02 Sep / Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [in Booklist]
In her fifth adult title, Gabrielle Zevin (Young Jane Young, 2017) impressively interweaves multiple threads that twist and tangle around what is essentially a decades-long love story. Jennifer Kim ciphers most of the narration, deftly distinguishing the main three players, with a brief interlude voiced with wrenching effect by Julian Cihi.
A horrific accident leaves 12-year-old Sam motherless, recovering in an L.A. hospital from injuries that never fully heal. Eleven-year-old Sadie, visiting her sick sister, becomes the first person he’s spoken to since that shattering night. Over 14 months, Sadie amasses 609 community-service hours toward her Bat Mitzvah by visiting Sam – and becoming best friends … until Sam discovers Sadie’s motivation. But they meet again in a Boston T station: Sadie’s now at MIT; Sam’s at Harvard. Sam’s empathic, charming roommate, Marx, will complete their triangle; the trio’s lives become inextricably linked as they become legendary game creators.
Kim proves consistently engaging – as Sadie’s abusive professor/skeezy lover Dov, Marx’s effervescent girlfriend Zoe, Sam’s doting Koreatown grandparents, the homophobic Red and Black Bandanas – ensuring audiences remain attentive and entertained throughout.
Review: “Media,” Booklist, September 1, 2022
Readers: Young Adult, Adult
Published: 2022