Title: Ready Player One
Author: Ernest Cline
Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: 2011
ISBN: 9780307887436
Synopsis from Goodreads:
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.
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Ready Player One has to be one of the best, if not the best novel, I’ve read this year. I’ve lost faith in the dystopian sci-fi genre a little bit, and although this novel is a few years old, it’s reminded me that there is good dystopian fiction still out there, it just doesn’t come along every day. I haven’t been this excited about a book in ages. I couldn’t put it down. The story is captivating, fast-paced, and heart-stopping.
Who will find the Easter Eggs left by Halliday, the creator of the online life simulator, OASIS? Only time will tell. Wade is a student in this not-so-distant future society. In the real world, life has deteriorated to a poverty-stricken, violent society, not safe for anyone where no one has the money to live out their dreams. So, they turn to the OASIS where levelling up and facing challenges brings money, strength, prestige, and in some cases notoriety. Money gained in the OASIS translates to money in real life. Anything is possible in this vast and ever expanding world.
The story was incredible, but Wade wasn’t always the best protagonist. At times he’s insensitive, impulsive, foolish, and annoying. There are sections in the middle where Wade has various monologue-esque portions that are a tad difficult to struggle through. But I think Wade’s flaws are the point of his story. He is a character who isn’t perfect. He’s quite imperfect actually. He hasn’t had much structure in his upbringing and he’s never known ease in his life. He’s had to make his own way in his unbelievably difficult world and he turns out to be a strong young man, loyal to his friends and capable of the purest love.
If you’re looking for an excellent book to read this summer, I’d suggest Ready Player One. It’s an exciting page turner that’ll have you on the edge of your seat.
Worn Pages and Ink 
I’ve heard so many good things about it. Will have to check it out.
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I hope you enjoy! I’ve been recommending it to everyone.
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I loved this book! I definitely agree with you, though, that Wade could be pretty irritating at times. It was such a interesting story and unique world, though! Great post 🙂
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Thank you! Ernest Cline has some really awesome concepts that he presents in this book. He did a really great job to explaining his world, especially to readers who may not have a great knowledge of video games. 🙂 Have you read his new book, Armada?
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I haven’t read it yet, but I really, really want to! I’ve been hearing great things about that book, too, and I’m looking forward to getting around to it. 🙂
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I didn’t really enjoy Armada, but the more I hear of RPO the more I want to read it. The premise sounds interesting and I’m glad to hear that it deviates from usual dystopia in a refreshing way. I will have to give Ernest Cline another chance with RPO!
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Without a doubt, RPO is better than Armada. I can see where you’re coming from with Cline’s new book for sure. I don’t think it lived up to the expectation that many people had for it, but it’s still an interesting world that he’s created. I hope you will give him another chance, especially if you’re a fan of gaming or sci-fi 🙂
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