A review by waterbear0821
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

challenging emotional 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

4.5

This book is almost perfect. It’s “unputdownable” and it’s also really good. The major flaw, I think, is that the characters’ flaws did not feel like they were reflective of humanity, they felt like plot devices. It was just almost, but not quite, real. Since we’re talking about video games, it was maybe a bit uncanny valley, but with my heart instead of my brain. But I LOVE a platonic love story, and this book was full of platonic, and familial, love. I will read it again. I will buy a physical copy so I can write notes all in the margins. 
Pros:
-just good storytelling. I like the narrative structure of jumping across time, the omniscient narration is used to great effect 
-the device of video games is also very clever. It allows for layered storytelling. It allows for nostalgic pop culture references
-there are beautiful brushes with human nature. Lots of extremely quotable bits. I cried a lot
Cons:
-sometimes it dips past richness and into cliche. It’s over-dramatic in an unnecessary way at times. The writing sometimes seems a bit too self-aware and it takes me out of the story
-a lot of CW content. More than was needed for the story in my opinion
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