Book of the Month August 2013: Ready Player One

Happy Friday! 

After a much too long hiatus, I have decided to restart my book of the month club postings!  I have really enjoyed these posts and from the comments and feedback it sounded like you have as well.  So on to the book for this month, is simply a fun and fantastic read titled

Ready Player One written by Ernest Cline.

This book came from a recommendation (and a bit of disbelief that I had not read it yet) from my friend and teammate Tommy Patterson (check out his blog, very good writing).  So what is this book about, it is kinda hard to explain it without ruining the fun for you.  Here is the description from the editors”

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.
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.

That really sums it up nicely, and I love the quote on the front of the book from USA Today, “Will Wonka meets The Matrix”.  I think that even fits even better, and I would love to tell you more about the book, but it would ruin the story.  It is a fast paced read, and I think I finished it in just a little under a week.  That was not my favorite part however/  The best part of the book is how it completely immersed me in a great story, but also brought back some great memories from growing up.

Very rarely when you are reading books do they inspire you to go rummaging through your closet in the middle of the chapter, in the middle of the night.  Well this book did for me!  If you’re a child of the 80’s, you most likely may find yourself rummaging through your closet.  The book had so many references to the books, the games, the music of the 80’s that just hugely added to the charm and nostalgia of the book. 

It was such a great way to relive my childhood and the gatherings with my friends playing D & D.  While I might give a little hint with my photos in this post, I did want to share with you what I went rummaging into my closet for.  When they made the reference, I actually went and got the module to read it.  I actually did reread it, and then went back to the book.  In some part of my brain I think that is what the author intended for this book.

Folks this needs to be on your must read list, I promise you will enjoy the book.  Thank you Tommy for a great book! 

As with all my book of the month posts.  Let me know if you read this book and comment and let me know what your thoughts are.  Also let me know what your reading.  Enjoy and have a great day!