Review: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Synopsis: 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. 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. (from the back of the book)

Review: Rife with more nerd references than I ever thought possible, Ready Player One tells a story both terrifying and creative. An energy crisis leaves most of the world living in dire poverty with the only escape a virtual world synonymous with the Internet, called the Oasis. A world where you can be and do anything you want, where you can live your favorite books or movies, and look anyway you want. In this world, creator James Halliday left a puzzle - and the prize is control of the Oasis. Wade Watts has spent years learning about Halliday and his obsession with the 80s - enough that he finds the first clue. Finding the clue sets in motion deadly events as powerful people seek the prize as well.

Cline’s creates a likeable character in Watts, someone we could all be. It is his journey, as a person, that gives the story it’s depth. As the external adventure takes him through dangers, we see how he grows as a person. He finds courage, love, and the life that truly matters. Along with all the other aspects of this fun story, it is this part that made it for me.

With complex characters, fast-paced action, edge-of-seat mysteries, and fantastic world-building, Ready Player One is one giant nerd-gasm. Worth reading for anyone who lived in the 80s!

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-307-88744-3
Year Published: 2011
Date Finished: 3-9-2018
Pages: 374