Two Can Play That Game

SHORT-LISTED: 2024 CBCA Book of the Year, Older Readers
Selected as one of the Best Young Adult Books for 2023 - Readings Books

Two Can Play That Game by Leanne Yong introduces us to Sam Khoo, a determined young woman with one goal in life: to create cool indie games. She is willing to do anything to realise her dream, even if it means discarding a scholarship to university. Her plan hinges on acquiring a super-rare ticket to a game design workshop, her golden ticket to kickstart her career.

When Jay Chua, whom Sam dubs Jerky McJerkface, seizes the last ticket, it's all-out war. Understanding the dynamics of their Australian-Malaysian community, Sam gives Jay an ultimatum: risk the ticket in a 1v1 competition of classic video games or she will expose his underhandedness to everyone, courtesy of the Asian Gossip Network.

Despite themselves, Sam and Jay start connecting as they meet in neutral locations, away from prying eyes and ears of nosy relatives. Sam is unsure whether this is a puzzle she wants to solve. However, when her dream is threatened, she must decide if there is more than one way to achieve victory.

Michelle Law, acclaimed writer of Single Asian Female, calls it ‘Utterly charming. I loved this story about the intersection of culture, romance and nerdiness!’

Tobias Madden, bestselling author of Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell, describes it as ‘A gloriously nerdy debut about family, culture, passion and ambition.’

‘A relatable, fire-cracking story about chasing your dreams. Sam Khoo stole my heart.’ says Wai Chim, award-winning author of The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling.

Kay Kerr, acclaimed author of Social Queue and Please Don't Hug Me, praises it as ‘Witty, charming and full of heart. I didn't want it to end!’

According to Rebecca Lim, award-winning author of Tiger Daughter, it's ‘A super-smart, hotly competitive Asian-Australian YA gamer rom-com that celebrates burning your own path through life. This nerd loved it.’

Nina Kenwood, bestselling author of Unnecessary Drama, lauds it as ‘An utterly gorgeous and heartwarming debut about family, creativity, ambition and believing in yourself.’

Leanne Hall, award-winning author of The Gaps, says, ‘Yong effortlessly weaves together breathless game playing, epic trash talk, slow-burn romance, complex family dynamics and true friendships.’

‘Funny, romantic and heart-warming. A dazzling debut.’ says C.S. Pacat, New York Times bestselling author of Dark Rise.

Vanessa Len, bestselling author of Only A Monster, declares, ‘This charming debut won my heart. I wish this book had been around when I was growing up!’