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Synopsis (from Goodreads):
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.
Review:
The future is bleak for Wade Watts: His parents are dead, he must live with an aunt who treats him poorly, and the world is full of crime, poverty, and hopelessness. The only bright spot is when Wade can hook into the OASIS. This virtual world is where Wade can go to school, hang out with friends, and try and solve the mother of all puzzles: Where has the inventor of the OASIS left the three keys that will open the gates and bestow upon the winner his Billion dollar fortune? This book is part dystopian society, part Willy Wonka. Millions of people (and a mega-corporation) are on the hunt, searching through clues based on the 80's obsession of J.D. Halliday. One of the joys of reading this book, by Ernest Cline, is getting all the 70's and 80's pop culture references.
I enjoyed how all the characters, while being very smart and articulate, were also painfully shy and had trouble facing the real world. The implications that we could be creating an entire generation of introverts by relying too heavily on the internet are clear. I wish there had been even more about this in the book, as it is an important topic.
I listened to this book as an audiobook. It is read by Wil Wheaton, who voiced the main character with sensitivity and humor. I especially loved when he had to recite lines from Monty Python and the Holy Grail! At times, there is so much going on at once that the reader (or listener) may get lost in the action. The book often reference's the fictional J.D. Halliday's Anorak's Almanac for clues. I wish they had included a copy in the back of the book. But these moments are brief. Overall, this is a fun, entertaining read, especially if you love the movies, music, and general pop culture of the 1980's.
I enjoyed how all the characters, while being very smart and articulate, were also painfully shy and had trouble facing the real world. The implications that we could be creating an entire generation of introverts by relying too heavily on the internet are clear. I wish there had been even more about this in the book, as it is an important topic.
I listened to this book as an audiobook. It is read by Wil Wheaton, who voiced the main character with sensitivity and humor. I especially loved when he had to recite lines from Monty Python and the Holy Grail! At times, there is so much going on at once that the reader (or listener) may get lost in the action. The book often reference's the fictional J.D. Halliday's Anorak's Almanac for clues. I wish they had included a copy in the back of the book. But these moments are brief. Overall, this is a fun, entertaining read, especially if you love the movies, music, and general pop culture of the 1980's.
Rating: 
Source: Public Library
Format: Audiobook
Recommendation: If you like 80's pop culture, you will enjoy this.
Will I read more from this author: Yes!
Great review. I read this book a few months ago and really liked it. I’m looking forward to reading the author’s other book, Armada.
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!