Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

I had a friend try to convince me for months to read this book, and although it's been on my Kindle since early 2014, I just had never gotten around to it. And now I'm kicking myself for ignoring it for that long.

Ready Player One is out and out FUN. Given my challenge, I don't tend to read a lot of books that are simply a blast to read, so Ready Player One was much welcomed. And as my ancient ass was born in 1981, this book was an enjoyable trip down memory lane for me.

This book will hit especially close to home for people who have a robust internet life. I have previously been an active member of an online community. I have a few friends whom I consider my best friends... even though we met online well before we ever saw each other's faces in real life. Unlike a lot of society, Cline doesn't downplay the importance of friendships formed online. In fact, he respects and reveres those unions that are formed without the superficiality of physical appearances. The internet gives us the ability to know a person's true character without being hung up on the external. So while people may laugh, those friendships can be very deep and real. While I'm no longer a member of that online community, I took friendships away from that time in my life that I will cherish forever. Just like Parzival and Aech!

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.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.

#readyplayerone #ernestcline #deepthoughtsfromdamptresses