Zevin’s (
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry) latest explores the many facets of growing up, loving oneself and others, and finding success. Sam and Sadie first meet in a children’s hospital ward, where they bond over their shared love of video games. Decades later, they reconnect as college students, eventually creating a popular video game that launches them into stardom. As they reach adulthood and contend with newfound fame, the two navigate the complexities of identity, disability, failure, and friendship. Jennifer Kim and Julian Cihi’s narration brings Sam and Sadie to life as fully fleshed characters—emotional, fallible, and entirely human. Their narration allows for the nuances of their relationship to surface, creating a multi-layered love story that encompasses more than romance. Gamers will appreciate Zevin’s insights into the gaming world, although listeners without gaming knowledge will also find much to enjoy.
VERDICT Share widely with gamers, non-gamers, and anyone who appreciates well-drawn relationship stories. Perfect for fans of Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One and Kayla Rae Whitaker’s The Animators.
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