Book Review: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

I just finished this book and although I missed it on the big screen, I’m anxious to see the movie as soon as I can! For now, let’s talk about the novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. If you’re not familiar, here’s the book blurb.

In the year 2045, 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.

This one was recommended by my son-in-law and he correctly predicted that I would enjoy the character’s obsession with eighties movies, music, and particularly, videogames. It is this aspect of the book that makes it somewhat unique. Even though it appears to be simply the usual YA novel at first glance, the constant references to previous generations create a story that appeals to a much broader audience.

On the surface, the book is another bleak, depressing, and dystopian tale of a future in which we have basically screwed up the whole planet. I think we probably have enough of those already, so I was glad to see that this one is different. Actually, very little of the novel takes place in this real world which is a good thing. Instead, we are introduced to the OASIS, a virtual world where you can escape from reality altogether.

In the OASIS, each person is represented by an avatar who may or may not have any resemblance to the actual person. Unfortunately, although society inside may be cleaner and more idealistic looking, class distinctions are still abundant and our hero Wade is only slightly better off than he is on the outside. Without real money on the outside, the OASIS is free, but heavily restricted. Your avatar will wear only generic outfits and carry the cheapest (and least effective) weapons and shields. Travel is costly, so finding even the simplest of quests or adventures is difficult. (Videogamers know that these quests are necessary to level up! And gain money and better weapons).

I did like the OASIS school system. Cursing is muted automatically and avatars are not allowed to use their phones or surf the web during class. Discipline is easily enforced by other restrictions of the program creating a model classroom taught by the best virtual instructors. (When I was teaching, I would love to have had the ability to instantly silence unruly students or remove them with the push of a button!)

The story basically becomes a huge treasure hunt when the creator of the OASIS dies and leaves the control of the program (and the bazillion dollars that goes with it) to the first person who can solve a series of puzzles and find a hidden Easter egg located somewhere within the OASIS. Wade and several of his virtual friends soon take the lead in the massive hunt.

Of course every good adventure must have a villain and this book provides a classic sci-fi bad guy, the IOI Corporation and their band of hackers known as the Sixers. IOI wants to gain control of the OASIS for monetary reasons and everyone else knows that if that happens, the lower classes will eventually be forced out, unable to afford the escape from reality they so desperately seek.

Wade and his friends are determined to win the contest and preserve the OASIS. The battle for control is intense with a little bit of a love story thrown in for good measure. The story is strong and the characters interesting making the book a fun ride while it lasts. If you’re looking for a quick and easy read, this one is very entertaining and I do recommend it! Now to find a copy of the movie!