Gabrielle Zevin seems like an incredible writer. While some of Zevin's word choices throughout this novel seemed odd, the story swept me away. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow was a readable book – I struggled to put it down because it was new, refreshing, and engaging. I had not read anything like this book before and appreciated the narrative on gaming and the challenging topic of love in its most untraditional or atypical sense. The latter being something I enjoyed – it helped me think outside of the box of what it means to love someone. 

With that said, it all boils down to the fact that it is not a book for me, but it may be an excellent one for you. So my critique of this book may be the typical "it's not you, it's me" challenge when it comes to reading. 

For a tale with "yes, it is a love story, but it is not one you have read before" in its summary, I expected this book to dive into the ups and downs of a relationship (platonic, romantic, situationship, WHATEVER). Instead, however, this novel dove straight into the downs, and then, all of a sudden, the characters were friends again without actually figuring out the root causes of their problems or trying to resolve their tension. It was all perplexing.

Sadie and Sam were IRRITATING to me. In novels, I am often ok with frustrating characters or ones that I don't necessarily relate to; there are ways I feel like the author can make them complex, layered, and more nuanced so that you at least gain a better understanding of them. Unfortunately, I did not feel that for Sadie and Sam. While I felt undertones of an interesting and complex love as a theme, I did NOT see it frequently in the main character's actions. Maybe you're supposed to dislike them? Perhaps this happens when someone like Zevin builds a unique relationship story? But, as much as I tried to see the layered character development, the responses to traumatic events, and the articulation of mental health challenges, I simply struggled to care about the two characters. Honestly, as I neared the end of the book, I was hoping they wouldn't stay friends because it probably would be healthier for everyone involved. I've never felt that way about a "love story" before (obvious quotes for lack of a better phrase), but maybe that makes it interesting? I don't know. Lastly, I can't even begin to talk about Dov's character....this review would be pages and pages long. 

All in all - it was a decent read. I had difficulty putting it down, so 3.5 stars it is. I toggled so much giving it a 4, because I liked the ending and felt the last 50 pages had some of that connection and self-awareness I was craving. Additionally, I enjoyed some other aspects of the book, but in the end I couldn't give it a true 4+ stars since I did not get over the unlikeable main characters and their toxic relationship. I tried with all my might to find other meanings behind their disagreeableness, but ultimately, I was itching for more accountability and growth from them. I still thoroughly enjoyed different parts of this book and appreciated its uniqueness. Who knew some of my favorite features would be about the creation of video games?!

PS...I am one of the very few who absolutely loved the Pioneer chapter! I think you saw Zevin trying to encapsulate how someone showed love. Now, whether or not that worked or was the right path is most certainly up for discussion, but I thought it was innovative writing and enjoyed every second.