Okay, so the movie version of Ready Player One is being released in two weeks which meant the clock was ticking for me to read this book. What happens to me is that if I don't read the book before I see the movie, I rarely end up reading the book. Because then I just feel like I'm reading a movie. Does that make sense? So, Ready Player One has been on my to read list since 2013 so I've definitely left it to the last minute!

But what can I say other than it was fantastic! I was so entertained by this book, it was definitely a thrill and an adventure that I haven't had from a book in a long time. I was engaged from the very first page. There are so many pop culture references to the 80's, from movies to music to video games and technology. Not that I really understand or know all of the references, because I'm not THAT big of a geeky tech nerd, BUT, I enjoyed it and having a boyfriend who is very into video games, retro and new, I wasn't completely clueless while reading which probably helped me be able to enjoy the book even more!

The story is set in the future, year 2044 and it centers around Wade Watts on his search for a special egg in a worldwide virtual reality gaming competition. The first person to find the special egg inherits the fortune left by the game's creator. Like every coming of age, adventure-type story, Wade has a reliable group of friends and fellow gamers to aid him in the quest, an enemy target and villain, and a willingness and determination to meet his goal by using his brain and his brawn (well, virtual brawn in this case). For a first book, I think that Cline did a really great job because the writing is intriguing, page-turning, and it makes the story flow really well. and I actually am going to put his newest book, Armada, on my to-read list.

It's a plot-driven adventure story that is science fiction, but even if you aren't a huge fan of that genre, I think you'd enjoy this book if you at least have an appreciation for retro gaming and pop culture. There were only a few parts where the sci-fi tech speak was too over my head. Plus, I just have to say that the idea of living in The Stacks, where mobile homes and 5th wheel trailers are literally stacked on top of each other, and in order to get to your home you just have to scale really tall ladders, is crazy! I really hope that is not our future way to build new communities.

I now can't wait to see the movie! I know that the trend is for movies to never live up to the books their based on. But, I am excited to see this story come to life on the big screen, especially with the ability to portray futuristic technology and virtual aspects in that medium.

Finishing this book on my comfy couch with a local craft beer and my Apple Tv was a great way to spend a Friday night at home