By Book Club Team 
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin is a stellar choice for a book club. It’s a deeply emotional, character-driven story with layers of themes that will spark meaningful discussions. At its core, the book explores the decades-long friendship and creative partnership between Sam and Sadie as they build a career in video game design. Their relationship is complex—full of love, rivalry, and moments of heartbreak—making it relatable and ripe for conversation.
The book also dives into thought-provoking topics like ambition, art versus commerce, and the dynamics of collaboration. Sam and Sadie’s journey highlights the challenges of creating something meaningful while navigating personal struggles and professional pressures. The way the story portrays these struggles offers plenty of opportunities for readers to share their own experiences or perspectives.
Another standout aspect is its nostalgic nod to the gaming culture of the ’90s and early 2000s. For anyone who grew up playing video games or watching the industry evolve, it’s a delightful backdrop that brings an added layer of connection. Plus, the representation of disability, identity, and loss throughout the story provides even more depth, making it a well-rounded book for discussions.
If your book club loves modern, heartfelt novels with lots of layers to explore, this one is a perfect pick. You could even elevate the experience with a retro-themed meeting, complete with throwback snacks or decorations inspired by old-school gaming!
20 Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow Book Club Questions and Answers
Here are some deeper, thought-provoking book club questions for Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow:
The Human Condition & Relationships:
- How does the novel explore the concept of love? Does the love between Sam and Sadie challenge traditional notions of romantic or platonic relationships? Their bond defies categorization, showing that love can exist in many forms beyond conventional definitions of romance.
- How do Sam and Sadie’s individual traumas—Sam’s accident and Sadie’s loss of her sister—shape their actions and choices throughout the story? Both characters carry unresolved grief and pain that manifest in their relationships and creative work, influencing how they connect with others.
- What does the novel say about the limitations of communication, especially in relationships as close as Sam and Sadie’s? Their inability to articulate their emotions often leads to misunderstandings, suggesting that even deep connections can suffer from a lack of clarity.
- Do you think the novel suggests that forgiveness is necessary for personal growth? Why or why not? Forgiveness is portrayed as a pathway to healing, but the book also acknowledges how difficult it can be to let go of hurt.
- How does the novel handle the theme of legacy? What do you think Sam, Sadie, and Marx hope to leave behind? Legacy is explored through their creative works and the impact they have on each other, raising questions about what truly matters in the end.
Creativity & Art:
- How does the novel define creativity? Do you think the characters’ differing definitions of creativity cause friction in their partnership? Sadie views creativity as a form of self-expression, while Sam often sees it as a tool for connection, leading to clashes in their priorities.
- How does Ichigo reflect the emotional core of Sam and Sadie’s relationship? What does its failure say about the intersection of art and commerce? Ichigo represents their shared vulnerability, but its commercial failure highlights the unpredictable nature of how art is received.
- What role does storytelling play in the novel, both in the games the characters create and in the narrative itself? Storytelling is central to their creative process and personal growth, illustrating how narratives shape identity and understanding.
- Do you think Sadie’s decision to leave Unfair Games reflects growth, defeat, or something else? Her departure could symbolize a reclaiming of her identity and values, even if it means stepping away from her creative partnership.
- How does the book explore the idea of failure? Are Sam and Sadie more defined by their successes or their failures? Failure is shown as an inevitable part of both life and art, shaping the characters more profoundly than their successes.
Identity & Society:
- How does Sam’s disability influence his sense of self and his relationships with others? Is his portrayal nuanced and realistic? His disability shapes his vulnerability and resilience, though his tendency to hide his pain affects his ability to form deep connections.
- How does Sadie’s experience as a woman in a male-dominated industry resonate with current discussions about gender equity? Her struggles highlight persistent gender biases and the additional pressures women face in proving their worth in creative fields.
- How does the novel handle cultural identity, particularly Sam’s and Marx’s experiences as individuals of mixed heritage? Their identities subtly influence their perspectives and relationships, adding depth to their characters without overtly defining them.
- What do you think the novel suggests about the balance between individuality and collaboration It emphasizes the tension between self-expression and compromise, showing that both are necessary but often difficult to navigate.
- Do you think the novel offers a hopeful or cynical view of the future, especially in the context of technology and creativity? It feels hopeful, suggesting that despite setbacks, there’s always room for reinvention and new beginnings.
Existential Reflections:
- How does the recurring idea of “starting over” mirror the characters’ personal lives and the nature of video games? The ability to restart reflects resilience and the belief that failure isn’t final, mirroring the characters’ emotional journeys.
- What do you think the novel says about mortality and the ephemeral nature of human connections? Through Marx’s death and the passing of time, the story explores how relationships leave lasting impressions even as life moves on.
- How does the novel portray the concept of time? Do you think the characters learn to value the present, or are they always looking to the future? The characters often focus on the future, but the novel gently reminds readers of the importance of cherishing the present.
- Do you think the novel suggests that creativity is inherently tied to suffering? Why or why not? While suffering fuels some of their art, the novel also shows moments of joy and connection as sources of inspiration.
- How does the book’s structure, with its shifting timelines and perspectives, affect the way you understand the characters and their journeys? The nonlinear narrative deepens the emotional impact, revealing layers of the characters’ relationships and their growth over time.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: Discussion Topics
Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a rich and layered novel that offers plenty of material for thoughtful discussions. From its exploration of friendship and creativity to its commentary on gender dynamics and the gaming industry, the book dives deep into universal themes while remaining grounded in the unique lives of its characters. Below are some of the best discussion topics to spark meaningful conversations about this unforgettable story.
The Complexity of Sam and Sadie’s Relationship
A central theme of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is the unique and multifaceted bond between Sam and Sadie. Their relationship blends deep platonic love, creative collaboration, and moments of intense conflict. The way their connection evolves over decades, shaped by both shared triumphs and misunderstandings, raises fascinating questions about the nature of lasting friendships and the challenges of navigating such a dynamic partnership.
Failure, Resilience, and Starting Over
The novel explores how failure and resilience define the characters’ lives and creative journeys. From personal tragedies to professional setbacks, the story highlights how Sam and Sadie confront adversity and find ways to rebuild. This theme encourages reflection on the growth that can emerge from failure and the courage it takes to start over, making it deeply relatable and inspiring.
Gender Dynamics in the Gaming Industry
Through Sadie’s experiences, the book sheds light on the gender biases and challenges women face in male-dominated fields like gaming. Her struggle for recognition and respect is a powerful commentary on equity and the systemic barriers women encounter in creative industries. This topic sparks meaningful conversations about how far we’ve come and how much further we have to go in achieving gender equity.
The Tension Between Art and Commerce
Sam and Sadie’s differing perspectives on art and commerce create a compelling conflict. While one values personal, meaningful creations, the other focuses on commercial success and accessibility. This tension prompts readers to consider the compromises artists make, the value of creating for oneself versus an audience, and the societal pressures that influence creative work.
Video Games as Storytelling and Metaphor
Video games play a dual role in the novel as both a literal and metaphorical framework. They symbolize the idea of starting over and reshaping one’s path, reflecting the characters’ personal struggles and growth. This theme encourages discussion about how games, as an art form, shape our understanding of storytelling, identity, and the human experience.