Girl meets boy—a boy who hasn’t spoken a word in six months following a tragic car accident in which he lost his mother. They bond over video games, and this connection grows into a complex relationship. As they mature, their shared love for gaming evolves into a thriving business, providing a new outlet for their creativity. However, their relationship becomes strained under the weight of ambition, assumptions, grief, and unspoken desires.
The book stands out for its distinctive writing style, its nerdy plot, and its intriguing cast of characters (except for Marx, who appears to be the only emotionally mature one). It also stirs nostalgia for a time when video games felt "different" and is imbued with profound emotional depth. If you believe emotions are straightforward, this might not be the book for you—it could be maddening. But if you’re ready to face the mistakes you've made, often born from your own insecurities, this story will undoubtedly hit close to home.