I really enjoyed this book and agree with your insights. My book group had initial struggle with the “I don’t play video games” but overcame it as you described doing. It’s one of those books I wish I could read again for the first time—and even more enjoyable when discussed.
Interesting, I've just read this book almost cover to cover. I was a gamer in my younger days, and probably a part of me still are. Initially I didn't want to read because I assume it will be another coming of age love story, but it wasn't! I do love reading about creative processes and the dynamic of friendship and relationships that are more than just friends, but not quite lover. And after finishing the book, I went in search of similar games to Ichigo to play, I haven't started on one though. :)
It’s interesting to read your thoughts from a gamer’s point of view. You’d know if it’s realistic or not. For me, the writer would easily be able to pull wool over my ears and I’d believe it. Thanks so much for reading, Rachel!
It wasn't fully realistic and they were stretching it a bit with the magic that Sam and Sadie could create, but we all let that slide cause don't we all wish to have some kind of magic wand sometimes? Otherwise, the creative ideas are intriguing and some I do wish would be created into a game. :)
Yes! I loved this book when I read it last year. My sister recommended it after reading it for her book club; her adult sons had both read it. My son had a copy of it, as yet unread, given to him by his sister, who loved it. So I borrowed it from him! As you (and the author) say, you don't have to be a programmer or an avid video game player to enjoy it. It's about relationships. Though I think that theme does help it span the generations in the way it has.
Great notes!!!!! I didn’t know what the book was going to be about and just picked it up because of a book recommendation from John Green, no regrets. I didn’t hear about getting picked up for an adaptation, I can see Logan Lerman playing Sam.
Loved this book too and like you was late to it because of my pre-conceived idea of it. When the storytelling is good it carries you through topic specifics. One of my favourite films is Moneyball and I don't know a thing about baseball!
Yes on Moneyball! It took me so long to finally watch the film, but then I loved it. It was the same with the series Friday Night Lights. I only recently watched it, and loved it although I don’t follow football whatsoever.
Wow, you’re so good at writing reviews. I find them soooo hard! I know it’s because I don’t take notes as I read because I don’t want to stop reading, and then I forget all the details and just know that I loved it, or didn’t. I have a copy of this back in Switzerland, I think I may just have to read it soon. Thanks for this!
Thanks, Francesca! I have to force myself to take notes while I’m reading otherwise I’ll forget too. And sometimes my thoughts are too long and I just want to keep reading. Haha!
I really enjoyed this book and agree with your insights. My book group had initial struggle with the “I don’t play video games” but overcame it as you described doing. It’s one of those books I wish I could read again for the first time—and even more enjoyable when discussed.
I just love it so much. I envy everyone who can read it again for the first time.
Interesting, I've just read this book almost cover to cover. I was a gamer in my younger days, and probably a part of me still are. Initially I didn't want to read because I assume it will be another coming of age love story, but it wasn't! I do love reading about creative processes and the dynamic of friendship and relationships that are more than just friends, but not quite lover. And after finishing the book, I went in search of similar games to Ichigo to play, I haven't started on one though. :)
It’s interesting to read your thoughts from a gamer’s point of view. You’d know if it’s realistic or not. For me, the writer would easily be able to pull wool over my ears and I’d believe it. Thanks so much for reading, Rachel!
It wasn't fully realistic and they were stretching it a bit with the magic that Sam and Sadie could create, but we all let that slide cause don't we all wish to have some kind of magic wand sometimes? Otherwise, the creative ideas are intriguing and some I do wish would be created into a game. :)
Yes! I loved this book when I read it last year. My sister recommended it after reading it for her book club; her adult sons had both read it. My son had a copy of it, as yet unread, given to him by his sister, who loved it. So I borrowed it from him! As you (and the author) say, you don't have to be a programmer or an avid video game player to enjoy it. It's about relationships. Though I think that theme does help it span the generations in the way it has.
I hope the film does it justice.
It’s everything I love in a book! Thanks so much for reading, Wendy. I really appreciate it.
Wow. This book sounds fabulous; what a great review. I’ll have to give it a shot. And the cover art is really beautiful!
Great notes!!!!! I didn’t know what the book was going to be about and just picked it up because of a book recommendation from John Green, no regrets. I didn’t hear about getting picked up for an adaptation, I can see Logan Lerman playing Sam.
Yes! Logan Lerman. I see it too now.
The deaths on this were so devastating.
I know, right!
Loved this book too and like you was late to it because of my pre-conceived idea of it. When the storytelling is good it carries you through topic specifics. One of my favourite films is Moneyball and I don't know a thing about baseball!
Yes on Moneyball! It took me so long to finally watch the film, but then I loved it. It was the same with the series Friday Night Lights. I only recently watched it, and loved it although I don’t follow football whatsoever.
Might have to look into that one!
Wow, you’re so good at writing reviews. I find them soooo hard! I know it’s because I don’t take notes as I read because I don’t want to stop reading, and then I forget all the details and just know that I loved it, or didn’t. I have a copy of this back in Switzerland, I think I may just have to read it soon. Thanks for this!
Thanks, Francesca! I have to force myself to take notes while I’m reading otherwise I’ll forget too. And sometimes my thoughts are too long and I just want to keep reading. Haha!
Thanks, Jenn. Let me know your thoughts if read it.