I'm so glad I waited to read this one. I don't think I would have enjoyed it quite as much amid the massive hype when it came out. 

Zevin created characters that are so easy to connect with and root for. The way she wrote about the gaming world was accessible and easy to follow. As a late gen x-er, I relate to Sam and Sadie because I grew up with the early iterations of Nintendo and I've seen how computer games have evolved right from my basic as Apple dot matrix where I had this ridiculous lemonade selling game to today's Switch and PS5 and virtual games. 

What I don't see it as is a romance. I never felt that specific chemistry between Sam and Sadie. For me, it was always this great platonic relationship built on a shared love for computer games and the experience of physical disability and illness. I also did not like the tragedy that I could see coming from miles away and dreaded because of the way she built up the happiness beforehand. This is very cryptic but if you haven't read it, I don't want to give it away. 

This was more epic than I expected and I loved it. Makes me want to play Donkey Kong or Rampage again.