Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a captivating and emotionally resonant novel that delves into the intricate dynamics of friendship, creativity, and the evolving world of video game development. Known for her ability to create richly drawn characters and compelling narratives, Zevin delivers a story that is both a deep dive into the gaming industry and a poignant exploration of human connections.

The novel centers around the lives of two friends, Sam Masur and Sadie Green, who meet as children in a hospital gaming room and bond over their shared love of video games. Years later, their paths cross again at MIT, where they decide to collaborate on a video game that propels them into the limelight of the gaming industry. Their game, Ichigo, becomes a massive hit, launching their careers and setting the stage for a decades-long partnership filled with triumphs, setbacks, and personal growth.

Zevin's portrayal of Sam and Sadie is masterful. Both characters are complex, flawed, and deeply human. Sam, dealing with the physical and emotional scars from a car accident, is a brilliant but often reserved and conflicted individual. Sadie, who struggles with the pressures of success and her own creative ambitions, is equally compelling. Their relationship, marked by intense collaboration, occasional conflicts, and enduring affection, forms the heart of the novel. Zevin captures the nuances of their friendship with a keen eye for detail and an empathetic touch, making their journey both relatable and engrossing.

The novel's setting within the video game industry is richly depicted, offering readers a fascinating glimpse into the creative and technical processes behind game development. Zevin’s research is evident in the authenticity of the gaming world she portrays, from the brainstorming sessions and coding marathons to the business challenges and cultural shifts within the industry. This backdrop adds a unique and engaging dimension to the story, making it appealing to both gamers and non-gamers alike.

One of the standout elements of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is its exploration of creativity and collaboration. Zevin delves into the joys and struggles of working together on a shared vision, highlighting the magic that can emerge from creative partnerships as well as the tensions that can arise. The novel underscores the idea that creating something meaningful often requires navigating personal differences and overcoming obstacles, both internal and external.

Zevin’s writing is elegant and nuanced, balancing moments of humor and warmth with deeper, more introspective passages. Her dialogue is sharp and realistic, capturing the distinct voices of her characters and the subtleties of their interactions. The pacing of the novel is well-managed, with a narrative that flows smoothly between the past and present, allowing readers to fully engage with the characters' growth and the evolution of their relationship.

The themes of friendship, love, and ambition are intricately woven throughout the novel. Zevin examines how these elements intersect and influence each other, creating a rich tapestry of human experience. The novel also touches on issues such as disability, gender dynamics, and the impact of technology on society, adding layers of depth and relevance to the story.

In conclusion, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a beautifully crafted novel that showcases Gabrielle Zevin’s talent for storytelling and character development. With its compelling exploration of the gaming industry, nuanced portrayal of friendship, and insightful reflections on creativity, the novel is a poignant and thought-provoking read. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever pursued a creative dream or navigated the complexities of a deep, enduring friendship. Zevin’s latest work is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring human spirit, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction and beyond.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this arc.

Great book with Ready player ones vibes. Would recommend

Wowowowow - apparently sometimes the reason everyone loves something is that it’s just good. And this book was really lovely! As someone who spends a lot of time in hospitals, I did really resonate with Sam, which allowed me to have some patience with him when he did things I didn’t like! This is, however, another book where I think open communication would have prevented a lot of the conflict of the book though.

An amazing rollercoaster of emotions. I would definitely recommend this to others as it is a great read.

I must say overall very nice, and definitely a book that I would reread at different stages of life and I am sure would take on different meanings.
What a dense book, though.
It starts off with the teenage protagonists in the hospital making you feel like you are reading a contemporary YA, but it covers the entire lives of these characters. It explores so many aspects of interpersonal relationships (from 90's kids bonding through video games - AND THE NOSTALGIA IS REAL - to co-workers to conflicting feelings of resentment and admiration and affection and anger being people who together and separately go through it all), is very well constructed and emotional to the point.

I found the references to the video game industry accurate and interesting (there is even a joke about EA employees that cracked me up - Mr. Court is an EA employee), and I find great the sense of annoyance that some scenes lead you to feel about all the rottenness being revealed about the system. It's a book that from this point of view tries harder than others, but does not succeed 100%.
The narration, on the other hand, is super clever. In fact, I'm super conflicted because I LOVE books with weird plots that leave you clues from the beginning and at the end BOOM leave you upset and empty and with a full heart, and this one definitely was. More than a book about video games though, I really found it to be a book about life: there is really so much in this story.

Join the adventures of three brilliant kids bonded by their passion for gaming and friendship. Sam and Sadie reunite during college after years apart, reigniting their shared love for games like "Oregon Trail." With the addition of Marx, a charming acting student, they embark on a summer project to create a groundbreaking game. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles and the virtual realm, Zevin's narrative unfolds with captivating action and nods to gaming culture. Her infectious enthusiasm for gaming infuses every page, making it a must-read for gamers and non-gamers alike. With its blend of nostalgia, wit, and enchanting characters, this book is destined for cult status.

Wonderful, wonderful and wonderful.
This book was highly anticipated and I'm glad to say it lived up to the hype. Well developed characters and a perfect iteration of the realities of the highs and lows of friendship, and life in general.

Incredible book - fantastic characters, world and story. Nostalgic but timeless. Gabrielle Zevin is the real deal.

I'm a gamer at heart. I love board games, card games, and video games. This is such a brilliantly written book about game development, life-long friendships, and love. Love for friends, love for games, love for graphics, and these things that make the games what they are; the details and the graphics. It's just such a great story through the years of Sam and Sadie's friendship.
Fans of Jumanji will appreciate the game play in this story.

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I loved the characters and was hooked into the world from page one. Though it loses a little bit of steam in the final act, it's a lovely book that I would recommend to everyone.

I tried to read this book three separate times. To be completely honest, the beginning did not pull me in. But I kept hearing about how great this book was, and third time's a charm, as they say.

I finally got past the first chapter to begin enjoying the saga of Sam, Sadie and Marx and their journey to make a videogame (or several). Over the course of 20 years, they build a thriving gaming company while we follow along with their lives (health issues, ambitions, friendships, heartbreaks).

The chapter entitled "The NPC" is what elevated this novel from a 3-star read to a 5-star read. It utterly devastated me. The other "wow" moment in this narrative was when Sam traps Sadie in an Oregon Trail-esque game to renew their friendship.

I really liked the first half of this book! Then the second half...well...just no thx. It felt like two completely different books.

I do not think I was the target audience for this book. I think I expected more of a ready player one vibe, and it was more of a faux documentary. The writing was beautiful, and I am still trying to see magic eye images because of this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin. All opinions are my own.

I can’t believe I waited so long to read this one. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a beautiful book and a great story. I loved the ending and look forward to reading more by this author.

5 stars.

Read to 29% then DNF - the writing was great, I think maybe given another mood or time I would like this book but this is probably my third or so try and it still just isn't sticking. I think maybe the pace is a bit slow for what my reading life needs right now. Maybe one day I'll return to it. I am definitely recommending to my husband because he's a big gamer and would probably love it!

Had a difficult time getting through this because I just didn't really connect with the characters. I think the games that the characters created together were very interesting and engaging but the book as a whole didn't keep my attention for the most part. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by this author has been a favorite of mine for years so I would still pick up their books in the future.

I found this book hard to read. I didn't like the characters. I always seem to be the outlier when it comes to popular books. I trudged through the book because I had an overdue arc. 🫣 I finally decided I had to get it off my arc backlist and hunkered down and finished it. It will be quite satisfying crossing this off my list.

This book was listed on many people’s favorites list. I didn’t get the hype. I thought the characters were self absorbed and made lots of poor choices. I just didn’t like them enough to enjoy the book. Their friendships were flawed but they just kept going with it.

Sam and Sadie, once childhood friends, reunite at Harvard and embark on a journey to success and fame. But as they navigate the cutthroat world of entertainment, they must also confront their own personal struggles and desires. From identity issues to disability challenges, from creative ambitions to the complexities of love, this novel explores the depth and complexity of human connections.

Through the eyes of Sam and Sadie, we see a glimpse into the glamorous world of Hollywood and the harsh realities that come with it. But beyond fame and fortune, this is ultimately a story about the universal desire for love and acceptance. It's about finding our true selves amidst all the chaos and noise of life.

As readers, we are invited to join in on their journey, to laugh and cry and feel everything in between. Zevin's writing is both captivating and thought-provoking, making us question our own ideas of success and happiness.

A masterpiece!! It absolutely lived up to the hype. I cannot believe it took me this long to read it. I didn’t think that I’d love it as I’m not really a “gamer” but the story was just so beautiful and truly goes beyond any of the game design.

The characters in this story have continued to live on in my brain. I had a serious book hangover when I finished, and I just cannot stress enough how amazingly heartbreakingly beautiful this story is. I wish I could reread it over and over again for the very first time. 12/10