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dannyvalle's review against another edition
5.0
I have to say that this was one of the most entertaining reads I've encountered since the Harry Potter series. I LOVED this book and hope to read more from this author.
eproctor's review against another edition
4.0
I am not a gamer (although I did grow up in the 80s) so I wasn't immediately drawn to the book. However, I did know enough to get the references, especially since he spends a good amount of time explaining most of them. Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was structured in such a way to be a fast read that leaves you wanting to continue to the next chapter. I thought the digital world he creates was decent, although I wasn't entirely drawn in. I was probably least impressed with the love story. Not sure why it needed to be a part of the book. It seemed like it was grasping for a larger audience by including it. But I would recommend the book to others.
rachaelfaith's review against another edition
2.0
retro nerdy reference
more involved retro nerdy reference
trope
trope
retro nerdy reference
Fun read, I guess, but most of the parts I enjoyed got quickly overshadowed by common sci-fi and YA tropes. It used to be fun to read books that referenced other media I enjoy, but here it feels like collecting name drop geek points for no real reason.
more involved retro nerdy reference
trope
trope
retro nerdy reference
Fun read, I guess, but most of the parts I enjoyed got quickly overshadowed by common sci-fi and YA tropes. It used to be fun to read books that referenced other media I enjoy, but here it feels like collecting name drop geek points for no real reason.
nella580's review against another edition
2.0
Games games games games games games games games games games games!!!! I'm sorry, who got inside my husbands mind and wrote down on paper (and not very well, either) the crap that's in there? Ernest Cline, that's who.
So, this is a cute adventure story. Not anything prize worthy. It's barely read-worthy. But it gets two stars because it kept me not bored enough to get to the end. I can see this holding some appeal to gamers and people in their 30s who grew up in the US in the 80s and lonely teenage boys who hermit themselves away from society and then wonder why they never get laid. Hey, at least they all have a go-to book now. And I use the term "book" loosely in reference to this... compilation of 80s and gaming trivia and definitions.
My main problem with this book is that it's terribly, terribly, TERRIBLY written. There are pages upon pages upon chapters(!) of lists and definitions and Wikipedia-like descriptions of random 80s and gaming stuff. I'm fine with an 80s/gaming/geek-centric storyline, but it's not even a storyline here. All these lists and random paragraphs should have been woven into the plot and unfolded within the happenings of the actual adventure, rather than left to stand on their own as a sidebar to the main story. I wish Cline would do a lot more showing a lot less telling, because as a reader I felt like I was browsing some random, poorly written Internet article.
The other problem I have is that the storyline, although interesting, is a complete copout. In several instances where Cline had the opportunity to develop the plot as well as the characters in more depth, he chose to take the easy way out. For example, Wade, the protagonist, seems to have memorized in 5 years what it took another man an entire lifetime to compile. That's a major copout! Every time there would be an opportunity for a hitch in the plot, Wade would just randomly know the right answer because he's memorized everything there is to know about the given topic. I can see this happening once, but it keeps happening over and over until I became convinced that Cline wasn't trying to write a book. He was trying to make a list of things he likes, like DeLorians and trance mixes of 80s music and Pac-Man and slightly chubby, but still cute gamer girls who act tough online, but are really the stereotypical damsels in distress, waiting to be accepted and saved by a big, strong, smart, rich, powerful gamer guy with whom they conveniently share all their interests.
You may enjoy this book if you are my husband or any of his gamer friends. :)
So, this is a cute adventure story. Not anything prize worthy. It's barely read-worthy. But it gets two stars because it kept me not bored enough to get to the end. I can see this holding some appeal to gamers and people in their 30s who grew up in the US in the 80s and lonely teenage boys who hermit themselves away from society and then wonder why they never get laid. Hey, at least they all have a go-to book now. And I use the term "book" loosely in reference to this... compilation of 80s and gaming trivia and definitions.
My main problem with this book is that it's terribly, terribly, TERRIBLY written. There are pages upon pages upon chapters(!) of lists and definitions and Wikipedia-like descriptions of random 80s and gaming stuff. I'm fine with an 80s/gaming/geek-centric storyline, but it's not even a storyline here. All these lists and random paragraphs should have been woven into the plot and unfolded within the happenings of the actual adventure, rather than left to stand on their own as a sidebar to the main story. I wish Cline would do a lot more showing a lot less telling, because as a reader I felt like I was browsing some random, poorly written Internet article.
The other problem I have is that the storyline, although interesting, is a complete copout. In several instances where Cline had the opportunity to develop the plot as well as the characters in more depth, he chose to take the easy way out. For example, Wade, the protagonist, seems to have memorized in 5 years what it took another man an entire lifetime to compile. That's a major copout! Every time there would be an opportunity for a hitch in the plot, Wade would just randomly know the right answer because he's memorized everything there is to know about the given topic. I can see this happening once, but it keeps happening over and over until I became convinced that Cline wasn't trying to write a book. He was trying to make a list of things he likes, like DeLorians and trance mixes of 80s music and Pac-Man and slightly chubby, but still cute gamer girls who act tough online, but are really the stereotypical damsels in distress, waiting to be accepted and saved by a big, strong, smart, rich, powerful gamer guy with whom they conveniently share all their interests.
You may enjoy this book if you are my husband or any of his gamer friends. :)
amandainez41's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED THIS BOOK. wow. I need more books like this.
artemisprime22's review against another edition
5.0
Definitely one that should be purchased. I loved it!
bside67's review against another edition
5.0
Why I waited years to read this book, I can't understand. Every fiber of my geeky soul thoroughly enjoyed this book. Of course, my vast knowledge of the 80's helped me immerse myself on this book. Needless to say, I highly recommend this book.
elby3gc's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Super fun and surprisingly kept me engaged even though it’s generally not my name to spend a lot of time thinking about futuristic-ish things. The 80s throwbacks were good. I am giving it a four because I think it was really a top notch read and I would recommend it to a general audience.
armeyguyrules's review against another edition
3.0
72%. C grade level
Fluffy, futuristic, fun
When I first picked up Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, I was immediately captivated by its immersive world filled with 80s pop culture references. The idea of a virtual reality universe like the OASIS was both fascinating and seemingly believable, drawing me into a vivid landscape where endless possibilities awaited. The nostalgia of iconic movies, video games, and music from the 80s provided a rich backdrop that made the story feel vibrant and engaging.
However, as I read more, I began to question the character of James Halliday, the creator of the OASIS. Initially portrayed as an eccentric genius, Halliday’s behavior gradually made me think of him as quite the jerk. He lashed out and fired people simply for not sharing his obsession with nerd culture, which seemed irrational and petty. Furthermore, his decision to sever ties with his best friend over a romantic interest in his girlfriend really showed his lack of maturity and inability to handle personal relationships. Halliday’s inability to communicate or act on his feelings was frustrating and made him a rather annoying character.
Innovative Online Industries (IOI), the corporate antagonist in the story, also raised eyebrows. Their blatant disregard for human rights, including acts akin to human trafficking, was alarming. The fact that such activities were overlooked or tolerated in the world of Ready Player One raised questions about the state of the outside world and the morality of its society. It was unsettling to see how far IOI was willing to go in their quest for control over the OASIS, highlighting the darker side of corporate greed and the potential dangers of unchecked power.
Despite these issues, I found the concept of the OASIS itself to be quite appealing. The virtual world offered a respite from reality, with its boundless opportunities and diminished prejudice. It was a place where individuals could express themselves freely and escape the limitations of the real world. The idea of a digital universe where everyone had equal access to knowledge and adventure was intriguing and added a layer of depth to the story.
In conclusion, Ready Player One is a fun and entertaining read, offering a fluffy escape into a world of nostalgia and adventure. While it may not be the most believable or realistic portrayal of the future, it provides an enjoyable ride filled with pop culture references and imaginative scenarios. However, the flaws of its characters, particularly Halliday, and the ethical concerns raised by IOI, serve as reminders of the complexities that come with such a technologically advanced society. Despite its shortcomings, the book remains a delightful exploration of a virtual world that many of us can only dream of experiencing. Just don’t expect too much from Halliday!
Fluffy, futuristic, fun
When I first picked up Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, I was immediately captivated by its immersive world filled with 80s pop culture references. The idea of a virtual reality universe like the OASIS was both fascinating and seemingly believable, drawing me into a vivid landscape where endless possibilities awaited. The nostalgia of iconic movies, video games, and music from the 80s provided a rich backdrop that made the story feel vibrant and engaging.
However, as I read more, I began to question the character of James Halliday, the creator of the OASIS. Initially portrayed as an eccentric genius, Halliday’s behavior gradually made me think of him as quite the jerk. He lashed out and fired people simply for not sharing his obsession with nerd culture, which seemed irrational and petty. Furthermore, his decision to sever ties with his best friend over a romantic interest in his girlfriend really showed his lack of maturity and inability to handle personal relationships. Halliday’s inability to communicate or act on his feelings was frustrating and made him a rather annoying character.
Innovative Online Industries (IOI), the corporate antagonist in the story, also raised eyebrows. Their blatant disregard for human rights, including acts akin to human trafficking, was alarming. The fact that such activities were overlooked or tolerated in the world of Ready Player One raised questions about the state of the outside world and the morality of its society. It was unsettling to see how far IOI was willing to go in their quest for control over the OASIS, highlighting the darker side of corporate greed and the potential dangers of unchecked power.
Despite these issues, I found the concept of the OASIS itself to be quite appealing. The virtual world offered a respite from reality, with its boundless opportunities and diminished prejudice. It was a place where individuals could express themselves freely and escape the limitations of the real world. The idea of a digital universe where everyone had equal access to knowledge and adventure was intriguing and added a layer of depth to the story.
In conclusion, Ready Player One is a fun and entertaining read, offering a fluffy escape into a world of nostalgia and adventure. While it may not be the most believable or realistic portrayal of the future, it provides an enjoyable ride filled with pop culture references and imaginative scenarios. However, the flaws of its characters, particularly Halliday, and the ethical concerns raised by IOI, serve as reminders of the complexities that come with such a technologically advanced society. Despite its shortcomings, the book remains a delightful exploration of a virtual world that many of us can only dream of experiencing. Just don’t expect too much from Halliday!