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A review by katonthejellicoe
For the win by Catherine Dellosa
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I've read the first fifty pages in three days (I think I was nursing a reading slump when I started this one) and finished the rest of the book in a few hours - which goes to show that you can definitely read this in one-sitting.
To simplify, this is a heartwarming, game-inspired coming-of-age story about two best friends, Nat and Lena, as they navigate complicated situations in both their friendship and personal lives.
If there's one lesson that I've learned while reading this book, it is to never assume the concept of the story by its blurb! I was hesitant to read this because I thought it was a young adult romance between gamers, and though there's nothing wrong with it, I've long accepted that it's a genre that I've already outgrown. Hence, when I reached its conclusion (and read the author's note), it warmed my heart in so many ways. True, it has romantic elements, but surprisingly, it wasn't a love story after all.
What I loved most about this book was the refreshing take on young love, specifically Nat's experiences that could resonate to many young adult readers. I also admired how the author wrote each character with thoughtfulness and complexity (i.e. how Lena can be both goal-driven and opportunistic; or how Nat might be the greenest of the flags but can be irrational and self-centered). The writing—and the plot, by extension—was simple, yet it was impactful; and it carries life lessons that can serve as reminders for us all, whether we're young or young-at-heart.
I highly recommend this for readers who like quick, light yet heart-tugging YA story! Or if you like NPC games, too. :)
To simplify, this is a heartwarming, game-inspired coming-of-age story about two best friends, Nat and Lena, as they navigate complicated situations in both their friendship and personal lives.
If there's one lesson that I've learned while reading this book, it is to never assume the concept of the story by its blurb! I was hesitant to read this because I thought it was a young adult romance between gamers, and though there's nothing wrong with it, I've long accepted that it's a genre that I've already outgrown. Hence, when I reached its conclusion (and read the author's note), it warmed my heart in so many ways. True, it has romantic elements, but surprisingly, it wasn't a love story after all.
What I loved most about this book was the refreshing take on young love, specifically Nat's experiences that could resonate to many young adult readers. I also admired how the author wrote each character with thoughtfulness and complexity (i.e. how Lena can be both goal-driven and opportunistic; or how Nat might be the greenest of the flags but can be irrational and self-centered). The writing—and the plot, by extension—was simple, yet it was impactful; and it carries life lessons that can serve as reminders for us all, whether we're young or young-at-heart.
I highly recommend this for readers who like quick, light yet heart-tugging YA story! Or if you like NPC games, too. :)