By Ernest Cline
In the year 2044, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he’s jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade’s devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world’s digital confines, puzzles that are based on their creator’s obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. When Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade’s going to survive, he’ll have to win—and confront the real world he’s always been so desperate to escape.
The description for this book does nothing to show how FUN this book is! Ready Player One was first recommended to me a few years back. I remember at the time looking up the description and thinking it might be a little above my head in the way Neuromancer by William Gibson was. When I read Neuromancer, I had a hard time conceptualizing what was going on and if I hadn’t had to read it for a class, probably would have given up on it. Same thing with. The Reality Bug by D.J. MacHale. That book was probably my least favorite of the Pendragon series. On the whole, I’m not really into reading about virtual reality. Watching, yes. I liked The Matrix. But reading about it, not so much.
Anyway, I kept hearing things about Ready Player One over the years, but it wasn’t until I saw a copy while browsing the airport bookstore after a delay threatened to eat into all of my available reading material that I finally got a copy.
I was born in 1990 and have never really been into the whole 80’s culture. I’ve seen a few of the iconic movies, but not many. Know some music, but not much. Have seen a few of the older video games, but have played hardly any (and that goes for more current games as well). But I still found this book to be a great ride.
It’s fun, it’s imaginative, it’s fast-paced, it’s clever, and it’s a must read! It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that was just a joy to read! I really enjoyed this one and I imagine if you’re really into 80’s culture, remember living through the 80’s, love video games, games in general, and/or all things nerdy you will love this even more than I did!
And there’s a movie coming out in the near future directed by Steven Spielberg!
