What do you think?
Rate this book
Backward Compatible
Not too long ago, in a town that, depending on your current location, is either not super far or actually quite close… It is a time of chaotic hormones. Two nerdy gents home for winter break have discovered a female gamer at a midnight release.
During the break, the gamer trio manages to reveal the game’s secret boss, a hidden enemy with enough power to destroy anything in its path. Pursued by other gamers who want to be the first to beat this boss, George and Katie race to level up, and, in so doing, restore decency and sexual activity to their personal galaxy…
During the break, the gamer trio manages to reveal the game’s secret boss, a hidden enemy with enough power to destroy anything in its path. Pursued by other gamers who want to be the first to beat this boss, George and Katie race to level up, and, in so doing, restore decency and sexual activity to their personal galaxy…
ebook
First published December 1, 2013
17 people are currently reading
1148 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
May 4, 2017
Geeks of the world, hold on to your Nintendos. For I am about to introduce you to one of the nerdiest books I’ve ever read: Backward Compatible. Like the blurb says, you will find no sex in here. But don’t let that for a minute deceive you into thinking you’re going to get a squeaky clean read. This book is filled with hormonal teenagers who cuss like sailors.
It’s also the love story between two geeks, and some other geeks who try to find love as well. First of all, there’s Katie, our female protagonist. She’s our gamer girl who meets George at a midnight sale for her favourite game ever. But then she realises she kind of likes George as well. Only she hasn’t had a boyfriend in forever, and dating isn’t exactly her strong suit.
She can’t really count on George to take the initiative, either.
Meet George.
He’s smooth as fuck.
But not as smooth as his best friend, Lanyon, who’s also desperately trying to find a woman to make the sex with.
Only he might need a little help.
Honestly though, Lanyon is quite possibly the best character in the book. Not only because he’s absolutely horrible and crass and the last person you’d ever want to date, but because he’s so confident in his awesomeness.
I cannot remember the last time I laughed so much at a book. Maybe during Shit My Dad Says, that was hilarious as well. But this? Wow. This is without a doubt one of the funniest books ever. The best part was, obviously, Lanyon, but there’s also the creative outlet of cuss words: “fuckaroni and cheese”, “Smaug’s dick sweat”, “balls on a jellyfish”, you get the idea. It was beautiful and poetic and I hope that my brain cell remembers these beauties so I can start using them in my daily life as well.
I once got this as an Amazon freebie and it’s been sitting on my computer for a while. I’m so glad I finally picked it up. When it comes to freebies, this is without a doubt the best kind. It’s crude, it’s nerdy, it’s ridiculous, and it’s perfect in every single way. No words will ever convey just how much I loved this book, but I tried, and I hope this review makes you want to give it a go as well.
It’s also the love story between two geeks, and some other geeks who try to find love as well. First of all, there’s Katie, our female protagonist. She’s our gamer girl who meets George at a midnight sale for her favourite game ever. But then she realises she kind of likes George as well. Only she hasn’t had a boyfriend in forever, and dating isn’t exactly her strong suit.
She can’t really count on George to take the initiative, either.
Meet George.
I get the door. Katie’s standing there, wearing stuff; it looks cute. I don’t know what the stuff is called, but it seems to work.
He’s smooth as fuck.
“I feel like twenty and pregnant is a loss, not something to brag about. I don’t want to make you pregnant, although I wouldn’t mind practicing the effort on you.” I pause. “Shit. Even Lanyon can do better than that.”
“You want to get me pregnant?” she asks.
“No, I want to do all the getting pregnant stuff, but with no kid.” She’s either not getting it or screwing with me. “Sex. As the foreigners say, I want to make the sex with you. Will you make the sex with me?”
But not as smooth as his best friend, Lanyon, who’s also desperately trying to find a woman to make the sex with.
“I want to try out a new pickup line on you guys before I say it to her.”
“Fine.” My skin is raging with heat. “What is it?”
“Here it is.” He clears his throat. “You have 243 bones in your body. Want another one?”
“No, Lanyon,” Katie says. “Do not use that.”
“What if I just tell her she has a nice Asimov?”
Only he might need a little help.
He has chosen a tasteful t-shirt with which to meet his blind date. Its message is simple and eloquent. It reads: “If you don’t like video games, then your mother is a whore.”
Honestly though, Lanyon is quite possibly the best character in the book. Not only because he’s absolutely horrible and crass and the last person you’d ever want to date, but because he’s so confident in his awesomeness.
I cannot remember the last time I laughed so much at a book. Maybe during Shit My Dad Says, that was hilarious as well. But this? Wow. This is without a doubt one of the funniest books ever. The best part was, obviously, Lanyon, but there’s also the creative outlet of cuss words: “fuckaroni and cheese”, “Smaug’s dick sweat”, “balls on a jellyfish”, you get the idea. It was beautiful and poetic and I hope that my brain cell remembers these beauties so I can start using them in my daily life as well.
I once got this as an Amazon freebie and it’s been sitting on my computer for a while. I’m so glad I finally picked it up. When it comes to freebies, this is without a doubt the best kind. It’s crude, it’s nerdy, it’s ridiculous, and it’s perfect in every single way. No words will ever convey just how much I loved this book, but I tried, and I hope this review makes you want to give it a go as well.
February 20, 2015
You know how in Super Smash Bros., your character collects damage and at a certain point, you get so weak, your opponent just whacks you with a lotus and you go flying off-screen?
K.O, bitches!
Let's apply that logic to Backwards Compatible and see what happens.
-Characters being 21 yet act like they're in high school.
I'm 21. I find it insulting that these characters do nothing but play Fatal Destiny all day. I'm not asking for a Nobel Peace Prize, but Jesus, get off your ass and do something! Go to protests! Stand up for women's rights! Throw eggs at Republicans! These arereasonably intelligent kids in college. Act your age.
Lanyon lives with his mom. Not in a necessity/filial way, but in a creepy, needy, Howard from The Big Bang Theory-like way.
-Relentless girl-on-girl hate
Don't girls get enough shit for being a female gamer? Where do you get off on labeling everyone other than yourself a vapid, slutty bitch—including your best friend.
No wonder you only have one friend, Katie.
-Dickwad love interest
George gets hung up on Katie going out with another guy even though they weren't together and she's made it very clear, numerous times that she hates the other guy's guts. Then we do the angst tango with Katie obsessing over George's offhand "You look pretty," comment, and George grunting like a caveman.
Also, this shit:
Wow, guys. I can't take off my pants fast enough. I'm practically writhing to procreate with this glorious specimen of a man.
-Numerous pop culture references
They'll become irrelevant very soon, rendering this book outdated.
-Excess dialogue
Most of the time, they were sitting around, gaming and talking. It's duller than watching a guy scream into a microphone for five hours on Youtube.
That's about as maxed out as you can get. But of course, every game has power-ups:
-Humorous, snappy writing
Humor's always a plus. No questions.
-Geeky references
They reference The Big Bang Theory. I don't care if it becomes obsolete in ten years, that stuff's gold.
Final tally: 180% damage. 3 stars. Geeky to the bone. Hold off the slut-shaming and sexist shit and it'd be perfect.
K.O, bitches!
Let's apply that logic to Backwards Compatible and see what happens.
-Characters being 21 yet act like they're in high school.
I'm 21. I find it insulting that these characters do nothing but play Fatal Destiny all day. I'm not asking for a Nobel Peace Prize, but Jesus, get off your ass and do something! Go to protests! Stand up for women's rights! Throw eggs at Republicans! These are
Lanyon lives with his mom. Not in a necessity/filial way, but in a creepy, needy, Howard from The Big Bang Theory-like way.
Damage: 77%
-Relentless girl-on-girl hate
Don't girls get enough shit for being a female gamer? Where do you get off on labeling everyone other than yourself a vapid, slutty bitch—including your best friend.
"I wish I could pinpoint when Anna's brains imploded. I think it was around the time she had sex."
No wonder you only have one friend, Katie.
Damage: 196%
-Dickwad love interest
George gets hung up on Katie going out with another guy even though they weren't together and she's made it very clear, numerous times that she hates the other guy's guts. Then we do the angst tango with Katie obsessing over George's offhand "You look pretty," comment, and George grunting like a caveman.
Also, this shit:
"I'll get raped. You're level twenty-three. I don't even have a character made yet."
"I don't speak girl," he replies.
Wow, guys. I can't take off my pants fast enough. I'm practically writhing to procreate with this glorious specimen of a man.
Damage: 253%
-Numerous pop culture references
They'll become irrelevant very soon, rendering this book outdated.
Damage: 287%
-Excess dialogue
Most of the time, they were sitting around, gaming and talking. It's duller than watching a guy scream into a microphone for five hours on Youtube.
Damage: 352%
That's about as maxed out as you can get. But of course, every game has power-ups:
-Humorous, snappy writing
Humor's always a plus. No questions.
“Do you have our frequent gamers card?”
“No.”
“Do you want to sign up for our frequent gamers card?”
“No, thank you.”
“Do you want to put ten bucks down on the pre-release of Need for Speed 53?”
“No.”
“Do you want to put money down on any other upcoming titles?”
“No.”
“Do you want to sign up for our email service to notify you of gamer news?”
“No.”
“Do you want to sign up for a subscription to Techtaphonic, our store’s magazine?”
“Good lord, no. Can I just buy the game?”
-Geeky references
They reference The Big Bang Theory. I don't care if it becomes obsolete in ten years, that stuff's gold.
Final tally: 180% damage. 3 stars. Geeky to the bone. Hold off the slut-shaming and sexist shit and it'd be perfect.
December 13, 2024
I freaking LOVED this book! Nothing will compare I had a hangover from it, had me crying I was laughing so hard and would have to take breaks just to get my composure back together. It was by far I think the best books for 2013 that I read, and I read a lot. I loved the nerdy jokes and video game talking. The banter between the characters was amazing everyone just sort of reminded of me and my high school friends just gaming and being crazy. Oh and snack runs :)
I really hope in some way this could be a movie because I pretty sure it would completely rock my socks and be pretty awesome!
The characters were great, Lanyon was probably my all time favorite just for comedy reason that guy was hilarious, then again Katie and George's bantering was pretty good as well. From front to back, cover to cover, it was just pure bliss to read.
I could gush all day but im going to leave this a smaller review.
If you love cosplay, gaming, tv/movie quoted conversations, crude humor, etc etc: This book is for u, stop now look no further this is your book of destiny :)
I really hope in some way this could be a movie because I pretty sure it would completely rock my socks and be pretty awesome!
The characters were great, Lanyon was probably my all time favorite just for comedy reason that guy was hilarious, then again Katie and George's bantering was pretty good as well. From front to back, cover to cover, it was just pure bliss to read.
I could gush all day but im going to leave this a smaller review.
If you love cosplay, gaming, tv/movie quoted conversations, crude humor, etc etc: This book is for u, stop now look no further this is your book of destiny :)
January 22, 2014
I really enjoyed this. Once it got going, I couldn't put it down and found myself laughing out loud quite a few times.
Katie and George (yes, there is a character named George, which happens to be an awesome and underrated name) are both likeable, as is the sidekick Lanyon, who reminded me of a couple of my friends in high school. Goofy and obnoxious, yet still loveable.
The love story itself is cute, awkward and authentic.
All in all, if you like video games, crude humor, and nerd culture in general, you'd probably find something to like here and I'd definitely recommend it to both guys and girls.
Katie and George (yes, there is a character named George, which happens to be an awesome and underrated name) are both likeable, as is the sidekick Lanyon, who reminded me of a couple of my friends in high school. Goofy and obnoxious, yet still loveable.
The love story itself is cute, awkward and authentic.
All in all, if you like video games, crude humor, and nerd culture in general, you'd probably find something to like here and I'd definitely recommend it to both guys and girls.
September 8, 2016
Backward Compatible. So where in the story of two completely nerdy (or is it geeky?) leads, falling in love and doing completely nerdy (or is geeky?) together does backward compatibility go? Their activities ranges from tame movie going, to the slightly more interesting cosplay to the well, then to the always hilarious moment of having Lanyon of One Lines hanging out (or hanging on?) to them.
I liked this even when I felt like I wasn’t supposed to. The jokes you see, could cross a line. And still, I laughed because Lead Guy and Lead Girl? They both were pretty simple in what made them (and me in turn) happy. Namely. a crude joke here, here and here. (in every line in this in fact.. and almost always because Lanyon was making some offhand observation of some sort or making some joke often at the expense of some one’s mother.) Plus all their game playing, though the game-speak more than likely flew by me, the way it’s made part of the story was … funny.
The single-minded way they could get when on something and then continue and continue and just continue some more sounds like something my brothers did (OK, still do) … and it’s hilarious for that very reason. It’s not just the passion for that one thing though, there’s an enthusiasm for them for a lot of the things they take part in whether pretending to be some other character, or forming sudden friendships that sprout up out of nowhere, or hell, even the passion in seeing how not like others certain someone’s are, and yes, there’s them doing for all intents and purposes nothing of value and still getting a kick out of it all the same. Really, nothing happens here. And still I laughed.
We can thank Lanyon for that… there are lot’s and lot’s of gems in this one… granted there are lots and lots of the opposite as well, but I laughed on both accounts. Now ere I being honest, the laugh a minute way things went here, could have had this book falling under the trying too hard side of things AND maybe the number of in-references that others may get and more than a few others (like me) will not get could get annoying BUT the general way things are laid out here: they work. Because what we have are two awkward protagonists finding love in the likeliest place, going on a digital adventure with a team of likeminded odd balls, some more apparently similar than a few specific others BUT it’s the “falling in love” but simplifies things.
Is that where the title’s significance springs a new them together, syncing up with the old them separately? Or is it just because of new game in question has them all come together in a hilarious fashion? One thing is clear though: this was funny.
Thank you, Net Galley!
I liked this even when I felt like I wasn’t supposed to. The jokes you see, could cross a line. And still, I laughed because Lead Guy and Lead Girl? They both were pretty simple in what made them (and me in turn) happy. Namely. a crude joke here, here and here. (in every line in this in fact.. and almost always because Lanyon was making some offhand observation of some sort or making some joke often at the expense of some one’s mother.) Plus all their game playing, though the game-speak more than likely flew by me, the way it’s made part of the story was … funny.
The single-minded way they could get when on something and then continue and continue and just continue some more sounds like something my brothers did (OK, still do) … and it’s hilarious for that very reason. It’s not just the passion for that one thing though, there’s an enthusiasm for them for a lot of the things they take part in whether pretending to be some other character, or forming sudden friendships that sprout up out of nowhere, or hell, even the passion in seeing how not like others certain someone’s are, and yes, there’s them doing for all intents and purposes nothing of value and still getting a kick out of it all the same. Really, nothing happens here. And still I laughed.
We can thank Lanyon for that… there are lot’s and lot’s of gems in this one… granted there are lots and lots of the opposite as well, but I laughed on both accounts. Now ere I being honest, the laugh a minute way things went here, could have had this book falling under the trying too hard side of things AND maybe the number of in-references that others may get and more than a few others (like me) will not get could get annoying BUT the general way things are laid out here: they work. Because what we have are two awkward protagonists finding love in the likeliest place, going on a digital adventure with a team of likeminded odd balls, some more apparently similar than a few specific others BUT it’s the “falling in love” but simplifies things.
Is that where the title’s significance springs a new them together, syncing up with the old them separately? Or is it just because of new game in question has them all come together in a hilarious fashion? One thing is clear though: this was funny.
Thank you, Net Galley!
December 16, 2013
What did I take away from Backward Compatible by Sarah Daltry & Pete Clark? A good old fashioned romance can still be written.
If you haven’t noticed, there’s a craze in books lately. Sex. And more sex. And even more sex. The plot typically goes that a young woman meets an older man that has nightmares about sexual abuse and this girl falls in love with him and they have sex every other page of the book. You’ve read them – so have I. Backward Compatible is the complete opposite of those books.
The authors will warn you that there is NO SEX in this book. There really isn’t. There’s lots of swearing, lots of game play, and lots of young romance. You know, those awkward moments between a boy and a girl where they can’t admit to each other that they like each other – like really, like LIKE each other, and they steal looks at one another and just want to spend time together. This book is about those moments.
I’ll admit it – I’m not a gamer. Unless Candy Crush counts, which I know it doesn’t :-) That is made clear by the reference to the game in the book! However, advertised as a GEEK ROMANCE, I couldn’t wait to read this book. Since I am not a gamer, a lot of the references may or may not have gone over my head, but that didn’t matter. I laughed throughout this book. I enjoyed the romance. I KNEW the characters. I had many favorite parts in this book, but my absolute favorite part was when Katie, one of the main characters, cried. Yes. That was my favorite part. She was real in that moment. Despite her tough, I don’t care exterior, she was real.
I read this book over the weekend. It’s a quick read and it’s fun. You’ll love it! And, since it takes place over Christmas, still a holiday read!
If you haven’t noticed, there’s a craze in books lately. Sex. And more sex. And even more sex. The plot typically goes that a young woman meets an older man that has nightmares about sexual abuse and this girl falls in love with him and they have sex every other page of the book. You’ve read them – so have I. Backward Compatible is the complete opposite of those books.
The authors will warn you that there is NO SEX in this book. There really isn’t. There’s lots of swearing, lots of game play, and lots of young romance. You know, those awkward moments between a boy and a girl where they can’t admit to each other that they like each other – like really, like LIKE each other, and they steal looks at one another and just want to spend time together. This book is about those moments.
I’ll admit it – I’m not a gamer. Unless Candy Crush counts, which I know it doesn’t :-) That is made clear by the reference to the game in the book! However, advertised as a GEEK ROMANCE, I couldn’t wait to read this book. Since I am not a gamer, a lot of the references may or may not have gone over my head, but that didn’t matter. I laughed throughout this book. I enjoyed the romance. I KNEW the characters. I had many favorite parts in this book, but my absolute favorite part was when Katie, one of the main characters, cried. Yes. That was my favorite part. She was real in that moment. Despite her tough, I don’t care exterior, she was real.
I read this book over the weekend. It’s a quick read and it’s fun. You’ll love it! And, since it takes place over Christmas, still a holiday read!
December 21, 2013
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance, NA
Received from: Amazon purchase
Recommended for: 14+ (mature teens and up)
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTE (yes, I'm a math nerd)
"Jeff brings me to Chili's. I hate Chili's.
As part of the transitive property, I now hate Jeff."
Katie – Backward Compatible.
Used with permission from Sarah Daltry
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, Geek Romance – No, this is not an oxymoron. Finally, a story for those of us who are not the cheerleader/football captains of the world. I’m so old, that we didn’t have gamers, but we were still geeks, nerds, brainiacs – any of these sound familiar to you? In some schools it is “band geeks” or “drama nerds.” This story is a reminder that we’re all looking for our own HEA, with the weird that matches our own. Hope you find yours, whether he is Prince Charming, or she is Princess Toadstool, or even if your weird is Leisure Suit Larry!
This story is absolutely, freaking hilarious. The characters were all well-developed and full of personality. This will be my go-to book when I need a pick-me-up in life. I loved this book so much that I purchased a copy to gift to my son before I was even half-way through it myself. He is going to love it; he is even more of a gamer than I am. Best news is Sara and Pete are going to try to collaborate something else for us.
Received from: Amazon purchase
Recommended for: 14+ (mature teens and up)
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTE (yes, I'm a math nerd)
"Jeff brings me to Chili's. I hate Chili's.
As part of the transitive property, I now hate Jeff."
Katie – Backward Compatible.
Used with permission from Sarah Daltry
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, Geek Romance – No, this is not an oxymoron. Finally, a story for those of us who are not the cheerleader/football captains of the world. I’m so old, that we didn’t have gamers, but we were still geeks, nerds, brainiacs – any of these sound familiar to you? In some schools it is “band geeks” or “drama nerds.” This story is a reminder that we’re all looking for our own HEA, with the weird that matches our own. Hope you find yours, whether he is Prince Charming, or she is Princess Toadstool, or even if your weird is Leisure Suit Larry!
This story is absolutely, freaking hilarious. The characters were all well-developed and full of personality. This will be my go-to book when I need a pick-me-up in life. I loved this book so much that I purchased a copy to gift to my son before I was even half-way through it myself. He is going to love it; he is even more of a gamer than I am. Best news is Sara and Pete are going to try to collaborate something else for us.
September 30, 2015
{my thoughts} – Where do I start? Should I start at the end? I’m not sure. Katie and George meet at the midnight release of a new game. This whole book is based on that game and how it is entwined in their lives, however, aside from the game being a main part of the book so is their blossoming relationship.
This book was exceptionally well written. The banter between the characters is so well written you may want to re-read some of the lines to make sure you read what you read. You will undoubtedly laugh throughout the entire book. I don’t think a book has ever made me laugh so much before which makes this book so awesome.
This book if I had a rating of more then 5 Giraffes would be really high up there. It is everything that I have been wanting to read in a book and more. It is about the geeky side of life, the gaming side of life, and the romance side of life all rolled together into a book. It’s interesting because when I first met my husband he introduced me to an MMO called EverQuest. That game helped to bring him and I closer. This book sort of reminds me of him and I.
I love the references of Zelda in this book. I am a Zelda fan and those were not lost on me one bit. I didn’t quite follow many of the other references though because I have not heard of or played some of the games. But alas that did not matter because it was so well written it just didn’t matter, it all blended together perfectly, wonderfully and magnificently well.
I didn’t want this book to end. Once I started reading it I got to Level 5 and I had to put it down, then I paced myself. I didn’t want to finish the book. I wanted this book to last forever. I know books end and new ones are written but I have to say this one really needs a sequel like the second the first one ended. I have never dealt with a book hangover like this before and I want more. I want much more.
This is by far the best book I have read in 2013. It is my number one favorite book for the year. I have read a ton of books this year and this is my favorite which is pure awesome sauce! :}
This book was exceptionally well written. The banter between the characters is so well written you may want to re-read some of the lines to make sure you read what you read. You will undoubtedly laugh throughout the entire book. I don’t think a book has ever made me laugh so much before which makes this book so awesome.
This book if I had a rating of more then 5 Giraffes would be really high up there. It is everything that I have been wanting to read in a book and more. It is about the geeky side of life, the gaming side of life, and the romance side of life all rolled together into a book. It’s interesting because when I first met my husband he introduced me to an MMO called EverQuest. That game helped to bring him and I closer. This book sort of reminds me of him and I.
I love the references of Zelda in this book. I am a Zelda fan and those were not lost on me one bit. I didn’t quite follow many of the other references though because I have not heard of or played some of the games. But alas that did not matter because it was so well written it just didn’t matter, it all blended together perfectly, wonderfully and magnificently well.
I didn’t want this book to end. Once I started reading it I got to Level 5 and I had to put it down, then I paced myself. I didn’t want to finish the book. I wanted this book to last forever. I know books end and new ones are written but I have to say this one really needs a sequel like the second the first one ended. I have never dealt with a book hangover like this before and I want more. I want much more.
This is by far the best book I have read in 2013. It is my number one favorite book for the year. I have read a ton of books this year and this is my favorite which is pure awesome sauce! :}
February 15, 2014
Review based on an ARC received from www.netgalley.com
Katie and George meet after a brief scuffle over the last copy of the hottest new video game they waited in line all night long to purchase. Both certified geeks, will they overcome their awkwardness and find love, even if they are constantly blocked by video game playing and their equally geeky friends?
Cute story, but I often forgot these were 20 year olds in college and not high school students. Katie, George, and their friends are on winter break, but none of them have jobs. The also all live with their parents and need to constantly ask mom for money. I guess this is reality for some people, but not one character has a job?
They also seem to never be able to leave their 'best friends' behind, and the making out with others in the room is so high school I can't even stand it. If you are 20 something and HAVE NO JOB you can find time and places to be alone (and not have to go parking).
The word "douche" was also used to a bit of an excess. I'm no prude in the cussing department, but with all of the other creative geeky references I think we could find some better filth. The sex, the brief amount inferred, also not too sexy, but hey, these are awkward people so it is to be expected.
I think this would have been much better scaled down to high school age characters and for a bit of younger audience. The geeky references definitely hit home for someone of my generation (I'm 30) and I did get chuckles, but I much preferred Ready Player One by Ernest Cline for story, romance, and content.
Katie and George meet after a brief scuffle over the last copy of the hottest new video game they waited in line all night long to purchase. Both certified geeks, will they overcome their awkwardness and find love, even if they are constantly blocked by video game playing and their equally geeky friends?
Cute story, but I often forgot these were 20 year olds in college and not high school students. Katie, George, and their friends are on winter break, but none of them have jobs. The also all live with their parents and need to constantly ask mom for money. I guess this is reality for some people, but not one character has a job?
They also seem to never be able to leave their 'best friends' behind, and the making out with others in the room is so high school I can't even stand it. If you are 20 something and HAVE NO JOB you can find time and places to be alone (and not have to go parking).
The word "douche" was also used to a bit of an excess. I'm no prude in the cussing department, but with all of the other creative geeky references I think we could find some better filth. The sex, the brief amount inferred, also not too sexy, but hey, these are awkward people so it is to be expected.
I think this would have been much better scaled down to high school age characters and for a bit of younger audience. The geeky references definitely hit home for someone of my generation (I'm 30) and I did get chuckles, but I much preferred Ready Player One by Ernest Cline for story, romance, and content.
February 3, 2014
Well, I won't have to worry about racking my brain for gift ideas for most of my friends this year. I'll be buying a dozen copies of Backward Compatible.
From the first page, the story will grab you, and keep you entertained until the end. If time permitted, I could have easily finished this in one sitting. I'd had it in my queue all month and after the first chapter I shamed myself for waiting so long to start such an awesome ode to nerd/geek culture.
Flip to any page in this book and you will find something that will make you laugh out loud, or at least groan because you know someone who has said or done something identical to what you are reading.
The plot went at a good pace, and even through all the scenes describing game play, I never got bored. I honestly didn't think I was going to like the in game scenes, but I found it was interesting to experience it with the characters.
A refreshing change from what I normally find, all the characters in the book are well written and likeable. Every single one has their own personality and all their interactions enhance the story. The romance in the book between George and Katie is light and sweet, perfect for this book.
If you like The Guild, Big Bang Theory, anything Joss Whedon, play WoW or something similar, you will probably really like this book. If none of these things sound like something you like, I'd probably skip it.
From the first page, the story will grab you, and keep you entertained until the end. If time permitted, I could have easily finished this in one sitting. I'd had it in my queue all month and after the first chapter I shamed myself for waiting so long to start such an awesome ode to nerd/geek culture.
Flip to any page in this book and you will find something that will make you laugh out loud, or at least groan because you know someone who has said or done something identical to what you are reading.
The plot went at a good pace, and even through all the scenes describing game play, I never got bored. I honestly didn't think I was going to like the in game scenes, but I found it was interesting to experience it with the characters.
A refreshing change from what I normally find, all the characters in the book are well written and likeable. Every single one has their own personality and all their interactions enhance the story. The romance in the book between George and Katie is light and sweet, perfect for this book.
If you like The Guild, Big Bang Theory, anything Joss Whedon, play WoW or something similar, you will probably really like this book. If none of these things sound like something you like, I'd probably skip it.
December 18, 2013
Laugh-out-loud FUNNY! Hilarious 1-Liners! A must read!
First I would like to say this is the funniest book I have EVER read. I could not stop laughing, the tears from my laughing would hinder my reading and I would have to take a moment to contain myself. The one liner’s that the characters would spit out on command were down right laugh-out-loud hysterical!
I am not a gamer by any means, unless you consider Super Nintendo Mario a gamer. However, a geek/gamer romance I thought would be something new and fun to read! Boy was I wrong, it was AWESOME!
George and Katie are two very avid gamers that meet while fighting for the same game at a midnight opening! If you think this is a love at first sight story, you are wrong…it is more of an “I will kill you at first sight, if you don’t give me my damn game story!” LOL! The two immediately think the other is “interesting” (I use this word, because sexy is not the correct word) but there was a game to purchase and start playing.
George and Katie eventually run into each other again and end up becoming friends and playing hours of Fatal Destiny X. Eventually their friends turns into more, which does not happen without a lot of interruptions from Lanyon (who is so funny).
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but this is a must read! You will laugh uncontrollably and will not want it to end!
First I would like to say this is the funniest book I have EVER read. I could not stop laughing, the tears from my laughing would hinder my reading and I would have to take a moment to contain myself. The one liner’s that the characters would spit out on command were down right laugh-out-loud hysterical!
I am not a gamer by any means, unless you consider Super Nintendo Mario a gamer. However, a geek/gamer romance I thought would be something new and fun to read! Boy was I wrong, it was AWESOME!
George and Katie are two very avid gamers that meet while fighting for the same game at a midnight opening! If you think this is a love at first sight story, you are wrong…it is more of an “I will kill you at first sight, if you don’t give me my damn game story!” LOL! The two immediately think the other is “interesting” (I use this word, because sexy is not the correct word) but there was a game to purchase and start playing.
George and Katie eventually run into each other again and end up becoming friends and playing hours of Fatal Destiny X. Eventually their friends turns into more, which does not happen without a lot of interruptions from Lanyon (who is so funny).
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but this is a must read! You will laugh uncontrollably and will not want it to end!
February 13, 2014
This book is a must read. I was so swept away and taken back to my early twenties. Yet this book is more than just a bunch of really great references in the wonderful/cringe worthy gaming/geek cultural ...it is all about the depth of the characters. They are a bunch of young adults trying to navigate this crazy world as they set their own lines in the sand.
The most important thing I have taken away from this book is how real the people are. I cheered for the two leads, agreed with the secondary players, and hated the mean ones...I cared for each and everyone of the characters. For the time it took me to read this delightful tale, I was along for the ride the entire time.
I feel everyone who has ever had a hard time coming to terms with who are in this world should read this book. It speaks to the place where our feelings live.
I would be careless if I didn't say the sub-gaming plot is so much fun. So please read this book and remember all the fun you had as a young adult...and if you are currently trekking through young adult...I promise there is gold at the end of the rainbow...read the book...you are not alone in your journey. :)
The most important thing I have taken away from this book is how real the people are. I cheered for the two leads, agreed with the secondary players, and hated the mean ones...I cared for each and everyone of the characters. For the time it took me to read this delightful tale, I was along for the ride the entire time.
I feel everyone who has ever had a hard time coming to terms with who are in this world should read this book. It speaks to the place where our feelings live.
I would be careless if I didn't say the sub-gaming plot is so much fun. So please read this book and remember all the fun you had as a young adult...and if you are currently trekking through young adult...I promise there is gold at the end of the rainbow...read the book...you are not alone in your journey. :)
March 18, 2014
Loved it to bits and bytes!
This is the kind of book you postpone finishing, because you don’t want to escape from its universe.
The main characters positively ooze with geekiness, and I say this in the best possible way (as if there is any other). They are not the nerdy pimple faced goblins whose fingers can summon the babality mudra for all MK players. Alright, they totally know how to do that, and they also know what an Activision is, but the point is they are not goblins, okay!
They are witty, vocabulary-gurus, smart-verging-on-intellectual, not-too-shabby-looking young people who discover that love does not go against the game, but rather makes the game even better. If this book were an RPG, I would love playing all of them.
There isn’t much of a plot, and to be honest, the story doesn’t really need one. Okay, there obviously is a plot, but it stays in the background, letting the characters shine instead. This gives the story a very life-like dimension, making the immersive experience even better.
Geek humour, gaming references, dirty-nerdy language, POV, obscure cultural references?
Yes, please! I want some more!
This is the kind of book you postpone finishing, because you don’t want to escape from its universe.
The main characters positively ooze with geekiness, and I say this in the best possible way (as if there is any other). They are not the nerdy pimple faced goblins whose fingers can summon the babality mudra for all MK players. Alright, they totally know how to do that, and they also know what an Activision is, but the point is they are not goblins, okay!
They are witty, vocabulary-gurus, smart-verging-on-intellectual, not-too-shabby-looking young people who discover that love does not go against the game, but rather makes the game even better. If this book were an RPG, I would love playing all of them.
There isn’t much of a plot, and to be honest, the story doesn’t really need one. Okay, there obviously is a plot, but it stays in the background, letting the characters shine instead. This gives the story a very life-like dimension, making the immersive experience even better.
Geek humour, gaming references, dirty-nerdy language, POV, obscure cultural references?
Yes, please! I want some more!
January 7, 2014
This is an incredibly fun book for those of us who are or have been gamers*. The gamer and geek references abound in this fun little romance. I grinned my way through the story and laughed aloud several times. The dialogue is well written, realistic, and hilarious. Fun. Fun. Fun.
*If you have never been to a midnight release, dressed in cosplay, obsessed over a video game or sprinkled (poured?) book/TV/movie quotes into everyday conversation, this book is probably not something you'd enjoy. ;)
*If you have never been to a midnight release, dressed in cosplay, obsessed over a video game or sprinkled (poured?) book/TV/movie quotes into everyday conversation, this book is probably not something you'd enjoy. ;)
Read
July 25, 2014Review removed
January 26, 2014
More reviews at Mrs. ReaderPants.
IF THIS BOOK WERE FOOD, IT WOULD BE: Sour Patch Kids. A burst of flavor from sour beginning to sweet, satisfying end.
REVIEW: Egads, but this is a cute book. I devoured it in one sitting, laughing out loud frequently and soaking up tons of pop culture references from the past 40 years. I loved the characters' witty banter, but I adored the various pop culture quotes and references ranging from The Princess Bride to Army of Darkness to The Big Bang Theory to Shakespeare. I know I didn't even get them all, but that's the beauty of this book. There is something for everyone.
I loved the romance and the friendships that develop throughout the story. There is some minor bullying, but I think the characters dish it out more than they actually experience it. This one poor fellow keeps trying to game with the group, and they keep purposely killing his character because they don't like him. Yes, he's a royal jerk who can't take a hint, but that's still not nice.
The alternating voices, written by two authors, work so perfectly for this story. I especially loved the Easter play from 5th grade. Who doesn't have an embarrassing video from the past lurking around in some closet somewhere? And the 1970s Star Wars holiday video? I'm totally going to have to locate one of those!
As a non-gamer, the gaming scenes go on a bit too long for me. They are well-written, but after awhile, I started losing interest and skimming.
Some reviewers classify this as YA, but with 21-year old college-attending characters, I would say it's more new adult than young adult. True to the blurb, there is no sex, but there are lots and lots and lots of sexual jokes and banter. There are comments about erections and boobies and getting laid. Plenty of language as well. I think high schoolers would love this book, but consider yourselves forewarned.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Super-cute, laugh-out-loud funny, tons of pop culture references from the 70s through today. What's not to love?
STATUS IN MY LIBRARY: It's way too mature for middle school, but high schoolers would love it. Adults, too.
READALIKES: Eleanor & Park (Rowell); Dash & Lily's Book of Dares (Levithan/Cohn)
RATING BREAKDOWN:
Overall: 5/5
Creativity: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Engrossing: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Appeal to teens: 4/5--non-gamers may find the gaming scenes go on too long
Appropriate length to tell the story: 5/5
CONTENT:
Language: very high--nothing off the table here
Sexuality: medium--kissing, lots of crude sexual jokes, but it's all talk
Violence: very mild--video game violence
Drugs/Alcohol: very mild--a stranger asks for weed in a theater
July 21, 2014
As a female who plays video games (I hate the term "girl gamer"), I should be offended by a lot of the things that happen in this book; after all, a girl uses her cleavage to her advantage in the very first chapter. While I definitely hated all the ridiculous stereotypes this book is filled with, I have to admit that this book did have an original twist on boy meets girl and romance.
First off, let me say if you aren't what some would call a nerd, you will not understand this book, much less enjoy it. There are references to nerd culture, video games, movies, books, and the like in practically every line. I would call myself a geek, and there were some parts even I didn't understand. This is one thing that massively bothered me, actually: every single character in this book has snarky, geeky comments to make, which are basically the only things that come out of their mouths. The main characters sounded more like 12 and 13 year olds with all the raunchy insults they were throwing around, and that is not good because they are supposed to be in college.
Let's talk a little about our main characters. Katie, George, and Lanyon are home during their respective semester breaks. Katie is a loner who would rather spend her time leveling up than dressing up. George and Lanyon are lifelong best friends who probably (definitely) spend way too much time together, to the chagrin of both their love lives. All three of these people are at the game store waiting on the midnight release of the hottest new MMORPG. When Katie and George both grab for the last copy of the game, it's not exactly a love at first sight moment. But as they spend more time together both in the real world and the online gaming one, sparks slowly start to fly and they begin dating--even if Lanyon is tagging along for every one.
As I said, this book is chock full of gamer stereotypes, so many so that I have to wonder if the authors are even gamers themselves. The characters in this novel subsist on Mountain Dew, Snickers, and Denny's, and regularly stay up for more than 24 hours at a time in front of their consoles. Not only does this sound more like the behavior of teenagers than college students, but I feel like these kids' parents would not be letting them get away with these kinds of things during their time at home and the holiday season. Maybe I'm just a pragmatist since I'm a parent myself.
The best thing about the book is that Katie and George's courtship was so sweet and unique. They both really have no romantic backgrounds and no idea how to let one another know how they really feel. But, they try their best, and with the help (and hindrance) of their friends they come together without the ton of drama that YA and NA romances usually have.
I think this may be best suited for an audience a bit younger than me, though I'm glad I had the chance to read a refreshing romance for a change.
First off, let me say if you aren't what some would call a nerd, you will not understand this book, much less enjoy it. There are references to nerd culture, video games, movies, books, and the like in practically every line. I would call myself a geek, and there were some parts even I didn't understand. This is one thing that massively bothered me, actually: every single character in this book has snarky, geeky comments to make, which are basically the only things that come out of their mouths. The main characters sounded more like 12 and 13 year olds with all the raunchy insults they were throwing around, and that is not good because they are supposed to be in college.
Let's talk a little about our main characters. Katie, George, and Lanyon are home during their respective semester breaks. Katie is a loner who would rather spend her time leveling up than dressing up. George and Lanyon are lifelong best friends who probably (definitely) spend way too much time together, to the chagrin of both their love lives. All three of these people are at the game store waiting on the midnight release of the hottest new MMORPG. When Katie and George both grab for the last copy of the game, it's not exactly a love at first sight moment. But as they spend more time together both in the real world and the online gaming one, sparks slowly start to fly and they begin dating--even if Lanyon is tagging along for every one.
As I said, this book is chock full of gamer stereotypes, so many so that I have to wonder if the authors are even gamers themselves. The characters in this novel subsist on Mountain Dew, Snickers, and Denny's, and regularly stay up for more than 24 hours at a time in front of their consoles. Not only does this sound more like the behavior of teenagers than college students, but I feel like these kids' parents would not be letting them get away with these kinds of things during their time at home and the holiday season. Maybe I'm just a pragmatist since I'm a parent myself.
The best thing about the book is that Katie and George's courtship was so sweet and unique. They both really have no romantic backgrounds and no idea how to let one another know how they really feel. But, they try their best, and with the help (and hindrance) of their friends they come together without the ton of drama that YA and NA romances usually have.
I think this may be best suited for an audience a bit younger than me, though I'm glad I had the chance to read a refreshing romance for a change.
January 16, 2015
This review and more can be found at The A P Book Club
*I received this book as an eARC from SDE Press, LLC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
If you're familiar with geek/gamer culture, and are looking for something light and fun to read, this is seriously the perfect book for you. Everything about this book is fantastic, and I'm pretty sure that I've found my favorite book of 2014 (and it's only January). It's definitely my favorite Ya contemporary romance of all time. It's that good.
I really just want to fangirl so hard about this book, because there's really no words for how spectacular it is. I mean, everything about it is just perfect. Even the chapters - they're labelled as "Level 1" and so on. And GET THIS - there's even a BOSS LEVEL. I'm telling you, it's incredible how geeky this book is.
One of my favorite things about this book, other than all of the fantastic references (seriously, everything from Shakespeare to Tolkien to Portal to Firefly), is that even though it's presented as a romance, and it is, these characters have so much more depth to them. Even the ones who are flighty and don't seem like they have any personality are much deeper and have hidden sides that eventually come out. These kids (well, not really kids. Young adults. They're in their twenties) are real and personable and relateable and everything a good character should be.
This book deals with so many things, and I am just blown away by how well it does that. It deals with socially awkward kids who don't have many friends, with couples who are clingy and seem like all they do is hang all over each other, bad dates, good dates, insecurities, friendship, and even how bullying affects people. I definitely spent most of the time laughing, but there are some serious parts and I totally felt for Katie and George and their friends.
I could honestly go on and on and on about how much I love this book, but really you should just experience it for yourself. Especially if you're fluent in geek, because it makes this book so much better to understand all of the references. It's fun and nerdy and age appropriate and everything an excellent contemporary romance should be. I made the mistake of starting it before going to bed, and I literally could not put it down. 5/5 for sure! I wish there were more books like this one out there.
*I received this book as an eARC from SDE Press, LLC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
If you're familiar with geek/gamer culture, and are looking for something light and fun to read, this is seriously the perfect book for you. Everything about this book is fantastic, and I'm pretty sure that I've found my favorite book of 2014 (and it's only January). It's definitely my favorite Ya contemporary romance of all time. It's that good.
I really just want to fangirl so hard about this book, because there's really no words for how spectacular it is. I mean, everything about it is just perfect. Even the chapters - they're labelled as "Level 1" and so on. And GET THIS - there's even a BOSS LEVEL. I'm telling you, it's incredible how geeky this book is.
One of my favorite things about this book, other than all of the fantastic references (seriously, everything from Shakespeare to Tolkien to Portal to Firefly), is that even though it's presented as a romance, and it is, these characters have so much more depth to them. Even the ones who are flighty and don't seem like they have any personality are much deeper and have hidden sides that eventually come out. These kids (well, not really kids. Young adults. They're in their twenties) are real and personable and relateable and everything a good character should be.
This book deals with so many things, and I am just blown away by how well it does that. It deals with socially awkward kids who don't have many friends, with couples who are clingy and seem like all they do is hang all over each other, bad dates, good dates, insecurities, friendship, and even how bullying affects people. I definitely spent most of the time laughing, but there are some serious parts and I totally felt for Katie and George and their friends.
I could honestly go on and on and on about how much I love this book, but really you should just experience it for yourself. Especially if you're fluent in geek, because it makes this book so much better to understand all of the references. It's fun and nerdy and age appropriate and everything an excellent contemporary romance should be. I made the mistake of starting it before going to bed, and I literally could not put it down. 5/5 for sure! I wish there were more books like this one out there.
December 11, 2014
Backward Compatible is the language of my people. Since Spyro came onto the scene, I've been a gamer. Console, PC; doesn't matter. Just give me a good storyline and something to kill. I knew I'd love Backward Compatible on premise alone. I didn't realize that I would feel such a connection to the story and characters that I was sad whenever I reached the last page. I need more Katie and George in my life. Hell, I'll even put up with Lanyon to do so.
Can we talk about Katie? I am Katie. Her dizzying addiction to video games and penchant for social awkwardness? That's me in a nutshell. Katie was such an honest character. So was George. The authors weren't apologetic in portraying these characters realistically, and I love them for it. Constantly reading about swoon-worthy guys and perfect heroines gets tiring. Having Katie and George was a much needed dose of reality. Their romance was amazing, too. It wasn't a kiss in the rain, instalove, we're perfect. It was awkward, unsure at times, and absolutely authentic. Geez. I love them.
Not only were the characters great, but the whole book was. It's filled with nods to geek culture that I appreciated. The chapters are titled as levels. I audibly squealed whenever I saw the last chapter was titled Boss Level. It was epic. And the writing. Both of these authors were phenomenal writers.
There are so many things that make Backward Compatible amazing. I could sit here and go on and on about it. It's just that good. One simply does not identify as a geek, gamer, or nerd without reading Backward Compatible.
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.
January 2, 2014
Backward Compatible: A Geek Love Story by Sarah Daltry and Pete Clark
This book is unlike Sarah Daltry's other books, but is still exceptionally well written, with characters that are very realistic, lives that resonate with the reader and life activities that are amusing, especially if you are a gamer or are familiar with the gaming lifestyle. The primary characters, George and Katie, meet at a midnight game opening at a game store when they both grab the last copy of a new game. Through her sly gamer-based feminine wiles (you must read the book to see what I mean), Katie manages to finagle the game for herself. George is left holding the bag. From that austere beginning, a tenuous "relationship" of sorts was born.
The secondary characters are as entertaining as the two primary characters, something rare in most fiction. Daltry and Clark manage this in a way that seems almost absurdly easy. These characters are hilarious and profoundly necessary to the success of the story as a whole.
If you're looking for a passionate sex-based relationship with sweaty sex scenes and thigh clenching descriptions of coital action - look elsewhere. If you want a fun read, with intelligent conversation between characters, amusing dialogue, and full-fledged geekiness. This is the book for you. Backward Compatible explores emotions in a way that is realistic, funny, sometimes painful, but always worthwhile.
I would have awarded the book the total five stars, but I'm not a gamer girl, sadly, so I was occasionally lost on some of the gamer action... I hate to ding a book based on my own ignorance, but it did affect ease of reading sometimes. Perhaps a glossary of terms could help those of us not blessed with gamer intelligence. For the most part, Daltry and Clark managed to convey the heart of the action without losing those of us not blessed with full-fledged geekiness. I hope you take a few hours a read Daltry and Clark’s Backward Compatible: A Geek Love Story. I thought it rocked.
This book is unlike Sarah Daltry's other books, but is still exceptionally well written, with characters that are very realistic, lives that resonate with the reader and life activities that are amusing, especially if you are a gamer or are familiar with the gaming lifestyle. The primary characters, George and Katie, meet at a midnight game opening at a game store when they both grab the last copy of a new game. Through her sly gamer-based feminine wiles (you must read the book to see what I mean), Katie manages to finagle the game for herself. George is left holding the bag. From that austere beginning, a tenuous "relationship" of sorts was born.
The secondary characters are as entertaining as the two primary characters, something rare in most fiction. Daltry and Clark manage this in a way that seems almost absurdly easy. These characters are hilarious and profoundly necessary to the success of the story as a whole.
If you're looking for a passionate sex-based relationship with sweaty sex scenes and thigh clenching descriptions of coital action - look elsewhere. If you want a fun read, with intelligent conversation between characters, amusing dialogue, and full-fledged geekiness. This is the book for you. Backward Compatible explores emotions in a way that is realistic, funny, sometimes painful, but always worthwhile.
I would have awarded the book the total five stars, but I'm not a gamer girl, sadly, so I was occasionally lost on some of the gamer action... I hate to ding a book based on my own ignorance, but it did affect ease of reading sometimes. Perhaps a glossary of terms could help those of us not blessed with gamer intelligence. For the most part, Daltry and Clark managed to convey the heart of the action without losing those of us not blessed with full-fledged geekiness. I hope you take a few hours a read Daltry and Clark’s Backward Compatible: A Geek Love Story. I thought it rocked.
January 20, 2014
Bah ha ha! Oh my! Being a bit of a gamer chick myself I knew I had to check this one out the moment I saw it. When I read the description stating that there was no sex, and that it was YA I was a little hesitant to read it right away because I just have not been in the mood for mild YA romance. But this isn't YA, the characters are in college, thus making it NA. And the innocence level I thought would be fairly high here, really isn't all that high. There's no censor on the story really. I love that!
I will say at times the level of geekiness got almost painful. Some things George would say or do I almost wanted to smack him. And two semi-grown men (really just 20-something old guys) smacking each other in the testicles however really did not seem all that realistic to me. Even for geeks. That I think was the biggest issue I had with the realistic aspects of this story. Overall though most of the story felt very realistic.
With the bad out of the way, let's get onto the good. The characters are freaking funny! Seynar almost instantly popped into my head as the equivalent to J.P. from Grandma's Boy. I even pictured him played by Joel David Moore. It's rare for me to have instant character casting like that. And that might sound like the story is less original, but really that's not the case. This is the ONLY story I have seen that's a love story between two very geeky video gamers.
Gems like this don't pop up everyday. The comedy I found to be exceptional (I actually laughed! Not just a smirk, not "LOL" when not a peep was made. I mean a real laugh.) and actually quite relatable. I've never gone as extreme as to Cosplay such as these characters have, but nonetheless I could relate. I will caution you however, if you are not much of a video game fan, you will probably not be as enthralled by this story as I was. But you might still get a bit of enjoyment out of it from the comedy alone.
I will say at times the level of geekiness got almost painful. Some things George would say or do I almost wanted to smack him. And two semi-grown men (really just 20-something old guys) smacking each other in the testicles however really did not seem all that realistic to me. Even for geeks. That I think was the biggest issue I had with the realistic aspects of this story. Overall though most of the story felt very realistic.
With the bad out of the way, let's get onto the good. The characters are freaking funny! Seynar almost instantly popped into my head as the equivalent to J.P. from Grandma's Boy. I even pictured him played by Joel David Moore. It's rare for me to have instant character casting like that. And that might sound like the story is less original, but really that's not the case. This is the ONLY story I have seen that's a love story between two very geeky video gamers.
Gems like this don't pop up everyday. The comedy I found to be exceptional (I actually laughed! Not just a smirk, not "LOL" when not a peep was made. I mean a real laugh.) and actually quite relatable. I've never gone as extreme as to Cosplay such as these characters have, but nonetheless I could relate. I will caution you however, if you are not much of a video game fan, you will probably not be as enthralled by this story as I was. But you might still get a bit of enjoyment out of it from the comedy alone.
December 24, 2013
You don't have to be a geek or gamer to love Backward Compatible. It's pure comedic entertainment for anyone who needs a great laugh. I was cracking up from basically the front end content before Level One all the way through to the last word. It was perfect hilarity. I LOVED it!
This book was unique and clever in so many ways. From the perspective of a gamer it kind of made me squee over and over again. Some of the references made me so happy I was literally gushing to my gamer husband about it, the guy who usually wants nothing to do with the romance novels I read. I found myself constantly showing him excerpts from this book, and I think he secretly enjoyed every single bit of it. I may even get him to read it someday. It's a high-level quest I may never complete, but I've at least accepted it!
As a recovering MMO addict I can relate to a lot of the story. Wow, did it bring back memories of long days and nights of grinding out levels and camping named and running seemingly hopeless raids on mobs we'd keep throwing ourselves at over and over until we'd finally beat them. It may be a shock to the rest of the world, but yes, there are people out there who live like this, and yes, they have a great time and meet fantastic people while doing it. They are the geeks and gamers of the world, and I'd like to think they're proud of it. I certainly am, anyway.~
Thank you Sarah and Pete for not being afraid to go there in this story. I love that you embraced your inner nerd to write this, from the plot to the characters to the acronyms to all the random references that make being geeky fun.
And it is fun. Just like this book.
Just do it. Don't even take time to think about it. Just click buy and read it so you can squee with me.
This book was unique and clever in so many ways. From the perspective of a gamer it kind of made me squee over and over again. Some of the references made me so happy I was literally gushing to my gamer husband about it, the guy who usually wants nothing to do with the romance novels I read. I found myself constantly showing him excerpts from this book, and I think he secretly enjoyed every single bit of it. I may even get him to read it someday. It's a high-level quest I may never complete, but I've at least accepted it!
As a recovering MMO addict I can relate to a lot of the story. Wow, did it bring back memories of long days and nights of grinding out levels and camping named and running seemingly hopeless raids on mobs we'd keep throwing ourselves at over and over until we'd finally beat them. It may be a shock to the rest of the world, but yes, there are people out there who live like this, and yes, they have a great time and meet fantastic people while doing it. They are the geeks and gamers of the world, and I'd like to think they're proud of it. I certainly am, anyway.~
Thank you Sarah and Pete for not being afraid to go there in this story. I love that you embraced your inner nerd to write this, from the plot to the characters to the acronyms to all the random references that make being geeky fun.
And it is fun. Just like this book.
Just do it. Don't even take time to think about it. Just click buy and read it so you can squee with me.
August 9, 2014
I have not yet finished this book, but it's not looking good.
I do appreciate the dialog, and the way the characters seem to fit together and interact.
The writing is smooth and keeps the story going.
And I will always appreciate a story that tried to advance the geek name. I mean look at that cover! Pure awesome.
HOWEVER
In the first scene (the very first scene!) the female character uses her boobs on some boy gamers - and it works! Not only is this giving female gamers everywhere a bad name, but it also takes place at a midnight release where there are no other women. Really? No other women? Is this 2002?
All the cultural references and nuances are very relevant... for 12 years ago. The character reference games and pop culture that has been done to death. One character even was speaking pretend Chinese like in Firefly. (Which came out in 2002, btw)
Jak and Daxter? 2001. Naruto? 2002.
Not to mention the rape jokes and the racial undertones that also went out with the 2000s.
The landscape has changed drastically since then, and that girl would have gotten called out for trying to use her double X chromosones to get what she wants (as she should be).
Not only that, but the characters seem more like they're 16 then 21 as they're supposed to be. As a millennial myself, I take a little offense at the aimlessness and... laziness that the characters display. I think I acted that way when I was 16.
You know, my 16-year-old self would have really liked this book. Back in 2002.
I do appreciate the dialog, and the way the characters seem to fit together and interact.
The writing is smooth and keeps the story going.
And I will always appreciate a story that tried to advance the geek name. I mean look at that cover! Pure awesome.
HOWEVER
In the first scene (the very first scene!) the female character uses her boobs on some boy gamers - and it works! Not only is this giving female gamers everywhere a bad name, but it also takes place at a midnight release where there are no other women. Really? No other women? Is this 2002?
All the cultural references and nuances are very relevant... for 12 years ago. The character reference games and pop culture that has been done to death. One character even was speaking pretend Chinese like in Firefly. (Which came out in 2002, btw)
Jak and Daxter? 2001. Naruto? 2002.
Not to mention the rape jokes and the racial undertones that also went out with the 2000s.
The landscape has changed drastically since then, and that girl would have gotten called out for trying to use her double X chromosones to get what she wants (as she should be).
Not only that, but the characters seem more like they're 16 then 21 as they're supposed to be. As a millennial myself, I take a little offense at the aimlessness and... laziness that the characters display. I think I acted that way when I was 16.
You know, my 16-year-old self would have really liked this book. Back in 2002.
August 30, 2014
Backward Compatible is a geek love story co-written by authors Sarah Daltry and Pete Clark, both of whom bring characters that are extremely relatable and hilarious at the same time.
The story follows two gaming geeks, George and Katie, and begins with their unconventional meeting at a midnight release party. After their fateful meeting, they end up playing the game together and discover they are actually attracted to each other. Despite both of their socially awkward tendencies, they manage to come together in a relationship and find true happiness in companionship, embraces, and hardcore ass-kicking in virtual reality.
I highly enjoyed reading this book, since I relate to George so much. Being a gamer myself I found many similarities to the character in his obsession with wanting new challenges, his inability to woo girls as well as others, and his vulgar vocabulary – all of which I have in real life! Though I did also relate to Katie’s more tame attitude. She’s sarcastic and not at all afraid to point out when someone’s being stupid, but hides a self-doubt that can sometimes render her a mess.
Both characters are fantastic in the way they are portrayed. Both are realistic, funny, and in their own, awkward way, in love. This was a pleasant break from my usual dramatic read. A book that shows even those who seem like they couldn’t find someone can, in fact, find that special someone.
The story follows two gaming geeks, George and Katie, and begins with their unconventional meeting at a midnight release party. After their fateful meeting, they end up playing the game together and discover they are actually attracted to each other. Despite both of their socially awkward tendencies, they manage to come together in a relationship and find true happiness in companionship, embraces, and hardcore ass-kicking in virtual reality.
I highly enjoyed reading this book, since I relate to George so much. Being a gamer myself I found many similarities to the character in his obsession with wanting new challenges, his inability to woo girls as well as others, and his vulgar vocabulary – all of which I have in real life! Though I did also relate to Katie’s more tame attitude. She’s sarcastic and not at all afraid to point out when someone’s being stupid, but hides a self-doubt that can sometimes render her a mess.
Both characters are fantastic in the way they are portrayed. Both are realistic, funny, and in their own, awkward way, in love. This was a pleasant break from my usual dramatic read. A book that shows even those who seem like they couldn’t find someone can, in fact, find that special someone.
January 13, 2014
This story is told from two different people’s perspectives, Kate and George. I really loved that you got to see both character’s lives separately, even though they are obviously linked, and their personalities felt very true to life. The way George and his best friend Lanyon talk to each other seems very true of teenage boys and I found it refreshing to read about geeky characters rather than the usual hipster girl falling for the jock.
The involvement of video games in this book is immense, with names and films being referenced throughout. I have to admit that I didn’t understand some of the references but whenever I came across one that I did recognise, it made me feel a little more connected to the characters and the story. Also although the characters do swear and discuss inappropriate things, it is still a Young Adult novel and is suitable for older YA readers.
The game in this story was really interesting and I enjoyed the interactions that happened between the characters whilst they were playing. I must say that the game itself took centre stage for a lot of the novel but I really enjoyed it and found it was realistic. I loved the relationship between George and Katie and think that it was a realistic portrayal of a young couple, especially one of the geeky persuasion.
I woud definitely recommend this geeky new release to anyone, especially if you are interested in video games. I couldn’t put this down and I would thoroughly suggest that you pick this up.
The involvement of video games in this book is immense, with names and films being referenced throughout. I have to admit that I didn’t understand some of the references but whenever I came across one that I did recognise, it made me feel a little more connected to the characters and the story. Also although the characters do swear and discuss inappropriate things, it is still a Young Adult novel and is suitable for older YA readers.
The game in this story was really interesting and I enjoyed the interactions that happened between the characters whilst they were playing. I must say that the game itself took centre stage for a lot of the novel but I really enjoyed it and found it was realistic. I loved the relationship between George and Katie and think that it was a realistic portrayal of a young couple, especially one of the geeky persuasion.
I woud definitely recommend this geeky new release to anyone, especially if you are interested in video games. I couldn’t put this down and I would thoroughly suggest that you pick this up.
January 29, 2014
Thank you Netgalley for a humorous... slightly predictive book.
Firstly this book must be taken with a pinch of salt, it's essentially a chick-litty love story... for gamers with a lot of swearing and innuendos and tons of references that I probably didn't get all of them (especially as I don't play MMORPGs!) - I think that's right?! But it is a funny, feel good book.
I liked the main character, a female gamer who can stand up on her own two feet, not sure about her in the start of the book, how she uses her female qualities to get what she wants and the 'stereotypical' male gamer response :/ And the one reference about women being in the kitchen but then the fact that they said it wasn't a sexist remark those were the only two people who could make sandwiches and then actual used the sentence 'in the kitchen' hmmm...
Apart from that the book kept me wanting to read, kept me interested... even the game they all played sounds so familiar - although I'm guessing it's based on WoW or Final Fantasy or something like that (which I've never played myself!) but the whole culture of gaming with friends, on mic... falling asleep on mic... eating snacks and gaming until the early hours of the morning is all very familiar. :) I did enjoy it more than what I thought I would.
And seeing as I'm writing this gone midnight having stayed up to finish the book I'm going to stop rambling and go to sleep.
Firstly this book must be taken with a pinch of salt, it's essentially a chick-litty love story... for gamers with a lot of swearing and innuendos and tons of references that I probably didn't get all of them (especially as I don't play MMORPGs!) - I think that's right?! But it is a funny, feel good book.
I liked the main character, a female gamer who can stand up on her own two feet, not sure about her in the start of the book, how she uses her female qualities to get what she wants and the 'stereotypical' male gamer response :/ And the one reference about women being in the kitchen but then the fact that they said it wasn't a sexist remark those were the only two people who could make sandwiches and then actual used the sentence 'in the kitchen' hmmm...
Apart from that the book kept me wanting to read, kept me interested... even the game they all played sounds so familiar - although I'm guessing it's based on WoW or Final Fantasy or something like that (which I've never played myself!) but the whole culture of gaming with friends, on mic... falling asleep on mic... eating snacks and gaming until the early hours of the morning is all very familiar. :) I did enjoy it more than what I thought I would.
And seeing as I'm writing this gone midnight having stayed up to finish the book I'm going to stop rambling and go to sleep.
January 3, 2014
Loved this book! I loved the characters, their banter, their commeraderie....it was just an all around good time.
Katie and George meet at a video game release and they meet when they are both fight with each other over the same game and neither one will give up. Needless to say George is smitten with Katie and the fact that she has boobs, is cute, and is even dressed up at a video game release. In his mind he's thinking she's a triple threat, but way out of his nerdy league. Katie is thinking how cute he'd be if he didn't have the huge glasses on. Still, they don't not automatically click and fall in love....they are both wanting the game.
Lanyon is George's Bestfriend and no use in the whole, it's my game/I had it first argument. He's just there to eat his Snickers and watch. And as for Katie's bestfriend, Anna, she might as well not even be there.....besides giving Katie a ride there, she has no interest in the video gamers' world.
This book has lots of comedy, there is smoothing, and an adventure.....well worth the money you spend. I'd tell you more, but I'd ruin the story for you. Just read it, you won't regret it. Sarah and
Pete.....I hope there are more books to follow this one!
Katie and George meet at a video game release and they meet when they are both fight with each other over the same game and neither one will give up. Needless to say George is smitten with Katie and the fact that she has boobs, is cute, and is even dressed up at a video game release. In his mind he's thinking she's a triple threat, but way out of his nerdy league. Katie is thinking how cute he'd be if he didn't have the huge glasses on. Still, they don't not automatically click and fall in love....they are both wanting the game.
Lanyon is George's Bestfriend and no use in the whole, it's my game/I had it first argument. He's just there to eat his Snickers and watch. And as for Katie's bestfriend, Anna, she might as well not even be there.....besides giving Katie a ride there, she has no interest in the video gamers' world.
This book has lots of comedy, there is smoothing, and an adventure.....well worth the money you spend. I'd tell you more, but I'd ruin the story for you. Just read it, you won't regret it. Sarah and
Pete.....I hope there are more books to follow this one!
June 24, 2016
First of all I'm a pretty big nerd, but some of the references they were making were way over my head. Secondly, and far more important, this book is incredibly crass and vulgar. The description said it was supposed to be something you could read without being embarrassed. It was wrong. Cussing, sex jokes (in poor taste), and no redeemable character arch all signify that this author was just trying to sell out to the lowest common denominator. The characters are terrible. College students still living at home, living off their parents, wasting money like nothing, and then blatantly having sex with high school students. The plot was complete drivel with no real conflict except some girl whining about how nobody likes her despite the fact that she has a boyfriend going to extreme lengths to impress her. We seem to completely ignore a rape scene, and are totally ok with teenagers talking about doing sexually explicit things to girls. This book is a perfect summary of everything that is WRONG with our culture. Honestly, Ready Player One is a much better story, much better characters, and deals with the same ideas. Please pass on this book and just go smash your head into a wall for an hour. Should create the same effect. This book makes me weep for our world.
December 13, 2013
Katie and George are so great together! They’re funny, they like each other, they have great chemistry when they play and when they get sort of physical. The problem is they don’t figure that right from the start. And when they do… well, they don’t get much alone time. Friends need to be included and an ever expanding team comes together to fight the ultimate boss, lured by the promise of a cash prize, and even more by that of secret achievements. Gamers are nothing if not achievement sluts, right?
The dialogues are brilliant. The way literature and game terminology come together to create impressive insults, self deprecating comments, and unthinkable pats on the back is simply a work of art.
If you’ve ever played games, then you will suddenly feel the need to play them again. The romance is sweet, but definitely not the prima ballerina of this book. The gaming banter and social interactions are. Also an always failing car, the lack of activities in a small town, and parents who worry too much about their children’s dating lives. It’s an extremely fun read. I think it contains everything you need to feel better, no matter what.
The dialogues are brilliant. The way literature and game terminology come together to create impressive insults, self deprecating comments, and unthinkable pats on the back is simply a work of art.
If you’ve ever played games, then you will suddenly feel the need to play them again. The romance is sweet, but definitely not the prima ballerina of this book. The gaming banter and social interactions are. Also an always failing car, the lack of activities in a small town, and parents who worry too much about their children’s dating lives. It’s an extremely fun read. I think it contains everything you need to feel better, no matter what.
February 8, 2014
Super fun & cute read! :)
I highly enjoyed this book and am so happy that I found it in the kindle borrowers library! (Although I must say I would have gladly paid .99 or 1.99 for it too.) As soon as I read the blurb on amazon I was hooked and knew it would be my pick for January. I also showed the book to my husband who promptly purchased it rather than waiting until his next borrowers pick!
It was just such a fun book to read and don't worry, you don't have to be a complete geek to have a blast reading it either! I'm somewhere in the middle, I was a late 80s/early 90s kid so I grew up with the original Nintendo which is most likely why the cover of this book drew me in so quickly! So while I don't play MMPORPGs and I've never personally been to a midnight release party I still loved reading this book! Sure a few of the more detailed game references or jokes were beyond me but overall it was just such a cute and fun book that I didn't care or feel like I was missing out on anything. Not to mention it was laugh out loud funny at times. It was simply a pleasure to read and I enjoyed the chemistry and confusion that prevailed throughout the central relationship.
I highly enjoyed this book and am so happy that I found it in the kindle borrowers library! (Although I must say I would have gladly paid .99 or 1.99 for it too.) As soon as I read the blurb on amazon I was hooked and knew it would be my pick for January. I also showed the book to my husband who promptly purchased it rather than waiting until his next borrowers pick!
It was just such a fun book to read and don't worry, you don't have to be a complete geek to have a blast reading it either! I'm somewhere in the middle, I was a late 80s/early 90s kid so I grew up with the original Nintendo which is most likely why the cover of this book drew me in so quickly! So while I don't play MMPORPGs and I've never personally been to a midnight release party I still loved reading this book! Sure a few of the more detailed game references or jokes were beyond me but overall it was just such a cute and fun book that I didn't care or feel like I was missing out on anything. Not to mention it was laugh out loud funny at times. It was simply a pleasure to read and I enjoyed the chemistry and confusion that prevailed throughout the central relationship.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews