Incredibly thoughtful

The book is unbelievably rich in themes and presents deep and nuanced characters. I am amazed by three things especially:
1. The main characters are complex, thoroughly detailed and seem so deeply human that I can barely think of other novels with character building on that level. The intimacy they build and lose is colourful and varied. And feels heartshatteringly organic.
2. Zevin's use of language was a joy to listen to. She managed to capture complex emotions very efficiently, from comical to existential dread and despair. Her writing is on point - it doesn't waste time or words, but the impact of each sentence feels like it is exactly what it needed to be. Her choice of words or narrative devices is dazzlingly imaginative and creative.
3. The structure of the book is kept engaging and rewarding. Zevin's ability to perfectly time tangents or callbacks is such a beautiful tool of giving either context to a character's emotions or motivations, or a very engaging way of providing exposition. Especially the parts "The NPC" and "Pioneers" were based on incredible narrative choices and lended themselves to multi-layered themes and character building, enabling the rich characters and colourful language to shine fully, and making those sections the highest points of the book.
Overall, I can only think of a few novels that had a deeper impact on me. I am planning on rereading it, which I usually never do. I deem it a masterpiece, albeit not a perfect one.
(note: it helps if you're into videogames, but it's not a requirement)

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Very moving

The story and the characters really moved me and I really liked the changes of perspectives from character to character. I didnt really like the sudden voice change in the middle of listening but apart from that I enjoyed myself alot.

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Loved it!

Moving and entertaining. It’s a calm and interesting story about friendship, life and video games.

Wow

Sehr schöne Geschichte, die zwar ganz anders war als ich erwartet hab aber sie hat mir trotzdem super gefallen!

Wonderful

I have nothing to do with gaming and the industry and I loved the book very much. Really got pulled into the story, which I think is wonderfully crafted.
Thought it could have ended earlier, but it’s still 5 stars

My New Favourite Book

This is the best book I have heard in years and probably my new favourite.

Cringey characters, ok story

The characters are all horrible people in a weirdly anachronistic version of what is supposed to be “the game dev world”.
Also disappointing that all game inspirations get credited except for Train by Brenda Romero (which was a direct reference for the book’s game “Solution”).

Good enough to listen to while doing the dishes, I guess.

Loved it!

I surprisingly loved the voice, I thought it sounded a bit drony to begin with.

The story is beautiful and moving, I wouldn’t have picked it up without a recommendation but I’m so glad I did!

Great book

I loved this book. Really moving and well written. Brilliant! I was hoping it would last longer but I couldn’t stop listening!