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big_bahookie's review against another edition
Started strong but really didn’t get anywhere… not enjoying the lead make pov either.
_jacket_oil_'s review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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? It's complicated
3.5
weezy's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the first half of this book, I loved the bond the characters created and shared, and could forgive poor communication skills on their age.
But Sam and Sadie never learnt. They continued on not communicating. I don't know. I wasn't satisfied with the ending, even though it was clearly an olive branch...
But Sam and Sadie never learnt. They continued on not communicating. I don't know. I wasn't satisfied with the ending, even though it was clearly an olive branch...
boastybooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
hyperxnova's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
everydayweekends's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
nophun's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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
5.0
This is a novel that follows two people from their childhoods into adulthood. It’s not a story that is driven by plot but rather by love. It’s not a romance, but it’s a love story at its core. It’s a story of two friends who find life in each other and in their mutual love of gaming. It explores the complexities of relationships, the difficulties of disabilities, and survival in the ever changing world around us. I have never felt more human than when I read this book. This novel truly captures the intricacies of what it means to be human in a way I have always felt but could never reconcile with words. I really cannot express enough how much this book means to me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Ableism, and Car accident
hollyko's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
4.0
_taylor_pierce's review against another edition
2.0
I went into this book not knowing anything about it; had I known it was about creating video games I would have never read it. I’ve never really been an “gamer” my extent of gaming knowledge is Mario Kart Wii. Which is why I think my ideal for this book is so slow.
The book does not really led a connection to the characters. I was not moved by Sadie or Marx. Throughout the whole book you want an evolution of Sadie and Sam’s friendship. You want them to grow into something more especially by the end. But that never happens.
The story is a constant misunderstanding and misinterpretation of events. Sadie sees everything Sam does as a slight against her and Sam is intimidated by Sadie not wanting to cross the bounds for the fear it’s unwelcome. It generally grated on my nerves reading it. Throughout the story we are supposed to believe they are the best of friends, only wanting to rely on each other when in reality the smallest arguments fracture their friendship entirely.
However, on a positive note there were aspect of this book I liked. I enjoyed Sam’s character writing, he was probably the only character I cared about throughout the book. I enjoyed his mom’s story as well, but this was just further background for me liking Sam’s character more.
I don’t know that I would ever recommend this book to someone to read. The purpose of it eludes me. I understand how Sam’s characters could allow someone a way to understand grief…a way to move past it but even that in the book is a small sub-plot. It’s definitely not a romance story since relationships were generally afterthoughts for all the characters. Even when there was supposed to be the formation of a serious relationship between Sadie and Marx it still couldn’t be taken too far because marriage is “antiquated”. Was the bias of this book really video game creation? How it formulates a person and takes on such a huge role in their life? I’m not sure. This book is not the worst one I have read this year but it is definitely not the best.
The book does not really led a connection to the characters. I was not moved by Sadie or Marx. Throughout the whole book you want an evolution of Sadie and Sam’s friendship. You want them to grow into something more especially by the end. But that never happens.
The story is a constant misunderstanding and misinterpretation of events. Sadie sees everything Sam does as a slight against her and Sam is intimidated by Sadie not wanting to cross the bounds for the fear it’s unwelcome. It generally grated on my nerves reading it. Throughout the story we are supposed to believe they are the best of friends, only wanting to rely on each other when in reality the smallest arguments fracture their friendship entirely.
However, on a positive note there were aspect of this book I liked. I enjoyed Sam’s character writing, he was probably the only character I cared about throughout the book. I enjoyed his mom’s story as well, but this was just further background for me liking Sam’s character more.
I don’t know that I would ever recommend this book to someone to read. The purpose of it eludes me. I understand how Sam’s characters could allow someone a way to understand grief…a way to move past it but even that in the book is a small sub-plot. It’s definitely not a romance story since relationships were generally afterthoughts for all the characters. Even when there was supposed to be the formation of a serious relationship between Sadie and Marx it still couldn’t be taken too far because marriage is “antiquated”. Was the bias of this book really video game creation? How it formulates a person and takes on such a huge role in their life? I’m not sure. This book is not the worst one I have read this year but it is definitely not the best.