when this book first got popular, i passed on it because a story about game developers didn't appeal to me. i then had to read it for a book club and i'm really glad i did. it was an engaging and at times emotional read. 

this is very much a character driven book and the characters were interesting and complex. 

i also enjoyed how games were woven into the narrative--Zevin's prose feels inventive but not pretentious. 

i would recommend this book to others and would pick up other books by this author.