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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