This was not a book that I expected to like, but, as it was our January book club pick, I tried it anyway. And, to my surprise, I liked it.
Now, I would not say this is a well-written masterpiece. Or really literature. And I spent the entire book confused about whether or not I was reading a young adult novel. But I liked it.
Ready Player One is the boy-video-gamer equivalent of chick lit. In an America of the not-too-distant future, reality has become so unbearable that the world has submerged itself in a virtual reality called OASIS. When the creator of OASIS dies, he leaves his entire fortune and empire (Willy Wonka-style) to the player who can locate a hidden easter egg located somewhere in the game. When teenage trailer-park-resident Wade Watts finds the firt clue — after the world has spent five fruitless years searching — chaos and virtual adventure ensues.
In spite of the fact that this novel revolves around video games, I found it interesting enough to keep reading. And I read it pretty quickly. Though I don’t think Cline meant it to be a young adult novel, it plays to that audience. If nothing else, I’m glad I read this book because I have already recommended it to several students who loved it.
Cline certainly doesn’t need my approval — or anyone else’s. There was a bidding war among publishers for the novel, and the following day the rights were sold for a film. Before the book even hit the shelves. Amazon listed it as one of the top books of 2011. For me, there is nothing deep or literary about this book, and it falls squarely in the domain of beach reading, but it is an interesting read.
I wouldn’t think that I would like this book either, but your description makes it sound like it may be fun to read – nothing too heavy, nothing too serious, just something fun and different. Maybe I’ll give it a try. Thanks!