I ranked this as my 2nd favorite read of 2022.

"It's the possibility of infinite rebirth, infinite redemption. The idea that if you keep playing, you could win. No loss is permanent, because nothing is permanent, ever."

This story almost became my top read of the year. I was so moved by this story of 2 gaming kids from the 80s growing up to create their own games. First off, 80s Los Angeles WAS my childhood, so the nostalgia alone was enough to keep me invested. But it was the interpersonal relationships that made this a favorite. Sam, Sadie, and Marx were so well- developed as characters. And each one's relationship to the other was fascinating to watch unfold. Watching Sam struggle with a lifelong injury, Sadie struggle with guilt and loss, and Marx struggle with balancing his relationship with them both, showed that friendship and love can be messy but worth it. That people who leave your life can sometimes come back into it in wonderful new ways. That grief shades everything but the survivors can endure. It was a story of hope when I needed it most.