Cline's novel takes us into a dystopian world that has people living more online than in real life. Video gamers find themselves excelling, and the possibility of attending school without the stress of real human interaction is very appealing. People can choose to live their lives completely through the computer without ever leaving home. The ultimate motivator for complete immersion in this online world comes from one of its creators, leaving a hidden game and secret treasure announced upon his death. Wade Watts is one of these teens that has completely succumbed to the alternate world, attending high school online and searching for the treasure in his spare time. He takes us (the readers) on quite the adventure that feels so real.
I am personally not a gamer, so initially went into this book with some hesitation. I quickly realized this story was so much more. Yes, there are many gaming references and I likely did not catch or understand all of them. However, there were many references to the 80's that I adored, flooding me with memories and inspiring me to get my hands on some of my old favorite movies and music. Cline also gives us laugh out loud humor, which gave me lots of interesting looks as I listened while on the track at the rec center! Not only that, Ready Player One is filled with action, exceptional character development, a little cyber love, and a LOT of fun. I am actually quite sad that I could not live in this story any longer than the five months it took me to finish it.
I cannot close without commenting on the narrator, Wil Wheaton. At first, I enjoyed his narration, but as the story progressed, I came to love him. The irony that he was a child of the 80's himself and that he may have even been referred to in the story only adds to his significance and impact for my love for this book.
The Conclusion: I loved it! Forget the book though because this one is a MUST on audio. Ready Player One will likely make my favorites of the year!
Have you adored Ready Player One as much as I have? What music and/or movies did it make you want to seek out?
Yes Yes Yes!! Loved this audio and made The Hubster listen to it too. Neither of us are gamers at all and a bit older than 'children of the 80's' but still we loved the pop culture references. When The Hubster admitted that he'd never seen War Games I immediately corrected that error in his cultural upbringing. It also made me want to re-watch Heathers which I still haven't done.
ReplyDeleteSuziQoregon ... Ahhh, Heathers. I cannot remember how many times I've seen that one. I think it is time for another viewing of that one and War Games!!
DeleteI LOVE RPO, it's top 5 books for me, all time. I am a gamer which made me love it so much more. The funny thing is I was sheltered (BAD) as a child in the 80s and MANY references I didn't get because of it, but I still loved it overall. I did read it, but have listened to a little over half the book in audio a few years ago. Been a fan of Wil for a while and currently listening to him for the audiobook of Redshirts by John Scalzi. It's great! :)
ReplyDeleteKarsyn Smith ... This one is definitely going to be making my list of all-time favorite reads. It was just soooo much fun! I need to check out more of Wil's audiobooks. Maybe I should see if I can get my hands on Redshirts!
DeleteI have this on my to-listen list - it's been sitting on my iPod for over a year now. I'm so glad you've reviewed it. I think it will be my next listen.
ReplyDeleteBelle Wong ... Oh yes it should!! Let me know if you decide to go with it! We can chat along the way! It is sooooo good!!
DeleteThis sounds good!
ReplyDeleteBook Bloggers International ... It really, really is!!
DeleteI've heard that Wil Wheaton does a great job with this book. I read it the ol' fashioned way but now I'm kinda itching to listen to it on Audiobook. I hardly ever re-read books either... hmm, thanks for the push Tif... I might be revisiting this one in the nearby future.
ReplyDeleteAmberBug ... I love to re-read books every so often, and this is one that I will definitely re-read. I may try it on physical book or I may just go back to the audio or maybe I will do both. I really loved it that much!!
DeleteI downloaded this audiobook and I am itchying to listen to it. Maybe this will be my May audiobook!
ReplyDeletefigandthistle.com ... Yes, yes, yes!!! It is really good and definitely worth a listen sooner rather than later!!
Deletetotally agree, this is a book to LISTEN to. in fact that everyone should listen to, to understand our world
ReplyDeletewordsandpeace.com ... I completely agree!! So good on so many levels!!
DeleteI love this audio so much!!!! Wil Wheaton can come to my house and read me the newspaper :)
ReplyDeleteSheila (Bookjourney) ... LOL!! That would be nice ... though I recently saw an old episode of Criminal Minds where Wil played a bad guy. He was a VERY scary bad guy!!
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