If you love books that dive deep into friendship, creativity, and what it means to truly connect with others, then
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin is a must-read. Trust me, I absolutely loved this book, and I’m excited to share why it left such a lasting impression on me.When I first picked it up, I thought, “Okay, it’s about video games, and that’s not usually my thing.” But wow, was I wrong! This book is so much more than just about gaming, it’s about life, love, failure, and the beauty of second chances. Zevin managed to combine all these big ideas into a story that feels real, relatable, and, most of all, unforgettable.Let’s dive in and explore why
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is such an amazing read!
The Plot: Friendship, Video Games, and So Much More
The novel starts with two kids, Sam and Sadie, who meet in a hospital when they are young. Sam is recovering from a car accident, and Sadie is visiting her sister. They bond over their shared love of video games, and this sets the foundation for their lifelong friendship. Fast forward several years, and Sam and Sadie reconnect when they’re both in college. This time, they decide to work together to create their own video game.The plot may sound simple—two friends build a video game, but there’s so much more to it. As they work together, we see the highs and lows of their friendship. There are moments of joy, frustration, success, and failure. Their relationship is complex, like most real-life friendships. What makes it special is how Zevin writes their journey so authentically, you feel every argument, every triumph, and every heartache.Even though the novel is heavily focused on their game development, it never gets too technical. You don’t need to be a gamer to enjoy this book. In fact, what really pulled me in were the emotional aspects of the story, the way Sam and Sadie struggle to keep their friendship intact while chasing their dreams.
Themes: What Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow Is Really About
At its core, this book is about so much more than video games. Yes, video games are the backdrop, but the real focus is on the relationships and emotions that unfold throughout the story.
Friendship and Love
One of the most powerful themes in the book is friendship. Sam and Sadie’s relationship isn’t always smooth, it’s filled with misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and miscommunication. But, like in real life, their friendship is also filled with love, support, and growth. They argue, they make up, and they push each other to be better, even when it’s hard. What I loved most is that their friendship isn’t perfect, but it’s real.The book also touches on different kinds of love, romantic love, love between friends, and love for the work you create. Sam and Sadie’s relationship blurs the lines between friendship and something more, but the novel leaves room for the reader to decide what their connection truly means.
The Power of Creativity
Another big theme in the book is creativity. Sam and Sadie are both incredibly creative, and the book explores what it means to build something from scratch. The process of making a video game mirrors the creative process in any field, whether you’re writing a book, painting, or starting a business. It’s all about taking risks, making mistakes, and starting over when things don’t go as planned.One of the coolest parts of the book is seeing how their game,
Ichigo, comes to life. Zevin describes the way they brainstorm ideas, face setbacks, and ultimately create something amazing. It made me think about how much work and passion goes into creating anything, and it reminded me that failure is just part of the journey.
Failure and Second Chances
In
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, failure isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning of something new. Sam and Sadie both experience setbacks, both in their personal lives and in their work, but they keep going. This theme of second chances runs throughout the book. Whether it’s in their friendship, their careers, or their lives, the characters are constantly finding ways to start again.This reminded me a lot of video games, where you can always hit “restart” and try again. It’s a comforting thought that, even when we fail, we can pick ourselves up and keep going. Zevin really captures that hopeful feeling of starting fresh, which is something we all need to hear sometimes.
Literary and Cultural References
One of the reasons
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is so special is because it’s filled with references to literature, gaming culture, and even Shakespeare. In fact, the title comes from a famous line in
Macbeth, “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, creeps in this petty pace from day to day.” It’s a line about the passage of time, and in the context of this novel, it speaks to the way life moves forward, even when we feel stuck.The gaming references also add another layer to the story. Sam and Sadie’s passion for video games isn’t just about playing for fun, it’s about creating worlds where anything is possible. This idea of building a universe where players can live out different lives connects beautifully with the themes of second chances and creativity.But even if you’re not a gamer or familiar with all the references, the novel is still accessible. Zevin makes sure the heart of the story is about the characters and their relationships, so the cultural references just add depth without feeling overwhelming.
Why Readers Are Falling in Love with This Book
So, why is
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow getting so much attention? I think it’s because it speaks to so many different aspects of life. It’s a story about friendship, creativity, and love, but it’s also about failure and starting over. These are things we can all relate to, no matter who we are or what we do.I’ve seen reviews where readers talk about how much they connected with the characters, and I couldn’t agree more. Sam and Sadie feel like real people, with real emotions and flaws. They aren’t perfect, and their relationship isn’t perfect, but that’s what makes the book so powerful.Another reason people are loving this book is because it shows the beauty of collaboration. Sam and Sadie create something together that neither of them could have made alone. It’s a reminder that we often do our best work when we have someone by our side, even when things get tough.
Is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow Worth Reading?
If you’re wondering whether this book is worth your time, my answer is a definite yes. Whether you’re into video games or not,
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a beautifully written story that will make you think about friendship, love, and creativity in new ways.It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished the last page. I found myself thinking about Sam and Sadie’s journey for days, and I’m sure you will too.So, if you’re looking for a book that’s heartwarming, thought-provoking, and full of emotion, pick up
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. You won’t regret it!
