Ready Player One
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I’ve owned this book for over a year and just finally got around to reading it due to the movie being released.
Ready Player One is in the sci-fi genre, but you’ll find in my review below that I wouldn’t limit this to only fans of sci-fi. It isn’t too unrealistic, there’s action, suspense, drama and a little teenage romance in there too.
The description:
In the year 2045, 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.
But 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.
At the rate we’re going, Earth could eventually become a giant landfill and people would prefer living in a virtual world.
It honestly sounds better than living in “the stacks” — which is apparently what housing looks like in 2045 — tall stacks of mobile homes (see book cover picture below).
The virtual world, or James Halliday’s video game, is called the OASIS. And, when Halliday dies, he leaves a pre-planned Easter Egg Hunt for players in the game to compete for.
Our protagonist, Wade Watts, is living in a trailer with 5 too many people, leaving him with no bed or food. So, he’s on a mission to solve the puzzle, win the hunt and escape his reality for a better reality. He’s smart, kind and witty — a character you’ll love.
Throughout the book, there are a ton of pop culture references, which was enjoyable for someone who didn’t actually get to experience that decade. From Blade Runner to Rush, any 80s fan will find themselves reminiscing down memory lane.
My review:
I would recommend it to anyone looking for a little escape. I truly think anyone could enjoy this book and get into the virtual reality (sci-fi) side of it. I think the book mentions Harry Potter, and I’m finding a lot of books mention that series. Video game vs. the magical world of Hogwarts? Sure, we’re following an 18-year-old boy looking to overcome some challenges, but I didn’t get any HP vibes.
I hear the movie is different, so if you’re into reading, I would highly encourage reading the book before going to the movie.
According to Amazon, this book is “action and adventure” and “thriller and suspense.”
When it came to the action and suspense, there were moments that I couldn’t put the book down because it got intense, but I didn’t feel like there was enough of it (typical me: always wanting more action).
I also wish Cline had been more descriptive at times to put me even further into the video game’s environment. When I read any book, especially sci-fi/fantasy books, I expect to be immersed in the world of our characters. That’s why I enjoy them so much.
However, the movie should make up for what the book didn’t describe fully.
I learned after finishing Ready Player One that Ernest Cline is already working on book #2. Now, I’m feeling a little indifferent about this one because the book was good and I assumed it as a stand-alone. Interested to see what happens next!
I also enjoyed Ernest Cline’s writing and was happy to see he’s published other books. I never thought I’d find myself enjoying books about video games, but here I am ready for another!
How did you feel about Ready Player One? Are you excited for book #2?
