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Book Club: Ready Player One

Monday, March 19, 2018


Summary: 
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. 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.

What I Didn't Like:
So this book is chock full of movie, music, tv and pop culture references from the 1980's. I wasn't around for the 80's, but I did manage to understand a good chunk of the references. I am usually a book skimmer, so I know if I hadn't listened to the audiobook I would have skipped over a lot of the arduous details. For example, many references are made to specific types of computers that were invented in the 80's, including details about the model numbers and capacities. Not really my thing. 

There were also a few rants in this book that while mildly important to the world building, I found them annoying. Kind preachy, I guess. 

What I Liked:
This was a really fun book! I thought the concept was awesome and I know it will make a great movie. It's set in our not too distant future, so a lot of it really seemed possible. I'm not really into video games, but we did the Star Wars VR experience at Disney Springs earlier this year, and so I think that helped me immerse myself into this book. 

A note on the audiobook: I really enjoyed listening to this one. The whole book I was trying to place the familiar voice reading to me! I had to laugh when the credits said performed by Wil Wheaton. He must have had a fun time reading his own reference in the book! 

Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars (1: hated it, 2: didn't like it, 3: liked it, 4:liked it, 5: loved it)

So, this is a book for nerdy people. In fact, people who love video games, movies, books, pop culture, etc, will love this book. I know my husband is going to love it. I more than mildly enjoyed it, as a person who is, admittedly, partially into nerdy stuff. In fact, almost all of the references I did know were because of my husband. It's a cool book that marries the past with the future. I do think, though, that this is going to make a much better movie than book because of all the references. 

Leave a comment below if you've read Ready Player One! I'd really like to know what you thought of it and if you understood all the references. Planning to see the movie? And tell me what you are currently reading! Follow along on Goodreads!

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16 comments

  1. I love book reviews! And I actually prefer audiobooks, they are so great for car rides :)

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    1. I do too! I am in the car a lot, so it's a great way to pass the time and get some reading done!

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  2. I love book reviews! I haven't heard of Ready Player One before but it sounds interesting. Your review of The Magnolia Story came up in the related posts and I'm so glad I read your review. I've watched a few episodes of the show and am really into the decor style so I think I'll definitely pick up the book now!

    Felicity | http://oliverandmoose.com

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    1. The Magnolia Story was so cute, especially if you are a fan of the show!

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  3. I prefer to read books before I see their movies but I've been advised by multiple people to skip the book and just see the movie, lol. It sounds like you're kind of in the same boat. Esp since I don't care about the 80s much, lol. I'm all about that 90s geek culture, though ;)

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    1. Yes, Audrey we are totally on the same page! I wondered what this would have been like with 90s references myself! I do like 80s movies, so I think that's why I liked this book as much as I did.

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  4. I'm reading "Small Admissions" right now- just started it! I also am just getting into audio books since I've been traveling so much!

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    1. Thanks for the recommendation Gentry! I love audiobooks, they really are perfect for busy people!

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  5. I need to get better at working in some extra reading. I tackled a few chapters in my book last week and then crickets. This one seems interesting! Sierra~Beautifully Candid

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    1. I'm like that too Sierra. I will either read a book in one sitting, or not read for months. Just do what you can, haha!

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  6. I haven’t read it but it sounds like a fun book for some light reading. I’m not currently engrossed in a book, but I’m on the library waitlist for two Celeste any books! xAllie www.theallthatglittersblog.com

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    1. I really need to visit our library more often! So many people are taking advantage of it, and I'm not.

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  7. Hey Kristin - do you think I could refer Caspar (11) to this - he can read quite a few 'advanced' things and adult books - it would be right up his street with the tech - just need to know there aren't any naughty bits and I won't be a bad parent! Thanks for the feedback! J x

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    1. Hmm, my suggestion is that you read it first. I know he would probably love it, but it does contain bad language, video game violence, and one sexual scene that I can remember.
      I found this website that breaks it down better: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/ready-player-one/user-reviews/ad

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  8. This sounds like something I'd be interested in, so will have to add it to the list!

    ​xx katie // a touch of teal

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  9. Sounds really interesting! These futuristic books are still so trendy right now, and for good reason. We just started reading 1984 with my seniors and it's got the "futuristic world" thing going on too.

    Katherine | www.oneswainkycouple.com

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Hello!

Hi friends! I'm Kristen, and this is the Life and Style of an early 30's Floridian living the Best Life Ever, with her husband and three pugs. Runner | Avid Reader | Small Shop Owner

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