When I first read the plot of this Ernest Cline novel, I thought there’s no way I’d enjoy reading it. It’s speculative fiction set in the very distant future, with lots of video game references that I knew I wouldn’t get. The only thing that got me interested in reading it was the fact that it’s about to become a movie directed by Steven Spielberg. I mean, it must be a great read if Spielberg agreed to direct its movie adaptation, right?
So despite my hesitations, got myself a copy and started to read. And I am so glad I did.
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. 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 is a real treat for video game enthusiasts, as well as for those who are obsessed with the coolest decade of all: the 80s. I am no gamer, and I can’t really say that I am crazy about the 80s, although I do agree that it’s the best decade ever, but I truly enjoyed every moment that I spent reading this book. Never mind that I did not recognize 99% of the video games mentioned, and was clueless about 90% of the 80s music, movie, and television references in the book.
I guess that is the beauty of Ready Player One. You do not need to be a video game expert, or to have lived in the decades mentioned, to be able to appreciate it or relate to it. Cline helpfully explains how to play the video games mentioned in the book, which is essential to the plot, so you wouldn’t really feel left out as you read. Plus, the thrilling build up of events and the unpredictability of the story will distract you from your lack of knowledge about the book’s main subjects. I enjoyed following Wade, the story’s main hero, in his adventures, and not once did I feel frustrated for not knowing what the hell he was talking about.
I also loved how the past is seamlessly linked to the future in this book. It gives the readers a glimpse of how ugly tomorrow could be for humanity, while constantly reminding them how simple and beautiful the world used to be.
This book totally entertained me. Now I am even more excited about the movie, which I think is already in the post-production stage. I don’t expect it to be 100% faithful to the book, but I believe that it will be just as amazing.
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