A gorgeous and heartfelt story. Zevin's writing was very realistic and relatable for me as a person in tech and in Boston academia. It was a true treat to become part of this world for the duration of the book. The characters were well crafted. The videogames were described in vivid detail, making me feel like it's something I have played myself. I enjoyed the chapter that was told within one of the video games itself - it was a creative risk that paid off. This book will definitely stay with me for a while and I will be widely recommending it.

I really tried to like this book, but I could not bring myself to enjoy it.

When I read the summary, I was really excited to read it. However, once I began, I couldn’t connect to the characters or the storyline at all. None of the characters were likeable. They all had their flaws, which was not necessarily a problem for me. However, I didn’t enjoy the storyline either. It seemed to drag on forever and it held very little interest to me.

This book is beloved by many, but it’s just not the book for me. Thank you to the author and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

spanning 30 years, this beloved novel follows sadie & sam, childhood friend who reconnect at MIT & begin designing video games together. the fact that this book got me caring about video games is truly an impressive feat! the ups & downs of sadie & sam's relationship over the years was captivating, and i loved the 90s nostalgia that came with this book.

Oh, this book was SO GOOD! I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did, despite all the hype surrounding it.

It’s an incredibly sad story, at least, that’s how I interpreted it, but there is some hope that still peeks out at the end. It’s a human story, so you won’t get a storybook ending, but I found myself appreciating it all the same.

There’s a lot of tragedy in the pages, but also a lot of love. What I loved most about the book, aside from the constant pull of Sam and Sadie’s relationship, was Gabrielle Zevin’s writing. She really captures the human experience with some expert observations that made the story feel all the more personal to me.

I feel like the odd one out when I say that I disliked this book. I could not stand the characters in any sort of capacity. They really got on my nerves. They constantly made the worst decisions they could have. Not even going to get started on how this is sold as a celebration of friendship but the novel explores literally only toxic relationships. Sam and Sadie are not friends. More like in a Stockholm syndrome type of relationship.

I did really enjoy the beautiful writing, though.

When success in business comes too soon in life, it takes a while for maturity to overcome perceived handicaps and mental blocks. This is a great story about friendship/love and overcoming obstacles. I enjoyed every page!

Thanks to NetGalley and Alfred A Knopf Publishing for the ARC to read and review.

We all know this one, right? Two kids meet at a hospital and bond over video games. After a fall-out, they meet again as adults and create a mega-hit video game, Ichigo, together. Spanning over decades, this one is about the constant yearning and quest for love. The title, we all know, is borrowed from Shakespeare’s MACBETH, and speaks to rebirth, which encapsulates exactly what this book is about— the chance to play again tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.

I read this almost a year ago and after sitting with my review for months, I’m not going to lie, the shine of this book has since dulled a bit. Don’t get me wrong, I still really enjoyed this one. But next to the beautiful writing and the unconventional love story, I’m also left with the memory of trying to get through this 400+ page book. There were moments of brilliance but there were also moments of indifference. The writing carried me through when the long plot was going to lose me.

The other small gripe I have is that when referencing the Korean card game “Go-Stop”, it was called “Stop-Go”…. I have never ever heard it called this. Can anyone else confirm this for me?

There has been a lot of love for this book and a lot of is warranted. I really did love Sam and Sadie’s friendships even though I didn’t love them as characters all the time. And the video game aspect was fascinating to me, a non-gamer. I laughed, cried and empathized. This was my first novel by Gabrielle Zevin and it won’t be my last. But, it’s not one that I’ll add to my forever favorites.

This book moved very slow at times, and I had a really hard time sticking with it for awhile. I am so glad I did, because I do love Zeven’s writing. There is so much creativity in this book when you consider all the games that were developed in it, all the details from the games being shared and then some interwoven into the story. These characters were unlikable at times because they felt so real. They were all so flawed and each had their own set of issues and odd things about them. I have always loved video games since I received Super Nintendo for Christmas way back in elementary school. My husband was a big gamer and we have a huge collection. So the nostalgia this book gave was right on. I don’t think you have to be into games though to appreciate the beautiful writing and storyline. This is one I will think about long after I read it. And I cant say that about many books. My only thing was that I felt it could be a little shorter, it did drag in parts which has me giving it a 4.5.

Where to start? I loved this! As someone with little to zero interest in gaming, I wasn't sure how interested I'd be in a book set in the world of video games. However, this gem of a book is about so much more. It's about friendship and love, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the overall story. The gaming/programming aspect was lost on me, but the story and characters were very likable.

Beautiful story about love, friendship and the realities of life. Spanning decades, the main characters meet, fall out, then meet again through their love and work in video games. This one is for the gamers and the yearners.

Although I'm not particularly enthusiastic about video games, this book evoked a strong sense of nostalgia for the gaming experiences of my youth.

While I recognized the Oregon Trail and Mario references, there were instances where I felt a bit lost. Nonetheless, I didn't mind, as the book provided valuable insights into the world of gaming.

One doesn't necessarily need extensive knowledge of video games to appreciate this book (though it could enhance the experience).

Additionally, it skillfully weaves in pop culture references from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. I found the exploration of game development and the gaming industry fascinating, as it opened up a whole new realm of understanding.

This is an exceptionally well-crafted, intricate, thought-provoking, and innovative novel. I became deeply invested in the characters, and certain moments deeply resonated with me on an emotional level.

Towards the conclusion, I even found myself becoming teary-eyed. These characters are etched in my memory, and this book is undoubtedly one that will remain with me for a significant period.

I am sure you've already been told to read this book; but if you are still unsure if the romance of awkward video game developers is for you- it is.

3.5 stars
Overall a good character study, shows excellent handling of trauma, how difficult life is, and how complicated relationships ships can be. There was a lull at the 50% mark for me, maybe 100 pages or so that felt redundant; but it picked back up again thankfully. The ‘meta chapters’ where Sadie deals with her trauma some are interesting if predictable.
I did love the LGBTQ+, and gender diversity representation here. It felt natural, not forced (even if the topic was used as a mechanism for an epic moment in the story). Each of the main characters feels like a real person; with both faults and successes. I didn’t love any of the characters but they were genuine people and not just archetypes.

The gaming industry inclusion is interesting as it will speak to a younger generation primarily; but I don’t feel like someone with no gaming or tech industry knowledge would be at a disadvantage. I’m fact they might be less bothered by the moving of gaming release dates, technology being referred to before it was actually available, and other inconsistencies. While Author’s Note mentions this was done for story purposes; I can’t help but wonder why they didn’t make the story a bit closer to the real timeline of tech. Not a dealbreaker, just annoying to those who care or know.

At its core, this novel is a romance. It’s not in any way science fiction; but instead a literary romance, best catalogued as fiction at most bookstores and libraries. It’s the perfect kind of read for anyone struggling with life decisions, outcomes of their life, or wanting to be assured that life has phases and you can control (a bit) what those phases are. It’s practical in its assessment of reality, addressing mental health, and overall character flaws. Be forewarned it does have some intense scenes and certainly isn’t a romance that is warm and fuzzy throughout. Love is the main topic but love is complex and this books demonstrates this well.

I’m glad I read it; but I would not read Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow again unless for a book club. And even then I’m only a maybe. As someone who is 40-years old and been with same spouse for 15 years I’m past the point of needing the reassurances that are called out here. But 100% understand the need for millions of others to have this book exist. It won’t be my top recommendation for the year; but it will make the list for certain people who need a boost. Especially anyone who needs to be reminded that family is who you make it; not who your blood related to. Anyone that needs a mental health boost, is handling trauma, feeling disoriented or unfocused, or needing to make a large decision (like what school to go to, changing jobs, a big move, getting married, etc.).
I think most readers will find something here to take away from this book; but some might find it life altering. It was not that for me personally; but I can see where it is for others.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

This was an amazing book and I loved it! I look forward to more from this author and have recommended it to several people!

I love the start of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. It is sweet and heart wrenching This book covers a lot of time but it is character and not plot driven. For that to work, the characters must evolve. Sadie and Sam – but especially Sadie – do not. Reader beware, this book also includes a relationship between a married individual in a position of authority with a younger, impressionable individual in their authority. Sadly, while I enjoy the look at the world of gaming, this story was not for me.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2023/10/tomorrow-and-tomorrow-and-tomorrow.html

Reviewed for NetGalley.

Absolutely beautifully written. Definitely lived up to the hype around it. A story about familial, platonic and romantic loves of all forms told through video games and video game production. This book took the specific and made it universal. I felt really seen!

I appreciated the writing style of this book, but I couldn't connect with the characters. The two main characters never really felt like friends to me. There was some strange disconnect between them and I couldn't make myself care what happened to them. I ultimately didn't finish it.

This book has continued to be a delight for audiences from young adult to adult. Given the intrigue of romance, social/emotional well being, and of course, computer programming, Tomorrow, tomorrow and tomorrow appeals to a wide range of readers. Ms. Zevin's writing style brings one in to feel as though our lives have been intertwined with the characters themselves. The heartache and celebrations are palpable in this book, and there is not a single person who could not appreciate it.

This book is almost impossible to describe, but so beautifully written. I enjoyed the portrayal of the characters, with their flaws and vulnerabilities and the interplay they have.