Gabrielle Zevin book summaries

“What is a game? It's tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow. It's the possibility of infinite rebirth, infinite redemption. The idea that if you keep playing, you could win. Or lose. But you keep playing.”

Sam reflects on the meaning of games and their connection to hope and redemption, early in the novel.

“The past is never dead. It's not even past.”

A line that Sam thinks about, referencing Faulkner, as he grapples with his childhood and its impact on his adult life.

“You have to be careful about what you love. You have to be careful about what you give your heart to.”

Sadie’s mother warns her about the dangers of passion, a theme that echoes throughout Sadie’s life.

“We are all of us, in the end, just trying to be seen.”

Sam’s internal monologue about the desire for recognition and connection, central to his character.

“The point of a game is to play. The point of a life is to live.”

Marx’s philosophy, which he shares with Sam and Sadie, reminding them to enjoy the process rather than just the outcome.