Game On by Laura Silverman (editor) is unlike any anthology I’ve read before. Diverse in terms of the “games,” genres, and characters within its pages, this one promises something to appeal to any reader. There are many surprising stories in this collection, and I particularly enjoyed the contributions from Laura Silverman, Nina Moreno, and Katie Cotugno. This is a unique, genre-defying anthology that is perfect for any fan of competition and games.
Title: Game On: 15 Stories of Wins, Losses, and Everything in BetweenAuthor: Laura Silverman
Also by this author: Up All Night:13 Stories Between Sunset and Sunrise
Publisher: Philomel Books
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: January 18, 2022
Rating:
From the slightly fantastical to the utterly real, light and sweet romance to tales tinged with horror and thrills, Game On is an anthology that spans genre and style. But beneath each story is a loving ode to competition and games perfect for anyone who has ever played a sport or a board game, picked up a video game controller, or rolled a twenty-sided die.
A manhunt game is interrupted by a town disappearing beneath the players’ eyes. A puzzle-filled scavenger hunt emboldens one college freshman to be brave with the boy she’s crushing on. A series of summer nights full of card games leads a boy to fall for a boy who he knows is taken. And a spin the bottle game that could end a life-long friendship.
Fifteen stories, and fifteen unforgettable experiences that may inspire readers to start up that Settlers of Catan game again.
CONTRIBUTORS:
Gloria Chao
Sona Charaipotra
Kika Hatzopoulou
Katie Cotugno
Isaac Fitzsimons
Kathleen Glasgow
Shaun David Hutchinson
Kim Jones & Gilly Segal
Amanda Joy
Yamile Saied Méndez
Anna Meriano
Nina Moreno
Laura Silverman
Kayla Whaley
Francesca Zappia
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Game On by Laura Silverman
❀ A Wide Variety of Genres
Containing short stories by 15 authors, this anthology is centred around different types of games. Rather than just sports, the interpretation of “games” is broad, and there are stories about video games, board games, and party games as well. One of the tricky things about anthologies is that there can be a tendency for each story to feel repetitive, but I loved the way this one combats this by including a wide range of genres, from contemporary to horror. Within its pages are stories of first dates, a town that disappears, and a secret involvement with Quidditch, truly promising something of interest for every reader.
❀ Lots of Surprising Stories
I was especially impressed with the way each author interpreted the prompt of “games” differently, and many of the stories surprised me. My favourite of the collection would have to be Laura Silverman’s contribution about a girl who is planning a board game party. I appreciated the way this one comments on the sexism surrounding games, and even in the main character’s own relationship, and her fight to make this issue heard is so powerful. Also among my favourites are Nina Moreno’s adorable story about two girls who find love via a farming, Animal Crossing-esque video game and Katie Cotugno’s unique take on manhunt, which is much different from what I’ve read from her before. I always love when anthologies introduce me to new authors, and even reveal new sides of some of my favourite authors, and this one did just that!
❀ A Unique Anthology
Game On by Laura Silverman (editor) is a unique anthology about different types of games. With a wide range of games, genres, and characters, this one is sure to appeal to many readers. I especially enjoyed the stories by Laura Silverman, Nina Moreno, and Katie Cotugno, but each work within the anthology has its strengths, making it a great read for those who are looking for a fresh collection of short stories.
About Laura Silverman
Laura Silverman is an author and freelance editor and currently lives in Brooklyn, NY. She earned her MFA in Writing for Children at the New School. Her books include Girl Out of Water, You Asked for Perfect, It’s a Whole Spiel, Recommended for You, Up All Night, and the upcoming Game On. Girl Out of Water was a Junior Library Guild Selection, and You Asked for Perfect was named to best teen fiction lists by YALSA, Chicago Public Library, and the Georgia Center for the Book.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
Anthologies like this are fun. I always find new authors and sometimes even genres that I’m surprised I enjoyed. I’m glad this one was a hit for you.
Yes! It’s such a great way to try a new author! 🙂
Sounds like a great book to read! Thanks for sharing your review and have a fantastic day!
Thanks, Eva! 🙂
OMG, I love the sound of this! It’s really great how they featured all sorts of games and you really make me wanna read anthologies again.
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So much fun! 🙂
I think the wide variety in games is the thing that stands out to me the most! I wouldn’t even have thought of some of these.
Right?! It’s a really unique take on games! 🙂
This sounds like a really good book.
There’s a lot of talent involved in this book, and I love sports stories. Sounds great.
So many fantastic authors in this one! 🙂
I don’t usually read anthologies but this one seems very interesting!
It is definitely one to put on your radar! 🙂
This sounds like my kind of read! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
What a cool anthology! I’ve read a few YA ones that I’ve loved recently and this one sounds really compelling.
claire @ clairefy
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It really is! 🙂
Sounds good
Sounds like a great selection of short stories!