Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
This is the perfect case of what happens if you give a book, a second and a third chance – you might end up really enjoying it!!! At least that was the case with me and Ready Player One. I picked up the physical book, I tried the audiobook as well, and DNFed them both. It all changed when I watched the movie last December and instantly wanted to go back to the book, because I knew the book would be better.
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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.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
MY THOUGHTS
Sometimes reading a book at the right time makes all the difference in the world. And although I ended up DNFing the book twice, when I eventually read it, I really enjoyed it.
If you have’t watched the movie yet, or maybe you have, for me the book was definitely better. Not only was the story much more detailed, it’s also nothing like the movie. The characters and the overall plot line were the same, but the book differs in many aspects and the sheer amount of 80s references was staggering. Since I’m not a gamer therefore I didn’t recognize 90% of the computer games that were mentioned in the book. BUT the movie and music references made me smile – because the 80s shaped my life.
I think what makes this book so stellar is the unique plot line. It’s truly original in every way that counts. Often books feel like shadows and pale copies of tropes and plots that have already been done in numerous ways. Ready Player One is refreshingly distinctive compared to other books, and has an authentic (hello 80s) and entertaining voice.
The novel had the vibe of an old quest movie. A hero on a quest to win the ultimate price. To get there he had to overcome a number of tricky challenges. Ready Player One was a modern version of it.
I really enjoyed this audiobook from beginning to end. The idea. The characters and the plot – it all worked for me.
However, sometimes the detailed descriptions of games clearly went over my non-gamer head. The author went into great details concerning games, their creators and other authentic historical background that wasn’t as interesting to me as it might be for gaming enthusiasts. But all of that paled in comparison to how much fun I had listening to this book.
I can only recommend it to anyone who loves a unique storyline and grew up in the 80s and 90s.
ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR || GET THE BOOK
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
I shall have to steal this from my daughter’s bookshelf!
You should 😀
I watched the movie a few years back and was shocked by how much I actually enjoyed it, so I should def go back and try to read the book! Glad to hear that you enjoyed it!! ?
I was surprised how much I enjoyed the movie too, and it gave me the right motivation to pick up the book again – so win/win 😀
Im not much of a gamer, but I loved this book. I watched the movie and thought the book was so much better.
The book is ALWAYS better :D, and watching the movie was the incentive I needed to give this book another chance.
SO perfect for children of the 80s. I loved all the music and movie references.
I agree!!! It was very nostalgic in a way 😀
I’ve heard really mixed things about the book but I have heard that the movie is good, maybe I’ll see the movie and then read the book.
This was an amazing review ?
I think because the books is so detailed, focusing on games and on the 80s, it’s not surprising that for some this book isn’t the right fit. Overall I think it deserves the hype. It’s DIFFERENT, and well done. And very nostalgic.:D
Since I also watched the movie first, I can only recommend checking it out. And if you are intrigued by it, remember that the book is nothing like the movie, besides the overall plot.
Thanks for letting me know ?
And it’s good to hear that the books is different because I love books that like
I definitely loved all the 80s references in this one. The book actually turned my oldest son into a major Rush fan. LOL!
Woohoo!!!! I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with in the sequel.
I have heard that this book is one of the best audiobooks. And I am born in 70ies so the 80ies? yes!
Definitely yes to the 80’s ? sometimes it was a bit too detailed but I loved all the 80s references.
Interesting that the movie is different from the book. I love the 80s, but I wasn’t sure if I’d like the endless references in the book.The audiobook seems like it would be more fun rather than having to read it all with my own eyes…if that makes sense ?
Maybe the movie plot was easier to do, also it’s hard to put a detailed book like this into an action movie. But I enjoyed them both, just differently.
I loved the movie but still haven’t read the book.
Book two is coming out in November and really feel like re-reading Read Player One! 🙂 (and maybe watching the movie for the 5th time)
5th time watching? That sounds like you LOVED the movie.:D
I’m stoked about the sequel, but also nervous. Sequels that are written so long after the original rarely measure up. But I’m optimistic.
I recently watched the movie and it made me want to pick up the book as well. I think it’s one of those books I need to be in the mood to read to truly appreciate it, but even as a casual gamer a lot of the gaming stuff would probably fly over my head haha. Great review. 😀
I agree! It took me a long time and two DNFs until the time was right. ?