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Ready Player One,
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Cristina
No, it's not just you. I think that, technically speaking, RP1 isn't a good book at all. It's poorly written, has very little character development, and there are way too many plot contrivances. Not to mention that it's really not an originial book or even concept. It's more of a remix of a lot of tried-and-true ideas executed poorly.
But what it is--is addictive.
RP1 employs some pretty cool plot contrivances that make you want to read more, even if you know the ending. The multiple stages of Halliday's contest--and the admittedly fun aspect of watching Wade "wade" through each stage--will compel most readers to stay and see what happens. There's a reason why video games are so addictive and Cline lifts a lot of the addictive aspects straight from the games themselves. I must give him credit for that.
Addictive book =/= good book. Fun, though.
But what it is--is addictive.
RP1 employs some pretty cool plot contrivances that make you want to read more, even if you know the ending. The multiple stages of Halliday's contest--and the admittedly fun aspect of watching Wade "wade" through each stage--will compel most readers to stay and see what happens. There's a reason why video games are so addictive and Cline lifts a lot of the addictive aspects straight from the games themselves. I must give him credit for that.
Addictive book =/= good book. Fun, though.
Kruunch
I don't think it translates for everyone in the same way. If you're a Gen Xer who's been a gamer and into the counter culture of the past few decades this book will sing to you.
On the other hand if your last book was Bridges of Madison County, you'll probably hate this book.
It's extremely thematic.
Speaking to its literary worthiness it's about on par with most current pulp fiction titles written today (which is to say concise and to the point).
On the other hand if your last book was Bridges of Madison County, you'll probably hate this book.
It's extremely thematic.
Speaking to its literary worthiness it's about on par with most current pulp fiction titles written today (which is to say concise and to the point).
Darryl
Definately overrated. Grating. Unoriginal (bordering on outright plagiarism). Poorly written. Boring. But very sucessful, so what do I know?
The Nickelback of literature.
The Nickelback of literature.
Cat
This answer contains spoilers…
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Robert Lang
Different tastes - it's a fun, fast read. Or try the audiobook version. Read by Will Wheaton (who does one of the best narration jobs I've heard).
Judy Lindow
Totally nostalgia for me and gaming was only background noise. I'm loving it. It's so easy to get this. I think even more than if you lived through the 80s, technology for decades, you're a gamer - the whole combined package of simulation and possibility is appealing to some. I think the dystopian genre just sings to some of us - the fantasy aspects, a lot that is actually happening right now will or will not appeal to some people. I think if you're not pulled in by any of that, it could be tiresome.
Carlos
yes it is highly overrated
Cricket Muse
Some books get a lot of attention for different reasons. Twilight was huge for awhile because of the romantic-supernatural-series aspect. Not much heard about those sparkling vampires these days. Ready Player One addressed the dystopian theme (still popular), gaming (a culture), and weaves in an adventure with overtones of a love story. Lots of bases hit, attracting a wide audience. If there wasn't a movie attached to it, the book would probably fade in popularity as it has been said elsewhere that the idea and writing aren't that strong.
Janis Winslow
I listened to this on audio...loved it!
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