BOOK SPOTLIGHT - If Video Games Have Taught Me Anything

Jon D. Harrison (2025); Non-Fiction

“If Video Games Have Taught Me Anything…”

It’s a thought-provoking question (and title), and one that got me thinking of a few answers before even opening the book. Most were funny. Some were serious. One or two, even profound. But all of them fun to reflect on, as someone who’s grown up with video games being such a big part of my life. And that’s why I think I enjoyed this book so much. It’s a celebration of what play can teach us about life, and it’s filled with humorous and humbling answers from an impressive range of celebrities and industry icons.

From the first few pages, it’s clear this isn’t a traditional read. The playful design pulls you in with “Achievements,” “Side Quests,” and “Next Level Thoughts”. A nice touch that turns reflection into small, achievable challenges. It gamifies the reading, but comes off as more clever than gimmicky. What could have easily been page-after-page of celebrity name-drops followed by a yanked quote, instead was surrounded by context and thoughtful commentary. That balance makes the whole experience surprisingly rewarding.

A profound, “Next Level Thought” before moving from D’Angelo to DJ Cutman

You don’t read this book from start to finish like a standard narrative. You explore it. Each section stands on its own, waiting to be discovered in whatever order you like. Some pages hit you with a short, sharp idea that lingers. Others invite you to pause and think, and to apply what you’ve just read to your own life. I often found myself stopping after a single “Next Level Thought,” just sitting with it. There was something nice about a book that gives you permission to slow down.

Harrison’s writing puts on display his love for both games and people. He doesn’t lecture or preach. Instead, he curates voices from creators, artists, fans and icons who share how games have shaped their growth, creativity, and resilience. There are insights about failure, teamwork, persistence, and creativity, but they’re never forced. They arrive through the lens of play; sometimes funny, and sometime tugging on those ‘feels’.

A perfect book to ponder over a drink…or next to the sink…

Now….I’ll admit, I haven’t read through EVERY submission. At the risk of oversharing, this has been the perfect pick-up-and-ponder material for the washroom visits, and I imagine I’ll enjoy many more weeks of thronely thoughts. But I mean that in the best possible way. It’s the kind of book you don’t just read once. You revisit it, with fresh perspective and new ways to apply the learnings. Like a favorite game worth replaying. It’s thoughtful, uplifting, and full of heart. And a refreshing reminder that the lessons we learn through play can shape the best parts of who we become.

You can find more about the book right here in The Video Game Library.

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