Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
by Jenners • 10/01/2011 • 4.5 Stars, C Authors, Dystopia, Fiction, Mystery/Thriller, R Titles, Science Fiction • 72 Comments
Ready Player One by Ernest ClinePublisher: Crown Publishers, 2011
Pages: 383
Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Dystopia
Where I Got It: Amazon Vine
My Rating: 4.5 stars
When I tell you what this book is about, most of you are going to think “That doesn’t sound like something I’d enjoy.” Just forget all that. Seriously. I thought that too, but I was dead wrong. This is one of the most fun and exciting books I’ve read this year. The only reason I tried it was because Alyce at At Home With Books got so gosh darned excited about it that I felt like I had to read it. And I am so glad I did!
Here is the basic set-up: In the year 2044, most of the Earth’s population is living in poverty and misery. One of the few ways to make life bearable is to plug in to the OASIS—a fully immersive virtual reality world where people can attend school, shop, date, and play. Basically, anything that can be done in the real world can be done in the OASIS—minus the pesky boundaries of the real world (like gravity, lack of magic and so forth). The OASIS is very much like the Matrix, except that people consciously and voluntarily log in to it.
Upon the death of primary OASIS architect, James Halliday, a worldwide contest is announced, with the prize being Halliday’s entire estate, which includes his personal stake in OASIS and a fortune valued at more than $240 billion dollars. To win, you have to be the first person to solve a series of riddles and puzzles that Halliday has hidden within the OASIS.
Naturally, the contest is extremely difficult. Knowledge of Halliday’s life are the key to success. It turns out (in a stroke of genius by Cline) that Halliday was obsessed with the 1980s, particularly vintage video games (like those from Atari, Ms. Pac Man), Dungeons and Dragons, movies like War Games and Ladyhawke, and music by bands such as Rush. Halliday grew up in the1980s, and his whole life was informed and determined by 1980s culture. To succeed at the Hunt (as the contest comes to be known), a new subculture of Halliday scholars and searchers called “gunters” is born. (Gunters are people who spent every free moment of their lives searching for Halliday’s Egg, the virtual form of the prize that Halliday has hidden.) In addition, the villain of the book—the mega-corporation IOI—is also going after the Egg with everything they’ve got in an effort to seize control of OASIS and commercialize the hell out of it.
However, five years have passed since Halliday’s death and the start of the Hunt, and no one has solved the first riddle yet. That is, until our hero, 18-year-old Wade Watts, an orphaned gunter who lives in poverty in the “stacks” on the outskirts of Oklahoma City, becomes the first person to appear on the Scoreboard when he find the Copper Key (the first of three hidden keys). And, as Wade says in the prologue:
Dozens of books, cartoons, movies and miniseries have attempted to tell the story of everything that happened next, but all of them got it wrong. So I want to set the record straight, once and for all.
The rest of the book is the breathless, deliriously fun, adrenaline-filled account of Wade’s quest to find Halliday’s egg. Filled with adventure, close calls, suspense, murder, secrets, humor, romance, friendship, pain and a bajillion references to 1980s pop culture, the book is a kick to read. I enjoyed it immensely, and found myself so caught up in the story that I abandoned any pretense of housekeeping and devoured the book in just a few days. (Yesterday, I just sat and read it until I was done because I couldn’t wait to find out how it ended.)
Too often, the thriller genre is filled with run-of-the-mill story lines such as “a lawyer found a secret and now he has to hide from the bad guys” or “a tough guy loner is in town to find the sniper who is picking off ordinary citizens” or “a serial killer seems to be loose in the PTA.” Very few of these books are actually thrilling—where you literally feel your pulse quicken and you’re on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. Ready Player One is a true thriller. I was so caught up in what was going on that I just raced from page to page. It totally read like a movie … and I mean that in the very best way.
The other great thing about the book was how Cline created this dystopic future world that is totally (thank God!) unlike ours (but extremely fascinating) but then chose to make Halliday obsessed with the 1980s—thereby providing a motherlode of cultural touchstones that feel familiar, fun and fresh. By cleverly combining a unfamiliar future with the familiar past, Cline gives us the best of both worlds—allowing us to relate to Wade in a way that we could never fully relate to other dystopic heroes like Katniss Everdeen or Todd Hewitt. When Monty Python’s Search for the Holy Grail made an appearance, I was smiling from ear-to-ear. I’m sure everyone will be able to relate to at least a few of the 1980s references, and, if you can’t, it still doesn’t diminish the rollercoaster thrill ride that is this book.
Do yourself a favor and read Ready Player One. It was one of the funnest and most thrilling reading experiences I’ve had all year.
What are other bloggers saying about this book? You can find out at the Book Blogs Search Engine. Of course, you should also read Alyce’s review of this book, which is what got me to read it in the first place.
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I want a thriller that makes my pulse quicken. Good one for sure. Thanks Jenners.
And since the 1980s were your decade of growing up like mine, I suspect you’d just love the 80s references!
Maybe I should read reviews of popular books every once in a while. I’ve skipped all of the reviews of this one until now but it sounds good! I’m kind of all about 80′s pop culture so that would probably get me through the dystopia stuff, right?
I think you’d get a kick out of this. The 80s stuff is just so fun .. and it is so action packed that you kind of forget it is a “downer” dystopia kind of book. Read it!!!!!!
Alrighty, you convinced me! I just ordered this from Barnes and Noble along with The Leftovers. Can’t wait to read them!!
Separate question: What do you do with all of your used books? I can’t find a used book store in my end of NJ- except for those snobby ones that want only “rare” books…
I know!! I have the same problem here is South Jersey. I recommend Paperback Swap. I’ve been using them for about 5 years now and just love them. Here is a link to the site that tells you more: http://www.paperbackswap.com/help/how_to_swap_books.php
YES! Thank you! That website looks AWESOME!
I have this one from the library! I’ve read the opening paragraph and that’s it! I have a couple of others to read before I get to it, but I am really looking forward to it.
I’m amazed you were able to stop after a few paragraphs!! It will be a nice treat when you get to it.
wow, this sounds great. I do enjoy dystopic stories, so I’ll keep an eye out for this one.
It is not only dystopia but just a really fun thrilling thriller too!
I couldn’t imagine liking this book, but after reading what you said and others comments….just maybe……
I know! I totally know how you feel. I thought that too. But it is so FUN! I encourage you to take a chance on it.
I love dystopian novels and this one does sound good. I love books that leave me feeling that excited about them. I may just have to pick this one up – like I need any more books. Lol.
Oh admit it … we always need more books to read. And it is wonderful when you get jazzed about a book like I felt about this one. I’m slogging through a book now and wishing it was more like Ready Player One.
Okay, you convinced me…I put this on the iPad for vacation reading.
Oh I hope you love it. It is perfect for vacation reading!
Hurray – it was available on my Kindle and I’ve bought it and downloaded it already!!
All right!!! I hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think!!!
I’m entirely convinced that I would love this one. Sounds like a fun, thrilling ride and all of those 80′s references would have me smiling too!
For every 80s reference you miss, there are like five others that you totally get.
Well Alyce does go on about a good book doesn’t she, but so do you, than must mean it is really really good. Thanks for your review.
Alyce does have a way of sucking you in, doesn’t she? I like to think she set the bait and I helped to close the trap! HAHA!
Everyone I know who has read this really liked it so I’ve got to get a copy!
It does seem to be one of those “everyone likes it” kind of books. Get on the bandwagon!! ; )
Oh, I just got this delivered to me a few days ago and am SO pumped to read it. I love the concept and everyone who has read it seems to dig it, too. Glad you enjoyed it!
It is probably a perfect read that can even break through the “new baby” fatigue I’m sure you’ve got going on!
Great review, Jenner. This one does sound like fun. I’ve been having a hard time getting into my chosen books lately and can’t wait for this to come to my library.
I know what you mean — sometimes the books you have just don’t suck you in. This one will just grab you and not let you go — in the best of ways.
What does it say about us that dystopian literature is so popular right now? Just asking. This book certainly sounds like a fun guilty pleasure. Maybe after me recent wave of crime fiction reading is over, I’ll move on to dystopian pleasures. The 80′s references do sound fun. I think that was the last time I played a video game….
It is dystopia but in a totally fun retro way that I’ve never seen done before. It was fun AND exciting — not something you always see together. Hope you get released from your crime fiction spree soon! HAHA!
I was going to pass on this book until I read Alyce’s review. I haven’t read my copy yet but will at some point this month. I was still a little unsure until I read your fantastic review…the story sounds exilhirating, fun and a completely enjoyable reading experience! I love that you couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!
Thank you for giving me the encouragement I need and reminding me this is a book I will have fun reading!
Thank you Jenners!
Alyce baited the hook and hooked you, and now I’m reeling you in! It was one of those “forget everything else you’re doing and just read” type of books, which, of course, are the very very best kind.
I’m listening to this one on audio right now and is the one of the best things about going in to work lately (I listen to my audiobooks at work). I have been gushing about it to my husband since I listened to the first thirty minutes. Based on your review, I cannot wait to start listening to it some more!
I bet this would a kick on audio! I’m trying to get my husband to read it. I think it has appeal to both men and women — a rare book that does!
Like I really needed to find another book to add to the TBR pile after my 54 book treasure hunt this weekend….. That pile’s gonna fall over and bury me one of these days.
Off to add the book to the list.
And it’s all your fault!
Well, it isn’t MY fault someone was a little book hoarder at the book sale!! And isn’t it the case that you always find another MUST READ book after you already got a bunch of books? That always happens to me. The second I use up a gift certificate or something, I find about two more books I feel I need RIGHT THEN!
Hi! My name is Bev and I’m a book hoarder.
{Hi, Bev!}
Wouldn’t it be great to have a real support group like this? But I suspect we’d all enable each other!!
And just so you know I’m now in line for it through the online hold shelf at the library….
I did think this book didn’t sound like something I’d enjoy. Except then EVERYONE started talking about it, and I decided I had been wrong. I have my request in at the library for the audio
I loved, loved, loved this book, especially the audio production which is all kinds of amazing. Glad to hear you loved it too, Jenners!
Glad to hear the audio production is worthy of such a good book!! I bet it would be a really great audio. Darn. Now I kind of wish I’d listened to it instead!!! Oh well, I still got to experience its awesomeoness!
I know … I thought the same thing. But it is really a fun and exciting read. I haven’t had that much fun reading a book in a while.
How funny. I have the review page I tore out of Enetertainment Weekly for this one sitting here on the desk! Now I know I need to read it.
Yes … it is a must read!! I saw that EW review too … after I saw Alyce’s review and decided I HAD to read it.
I don’t read a lot of dystopia, but you make this sound like something I might enjoy. If not me, perhaps my husband. I’ll keep it in mind.
It isn’t dystopia like you typically think … although it has a lot of same elements. At is core, it is a really good thriller!
I’m so glad that you liked it too! It really was one of the most fun reads of my reading year so far.
Thanks for linking to my review!
THANK YOU for turning me on to this book in the first place. I adored it! Definitely on my top 10 list for the year!
Dystopian? Say no more, I’ll keep an eye out for it, that sounds just like my kind of book.
Great review, Jen.
It is dystopia but in a totally fun amazingly cool way.
I think I need to read this one. It seems to be very popular right now and I love cultural references in books.
It is very popular because it is very very good. I’ve not had this much fun reading a book in forever.
Ahh, Jenners, you enabler!! I need this book, and have been very methodically adding it to my cart and then pulling it back out again, but after reading this review, I am going to be forced to pull the trigger. I LOVE dystopians, gamer culture, and the 80′s, and though a lot of other reviews have had me excited over this book, yours is the one that has finally done it. I am off to get this one RIGHT NOW! Fantastic and wonderful review today!
This book sounds like the PERFECT book for you! You will geek out on it! And I guess we are even as enablers as I went and bought Mr. Fox yesterday based on YOUR review!
Yes – I love sci-fi! I’m going to see if I can find it and download it to my Kindle right now!
Oh I hope you can. This is such a fun book that just mixes up all kinds of stuff in a the most wonderful way.
I’m not usually drawn to dystopian stuff, but your review makes me want to buy this one!
This is FUN dystopia (kind of). It is a total thrill ride but fun because of the references. The Boy might even enjoy it! If Mr. Jenners doesn’t read it soon (I’m working on him as I think even HE would like it), I’ll send you my copy.
I will read this pure and simple for the 80s references! Love it!
I think you would fall in deep and fast love with this book.
I went into this book with pretty low expectations since I’m not a gamer and I loved it too! It was so much fun!
I know!! Aren’t you so glad you read it even though it sounds like it wouldn’t be anything like you would enjoy? I’m so happy I read it. It was a kick!
What does it say about me that I wanted to read it as soon as you said what it was about?!?! Sounds like a fun read….there is a similar plot line in one of the teen Pendragon novels I was telling you about….but this one sounds like more of a thriller!
It is so fun … and exciting … and suspenseful. It was a great read.
I want to read this too. First however I have to get through the sort of similar sounding Reamde (no, not a typo) by Neal Stephenson. And yessir, I will be done soon, I’m sure, since I’m ALREADY on page 25 of this 1400 and something page book!
1400 pages! What the…? Well, when you are done climbing THAT Everest of a book, try this one. It is awesome!
I can’t wait to read this. All you had to say was “War Games”, “Ladyhawke” and “Monty Python”, along with a little PacMan. Wheee!!!
It is soooooooooooooooooo good! I think you’ll love it!