Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

What makes a great book? I'm at that point in the year where I'm beginning to reflect on which of the many books I've read this year have been my favorite. Pondering the various titles I've consumed has left me considering what elements make up a great read. I think the essential pieces would be the same for most readers. In fact, in the ten years that I've reviewed every book that I've read, the key components of what makes a good read to me have remained unchanged. The best books have an intriguing plot, consistent pace, and most importantly strong characters. Bonus points go to any book that I can't shake thinking about when I finish it. With my reading year winding down, I didn't expect to have another book that would wow me to the point of considering it my top read of the year. But then my friends at Alfred A. Knopf sent me a copy of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. It might just be the best book I've read this year. 

Sam and Sadie were an unlikely pair when they first met at the children's hospital. Sam was there recovering from a debilitating foot injury resulting from a horrific car crash. He hadn't spoken a word since he arrived. Sadie was there visiting her sister who was fighting a battle with cancer. There's a lot of downtime in the hospital. Recovering from an injury takes time, and Sam had plenty of it. As the healthy child in the family, Sadie also had a ton of time to herself. She encountered Sam playing Super Mario Bros, and the two started a conversation. Over the coming weeks and months, the pair became best friends, bonding over their love of video games. 

Years later their time together became nothing more than a memory. A childhood spat left a rift between Sam and Sadie, and they didn't speak to each other for years. The pair didn't reconnect again until a chance encounter on a subway platform thrust them back into each other's life. It was as if no time had passed at all. Their friendship rekindled, and the two college students joined forces to build upon their childhood obsession. They agree to make a game together. 

There are times when a book seems to come out of the ether to infiltrate our lives. Zevin's novel is that kind of book. I have a quiet familiarity with video games, but I would never dare to call myself a gamer. In fact, my Nintendo Switch is turned off much more frequently than it is turned on. As such, I began reading with a hint of trepidation. Was this material going to resonate with me? As I let Zevin's words take hold of my imagination, I quickly realized that my worries were unwarranted. You see, Zevin has written a novel that, at its core, is about friendship. We follow these characters through three decades of life, feeling companionship, exhilaration, frustration, and heartbreak. By the end, Sam and Sadie are completely known to us, as real as the people we know in our own lives. Zevin shifts perspectives between the main characters, ensuring the plot moves in a way that is authentic and ever-compelling. I was glued to the pages, experiencing the emotions of each moment along with the characters. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a big book filled with big ideas, all grounded through some of the most brilliantly crafted characters that I've ever read. I don't often heap universal praise on a novel, especially one as hyped as this one has been. In this case, though, I feel the praise is warranted. This is a great book.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.  

(2022, 55)


This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 and is filed under ,,,,,,,. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response.

21 Responses to “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin”

  1. This one has definitely been hyped so I was VERY curious about your review. I can't wait to get to this one <3

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    1. The hype is completely warranted. This book is incredible!

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  2. Your love and appreciation for this one really comes through! Tbh, I was concerned about the gaming aspect so I'm glad you mentioned it wasn't an issue for you.

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    1. I was so on the fence about reading this one for that exact reason. I'm extremely happy I decided to read it anyway!

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  3. I so agree with you about what makes a book one that I love rather than just like...and strong characters are always a must. And I love the sound of these two characters in this book. I'm putting it on my list for next year as a MUST READ. Great review, Ethan. :D

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  4. I love books that span a great many years, and I agree, I did feel like I really knew Sam and Sadie by the end. I have read five books by Zevin, but this one was the most depressing, and I think I struggle with books like that. Still as interesting and thought provoking as her other work, but I did wish the ending had been a bit more hopeful. I guess it sort of was, but not enough for me.

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    1. I think the events in the last third of the book were made more emotional because of my attachment to the characters and everything that came before. That's a testament to Zevin's writing, but it certainly doesn't make things happy in the traditional sense.

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  5. A book that I can’t stop thinking about after I’ve finished always makes my top list. And I have several books with a friendship theme on my all time best books list. I’ll have to add this one to my pile.

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    1. Agreed! Out of sheer curiosity, what are some of those other books?

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  6. I love those end of the year surprise favorites. Glad this one turned out to be so amazing! They sound like great characters.

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  7. This one is on my tbr. I really like the sound of it and I love when a book surprises you with how much you like it.

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    1. This one is a bit different from what I'd normally pick up, but I'm so happy that I did!

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  8. I'm so glad you enjoyed it too!

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  9. This author and this title are new to me, and this sounds like a emotional read — these two seem like quiet the complex duo. I want to know what broke their friendship and what made them try again. — Verushka from Pop. Edit. Lit.

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    1. This was a bit off the beaten path in terms of what I would normally choose to read, but it was just so captivating!

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  10. You liked this a bit more than I did but the book and characters have stayed with me long after finishing. It's a really unique story and great to read a *love story* that isn't romantic.

    Like I said on IG - I was going to recommend this to you because I knew you would love it.

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    1. I can definitely see where this one could be tough for some readers, but I just keep coming back to the characters. The platonic love story is something that fiction really doesn't spend enough time on!

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  11. Wow, that sounds like quite the interesting premise. Oh and I am so not a gamer, I mean I kind of would like to, but eh books take time

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    1. You know, I never thought of it from that perspective. The time commitment I would need to be a serious gamer is definitely consumed by reading!

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