
I loved the writing style and found the first half of the book really fun and enjoyable but the second half really knocked me out. Leanne’s plot took risks in not going for the obvious story and it really paid off, leaving me much more emotionally invested in Sam’s story.
I highly recommend this book and suspect it’s the perfect slump-breaker!
Two Can Play That Game by @shewhowritesthings is a fantastic YA romcom that traces the competition between two young Malay-Australians as they duel to win a ticket to a games workshop.
I loved the writing style and found the first half of the book really fun and enjoyable but the second half really knocked me out. Leanne’s plot took risks in not going for the obvious story and it really paid off, leaving me much more emotionally invested in Sam’s story.
I highly recommend this book and suspect it’s the perfect slump-breaker!
lienata's review
5.0
I have so much love for this book. So many elements resonated with me. From the diaspora one feels about being the child of a immigrant, the disconnect to your culture, the strong desire to not disappoint your family, weighing opportunities with goals and dreams. Couple that with games and a snarky love interest and I was sold!
Sam's desire to make her dream come true emotionally compelled me, but also the fact that not all dreams come true in the way you envision them. Jay was also a great addition and example of someone who learned to take a step back from trying to take charge.
There wasn't too much romance in this book. Usually that would be a downfall for me, considering I'm super into romance, but I didn't mind it since the spotlight was more "coming of age" and I loved all the messages.
The family aspect and supporting parents and siblings made my heart warm and fuzzy. It was realistic too. There were fights, arguments, different views. But at the end of the day they support and are there for one another ❤️ Definitely recommend giving this book a read if you're into games or want to read about Australian-Chinese families.
Sam's desire to make her dream come true emotionally compelled me, but also the fact that not all dreams come true in the way you envision them. Jay was also a great addition and example of someone who learned to take a step back from trying to take charge.
There wasn't too much romance in this book. Usually that would be a downfall for me, considering I'm super into romance, but I didn't mind it since the spotlight was more "coming of age" and I loved all the messages.
The family aspect and supporting parents and siblings made my heart warm and fuzzy. It was realistic too. There were fights, arguments, different views. But at the end of the day they support and are there for one another ❤️ Definitely recommend giving this book a read if you're into games or want to read about Australian-Chinese families.
cheekyramen's review against another edition
2.0
I really struggled to connect with this story and its characters. The writing style felt formal and over-explanatory which was at odds with the young cast and the awkwardness of where they are at in their lives.
Absolutely loved the concept of this book but its delivery missed the mark and I never fully relaxed into the story. At times it got repetitive, even boring and unfortunately I didn't buy the connection between Sam and Jay.
Set in Brisbane with references to Sydney, the familiar locations were strange to read about but kinda cool and I appreciated the backstory of migrated families and how they adjust to life in Australia.
Absolutely loved the concept of this book but its delivery missed the mark and I never fully relaxed into the story. At times it got repetitive, even boring and unfortunately I didn't buy the connection between Sam and Jay.
Set in Brisbane with references to Sydney, the familiar locations were strange to read about but kinda cool and I appreciated the backstory of migrated families and how they adjust to life in Australia.
rdengerous's review
4.0
While YA fiction is low on my list of genres to read, this book surprised me.
As the eldest child of 1st generation immigrant parents, the Asian Australian growing up experience resonated deeply with me, bringing up scenes, stories, and events not so dissimilar to my own.
Helped by my understanding of Cantonese and the cultural themes, I felt proud to see it on the page.
The main character is very mature in this sense and quite attuned to her perceived role in her family and seeing the internal battle and struggles was comforting and interesting.
I enjoyed the use of text screenshots.
While I may attribute this to adjusting to YA fiction again, the first third of the book was slower-paced and difficult to get through, with cringe-worthy banter between the characters. But the final third picked up and was paced a lot better.
Overall, a great debut novel. I am proud to see Asian Australian representation in this space!
As the eldest child of 1st generation immigrant parents, the Asian Australian growing up experience resonated deeply with me, bringing up scenes, stories, and events not so dissimilar to my own.
Helped by my understanding of Cantonese and the cultural themes, I felt proud to see it on the page.
The main character is very mature in this sense and quite attuned to her perceived role in her family and seeing the internal battle and struggles was comforting and interesting.
I enjoyed the use of text screenshots.
While I may attribute this to adjusting to YA fiction again, the first third of the book was slower-paced and difficult to get through, with cringe-worthy banter between the characters. But the final third picked up and was paced a lot better.
Overall, a great debut novel. I am proud to see Asian Australian representation in this space!
thestarsandthesky_5's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
sashimi_16's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0