Gaming. Hm. My children grew up with Nintendo. I watched it become a very addictive pass-time. Honestly, I have never played a game. My kids are all grown with kids of their own. But the boys who are now men still play. In fact, both sons have friends who live in Australia that they met through gaming. It’s a great way to meet people. My grandchildren play games. My son-in law worked for Epic Games, the company who made Fortnite …So I am familiar with games. But I have never given them much thought, until now.
The novel opens with Sadie aged eleven meeting Sam, a few years older, in a game room in a hospital in L.A. She was there because her sister was in treatment for cancer. Sam was there after a tragic car accident that had killed his mother. He had not spoken a word since the accident. His left foot had been mangled and was now held together with a bunch of steel rods. His pain was unbelievable. Sam and Sadie began a friendship that was for life.
Sam and Sadie went through some tough times but they never stopped caring about each other. They were brilliant together. They were video game designers and opened a business that soared to the top. But many things over the years caused friction.
This wonderful novel is about much more than gaming. The relationship that evolves is complex and yet quite simple. It’s about love and friendship against all odds.
My review copy was provided through NetGalley via Knopf in exchange for an honest review. I loved it!
Gabrielle Zevin is the author of THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY and YOUNG JANE YOUNG. I loved them both. Now she’s brought us this amazing compelling novel of work, love and relationships. It is both heartbreaking and wonderful.
Maurice on Books 
The gaming aspect doesn’t appeal to me but so many have loved this book.
That’s how I felt until I read it.