A review by tnanz
You by Austin Grossman

5.0

I mean five stars for sure, I thoroughly enjoyed it and think anyone with even a passing knowledge of Mariokart or Runescape would feel the same way. But at the same time, I'm not sure this book had an ending? And I definitely didn't find out as much about the characters as I wanted to (Darren in particular doesn't really make sense to me. I don't get him. Maybe that's a good thing though?), but I can live with that. The insight into gaming structure and development was shockingly accessible and fascinating. The Cambridge/Somerville/Alewife setting came through shockingly clearly. I think it's the characters that are still giving me pause, that make this book less than perfect. While they are fascinating and well rounded, they don't shift or move or grow at all during the narrative. Something about that constancy doesn't feel right.

But again, thoroughly enjoyed it, will be immediately sending copies to my brother and father, and will most likely read it again. Certainly makes me want to pick up more of Grossman's books, the prose itself was top notch (particularly impressive in this highly technical setting).