If someone asked me to tell them what this book was about, I love that all I'd really be able to tell them is that its a story about two friends who love to play and create video games, although this story was SO much more than that. Just a day ago I was already recommending this to someone, and I was basically stuttering to tell them what this was about– because its such a 'ifykyk" book. I LOVED IT.

Did they look at me like "Girl that sounds dry as hell?" Absolutely. But this book is just one you have to take a chance on, and I'm so glad i did.

This was such a beautiful story full of multiple stories. It was almost like an adult coming of age book? And I absolutely LOVED this. LOVED LOVED LOVED this. I will be going out and buying my own copy– I got this one from the library and now I have to return it :(. This may be the first ever book I end up actually annotating though, because it was just so beautiful and there are truly parts that will stick with me forever. Something about following a person (or two- aka Sam and Sadie!) throughout the years and in this case over 30 years of successes, failures, trials, tribulations, and emotions– makes my heart warm and fuzzy.

Gabrielle Devin really had such a way with words in this book to the point where I was so moved and felt like I was standing right there with Sam and Sadie and going through the motions with them.

Spoiler

And lemme tell yall something when Marx died?? The way that chapter started off with the bird in the field and the symbolism and just being able to see the world through Marx eyes??? BRO. Somebody was cutting onions for real. Him coming back as a bird?? Then not to jump randomly but then the end? Ludo Sextus??? The promise of another tomorrow?? I couldn't breathe yall omg MY CheST!!!

I haven't read anything like this in such a long time. I am someone who rates books strongly off how they make me feel, and this...this was pure gold. I feel like I basically learned about myself as I was following and learning about Sam, Sadie, and Marx. I loved that much like a reflection of their friendships, there was times when I hated Sam. Loved Sadie. Loved Sam, and despised Sadie. Loved them both, hated them both. The character development and realism was so INSANE. I genuinely had to look up if this was fiction. These are the most realistic characters I've ever read about in a book.

Listen not to be dramatic, but this is one of those stories that feels like a pivotal part of growing, learning, and expanding through your reading journey and why books are one of my favorite things in the world. Yet I unfortunately know that this book is not for everyone.... It can feel long and lengthy, can make you feel restless, and almost like you want to strangle the characters and yet hug them all at once– which understandably can irk some readers but I feel like those are what makes this so GOOD.

Sidenote,

Spoiler

I love how Sam and Sadie didn't end up together, and yet their friendship grew up with them if that makes sense. You know when you read a physical book, and you can tell just by how many pages are left what you want to happen is not going to? Yeah. I could feel my heart strings being sad that they did end up together, but at the same time...I loved how that fits into the theme. The promise of tomorrow. Infinite Redemption and how every time Sam and Sadie became distant from each other, tomorrow brought along a new journey or opportunity for them. How the beginning and end of the book mirror each other...Sam and Sadie splitting ways but knowing in their hearts that they are platonic soulmates connected through a realm special to them. IM CRYING

This is probably the LONGEST review I've written, because although I just finished the book this story will forever have a special place in my heart. I haven't read a book I can say that about in a long time, and now im beginning to think i need to read more books centered around friendships. As an only child friendships have been so special and close to me, so this...THIS STORY yall omg I CANT.

I hands down 10000000% recommend this book.