Cline, Ernest - Ready Player One - Start Date November 12th 2012

[Tawallah]

I've borrowed this book from the library. Hopefully I'll be able to read this next week.

[RachelvlehcaR]

He is a major gamer. It doesn't take long to master the games. Plus summer time with no school. He would spend days and nights mostly online. I can see this. He would do this marathon style. I have seen kids do this a lot.

[Nichole]

I think he started learning and memorizing things before the quest began. He said that he idolized him. At least, that's my theory.

Dangit! That's the only downfall of audiobooks. Looking back on stuff isn't so easy...

[Sarah]

Juliana wrote: "I started it this evening and I'm already 100 pages in. The writing is so easy to read.
I found the explanation about the world's problem very plausible, and even with the many details that the aut..."

I had the same reaction about what he looked like. It wasn't until the narrator told us that he was fat that I even pictured it. I had pictured skinny too, I don't know why, maybe I thought he didn't eat much, but kids are getting fatter and fatter as they trade playing outside for playing in cyberspace. And a lot of junk food is cheaper for families with not much money and the diets do tend to be poor.

[RachelvlehcaR]

Yeah, I pictured him about 15 or 16 thin geeky kind of kid. Until he was described.

I am really loving this book. I am now half way through. Awesome book. I want to play some vintage games now. Games from my childhood. I was an 80s kid :)

[Sarah]

RachelvlehcaR wrote: "Cathie wrote: "Since this is a re-read for me, I'm going to listen to the audio book because everyone keeps fanning over how great Will Wheaton reads it.

I've never seen the Brazilian cover befor..."

The audio is great. I am enjoying this format of the book.

[RachelvlehcaR]

I am jealous. I need to get my hands on the audio

[Cynthia]

It remind me of trying to play one of those interactive games with my daughter. I have no idea how she could remember each characters commands, how to solve quests, and do it for many games. My mind just didn't work that way.

I think the neural pathways must develop differently or maybe more of them in certain areas when you start doing that at such a young age.

OTOH, I believe a lot of pathways DON'T develop when the child rearing is left up to the iPad and the Xbox, which I see way too frequently.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Just started chapter 4 and really enjoying this book. I also pictured Wade kinda thin and greasy until he described himself.

Do we know where in the world he physically is? I thought he had mentioned it would be worse to be in Africa, Asia or North America, but the name of the trailer park and other things make it sound like he is somewhere in the US.

[Nichole]

He's in Oklahoma City

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Thanks Nichole.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Up to chapter 11 now. This book really sucks you in. FYI, this is my first time doing a buddy read, so I may overuse spoiler tags because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.

This energy crisis confuses me somewhat. Is it only gas? How is OASIS so popular worldwide - how are people getting the energy to run the computers everywhere? I know Wade has the bike method, but what about the rest of the world?

(view spoiler)[I was surprised he helped Art3mis after she cast the spell to slow him down. Doesn't seem smart at the time, but I get the feeling that Wade, Art3mis and Aech will be the leading players and maybe there is a way for a combined win even if they pledged to be "solo players for life" (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

I just finished part 1. Amazing. I am starting part two, so here is something I think will happen, (view spoiler)[ I think Aech is going to betray Wade. I think he had a sixer spy in the basement. Or somehow Art3mis has one with her that knew how to cloak himself. I am happy the other two didn't trust them and ran. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Up to chapter 11 now. This book really sucks you in. FYI, this is my first time doing a buddy read, so I may overuse spoiler tags because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone.

This energy c..."

Yes it does. I love it.

[Juliana]

RachelvlehcaR wrote: "I do too. Wouldn't it be wonderful just to mute people! I love this book. Yay the 80s."

Yeah! Mute some people would have been great! Lol

[Sumit]

Please count me in too!

[Cathie]

As most of you probably know, I absolutely adore this book. One of my all time favorite reads and definitely a go to when I want to read something light and fun.

I'm slogging through the audio; it seems to take forever. I could have probably finished the book by now. It's nice to hear the text, but I'm so impatient at how slow it progresses. (the audio).

I love all the references to 80s (that's when my kids grew up) and all the video games and geek things. I am a big geek and have played most of the items in "the list", watched most of the movies "in the list", etc. I belong to an online gaming world, "homelings" that was part of the PS3 home world, so I can really relate to different planets, different themes, the avatars, clothing, etc.

I can totally see the future nearing this way of life. There are already universities online that you can study at from home, you can work from home via your computer; my son's cardiologist checks in with him via skype!

Love this book! ☺

I am currently only at where he is trampling through the forests on the school planet, looking for the skulls rock formation. (Like I said the audio i find is really slow). But I know what is coming up ☺ (Not sure how I figure out page #s when listening to the audio?)

[Jex]

@Tea (post 197): I think he was able to become an expert because he had nothing else to do with his free time. Basically he went to school and then nothing. He hated his family. He had no money to explore anything fun on the oasis. Really he just didn't have anything better to do. His hobby was his life. Plus if he's anything like me, he's always got a game and a show going. I can't not multitask anymore. Must watch, listen, do all at once!

@Wade's Looks: I always envisoned him as a bigger guy just because in the gaming world, that tends to be the norm. If you're doing nothing but gaming you're probably not moving around enough to not be big. I could see him as a small guy too though since he's poor and may not get enough to eat. I guess it could go either way. (view spoiler)[Later on when he gets the workout aspect I find it fascinating. I would hate to have to work out before I can log in to something. Then again...I physically leave my house to work and such so I guess that's a step in the right direction. (hide spoiler)]

[Nichole]

I finished today and gave it 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed it :)

(view spoiler)[ I was so not expecting Aech to be an African American lesbian, lol. I kept waiting for the moment when Wade discovers Aech is a mole for IOI. I'm glad I was wrong!

I liked how they had to work together to beat IOI. And that true friendships were formed from it. Topped off with a sweet little romance at the end. As I finish out the story in my head *winks* I see them working together to bring humanity out in the real world again. Healing the world and eventually pressing the big red button!
(hide spoiler)]

A big thumbs up from me!

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Just picked this up today! Started reading it in the car while we ran errands but hubby kept talking so I didn't get far. I'm two years older ...or was it younger...than the Halliday character so I am really looking forward to all the 80s references.

[RachelvlehcaR]

I finished it last night. I couldn't stop myself from finishing it. I loved the book. I also treated myself for an early birthday present to myself, since tomorrow is my birthday. I just bought the audiobook because I had to listen to Wil Wheaton read it. I'm going to listen to some of it tonight.

[Cathie]

Happy early Birthday Rachel! ☺

Wheaton does a good job reading it, but you won't be able to move the story as fast as you did reading it. Which is ok, because once you've read the story, it's nice to enjoy it at a leisurely pace again (that's what I'm doing ☺)

[RachelvlehcaR]

Cathie wrote: "Happy early Birthday Rachel! ☺

Wheaton does a good job reading it, but you won't be able to move the story as fast as you did reading it. Which is ok, because once you've read the story, it's nic..."

Thanks Cathie. I'm hoping for that. I am looking forward to it.

[Andrea]

I'm listening to the book on audio right now too. I agree that it totally sucks you in although it does go more slowly than if I was reading it. I'm only on disc 2 (of 13) and I've been listening for two days. It's gonna take me a while to finish.

I also thought that Wade was a scrawny guy until he described himself. But with the bad diet and sitting around a lot I'm not surprised he is overweight. I'm excited to find out where the book is going and (view spoiler)[ how he got the first key. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

RachelvlehcaR wrote: "I just finished part 1. Amazing. I am starting part two, so here is something I think will happen, [spoilers removed]"

Interesting thought.
(view spoiler)[I've just read one chapter into part 2 and I think Art3mis is going to betray him somehow. But I think it will be more personal, not connected with the sixers. I also think the loser grunter (can't remember his name) was somehow hiding in Aech's basement chat room and will report to the sixers. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Just finished chapter 19...

(view spoiler)[Wow, his new reality is more depressing than his old and that is saying something. I'm happy he started his exercise program, because it seemed like he barely needs to move otherwise (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "RachelvlehcaR wrote: "I just finished part 1. Amazing. I am starting part two, so here is something I think will happen, [spoilers removed]"

Interesting thought.
[spoilers removed]"

Now I know what happened because I finished the book last night. :P

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Just finished part 2 and wow things are really exciting!

(view spoiler)[I was sad that Daito was killed and very surprised he and Shoto didn't even know each other IRL. I can't wait to see what Wade's plan is to get by the sixers to the third gate. (hide spoiler)]

[❀Tea❀]

Andrea wrote: "[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Who'd think Latin would be that useful. ☺ (hide spoiler)]

[❀Tea❀]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Just finished part 2 and wow things are really exciting!

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yeah, it's sad. I was shocked when they hit Wade's 'trailer park' so this one wasn't that surprising. I'm just shocked that IOI people are really that self-centered that they are ready to kill people to get OASIS. I know it's lot of money and practically owning the world, but is it really worth killing. Sorrento doesn't even blink when he threatens Wade. That's everyday work for him.
I really thought Daito and Shoto were brothers in RL. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathie]

I'm just up to the part where Wade has been exiled by ART3MIS out of her life. I had completely forgotten that Max Headroom was in this book!!! How could I have done that? That's one of the great things about doing a re-read; you pick up on things that you have forgotten about ☺

(This book is so freakingly geeky amazing, I suspect it's hard to remember everything ☺ )

[❀Tea❀]

Book finished last night. It's still great book.
This time it was combination of reading and listening. (Last time it was only reading). I was surprised how good Wheaton's reading was. Especially since I still imagine him as that kid in Star Trek.

I have to say this part: Like most gunters, I voted to reelect Cory Doctorow and Wil Wheaton (again). There were no term limits, and those two geezers had been doing a kick-ass job of protecting user rights for over a decade. had me laughing since I was listening that part. I'd love to see/hear Wheaton's reaction when he first read it. ☺

[Jex]

@Tea - that part made me happy because those two have fought for internet rights for awhile. I couldn't think of a better pairing to help keep the OASIS safe and accessible to the masses.

[❀Tea❀]

Jex wrote: "@Tea - that part made me happy because those two have fought for internet rights for awhile. I couldn't think of a better pairing to help keep the OASIS safe and accessible to the masses."

I knew about Cory. Not about Wheaton. Thanks.

I just started laughing when I imagined Wheaton reading about himself in the book. And trying to stay serious/professional during it. :P

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Just finished and really, really enjoyed the story. So glad we did the buddy read.

[Cathie]

I will finish this up tonight. I'm at the part where they are at OG's mansion and getting ready to enter the 3rd gate.

(view spoiler)[I almost cried (again) at Daito's death and hearing Will Wheaton read the conversation Wade has with Mr. C007 *this is an all ages thread after all, smile* was hilarious; he did it so understatingly well :-) (hide spoiler)]

[RachelvlehcaR]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Just finished and really, really enjoyed the story. So glad we did the buddy read."

Me too. I love this book. One of my favorites for the year.

[Juliana]

Part 1 - Chapter 8: (view spoiler)[Discover that to obtain the Copper Key you must win a king lich in a arcade duel was AWESOME!! lol (hide spoiler)]

[Juliana]

I've just finished Part 1. This book is so good!

@RachelvlehcaR I think that Art3mis looks like a cool and dangerous girl. And I haven't thought about Aech in that way yeat...

(view spoiler)[Wow! The Six isn't kidding. Explode a living area like that??? Scary! (hide spoiler)]

[Juliana]

*Pause to vent how Wade was stupid and how Og was Awesome!!!* (Oh, I've just finished chapter 18.)

[Jex]

I'm so happy to see so many people liking this book. I should really check out some of Cline's other books someday. actually sounds really cool and I wonder if it's as good.

[Juliana]

Jex wrote: "I'm so happy to see so many people liking this book. I should really check out some of Cline's other books someday. actually sounds really cool and I wonder if it's as g..."

Uhn, this sound interesting and remembered me a little of Ender's Game.

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Started last night, on page 60. Gotta work but when I have time I'll pop in here to read through discussions and post my own thoughts!

[Juliana]

I've just finished it!!! Wow, it was addicting, like a good video game. :D

Part 2 was great, and when I started Part 3 my mind blew away.
(view spoiler)[Parzival plan to infiltrate IOI was bold!!
Later on the help from Og was incredible!
And I knew it that that 25 cents coin was going to be providential somehow. (hide spoiler)]

[ilovebakedgoods (Teresa)]

Discussion Questions for Chapters 0 - 5

1) What do you think of Ernest Cline's vision of the future? Is it realistic or far-fetched? Why, or why not? I found the "stacks" of mobile homes imaginative, personally.
**I find the stacked homes to be imaginative, too, but I would be really scared to live up that high! I'm afraid of heights so I guess I'd have to deal with living in the middle to lower regions. Being that this book is considered sci-fi, I don't find there's much point in saying whether or not it's realistic. This is just one author's version of what the future might hold. The energy crisis certainly is realistic, though.

2) First impressions of Halliday? What did you think of his Invitation? If you were a billionaire and had no friends or family, what would you do with your money when you died?
**He sort of reminds me of Steve Jobs combined with Bill Gates and some random pop culture junkie. He sounds like he was pretty brilliant. If I had no friends or family, I would donate my money to libraries, public schools, research hospitals and something to do with animal rescue or care. I'd basically buy a bunch of equipment that would be useful to those who are trying to better the health and mind of mankind, whatever that equipment may be. Books for libraries, tablets for needy schools, whatever.

3) I love the term "gunter," hehe. Would you participate in the hunt? Or would you be inclined to think it was all a big hoax?
**I would grow bored of the hunt, most likely. I lose interest in puzzle games.

4) I'm also loving all of these video game references. I grew up playing old PC games and Atari with my Dad. Do you have any favorite video games (childhood or otherwise)?
**I played World of Warcraft for a long time so it's nice to imagine the virtual world in this book and comparing it to my experiences in Azeroth, to a degree. I've also enjoyed other MMORPGs, like City of Heroes/Villains, LOTR, plus I play games on our Wii with my son. I was never big on video game consoles much in the 80s but I did go to coin-op arcades a lot. Loved Tron, Mrs. Pacman, Centipede, and others I can't think of now. In the 90s, when Nintendo really took off, I was too busy working full-time to play games so I missed out on a lot of the video game explosion that took off then.

5) Seems like Wade's had a difficult life so far. Thoughts? He appears to be very resourceful - I thought his hideout was pretty neat.
**Sounds like his family sucks. I feel bad for him that his mother has died. I wonder if his dad will make an appearance in this book later. Hm...... now I'm going to sit here and try to guess who his father might be, on the chance it does come up again! I thought his hideout was neat, too...very resourceful.

6) What do you think of OASIS (loaded question, I know)? It's much bigger than I imagined (with jobs, real estate). What is your favorite part? Mine is definitely being able to access fictional worlds (such as Middle Earth or the Firefly Universe). Do you think it is well-imagined?
**It is much bigger than i imagined, too. I like the ability to access fictional worlds, too, but I love that Wade can attend a virtual school and earn real credit. It might be a lonely existence inside his hideout but he is free from bullies (so far). I like that he can make friends with someone from anywhere in the world, too. I find it interesting that people fall in love and get married in OASIS. I wonder what they do when they are out of the game? Do they communicate via email? Do they only consider themselves married in virtual reality and therefore they can fool around with people in real life? This makes me wonder how desolate the rest of the world is, outside of where Wade lives. I want to learn more about that.

7) Can you see the appeal of escaping a world in crisis? What are the consequences of doing so?
**I sure can! Well, I touched upon some of that in the question just above but I guess living in his own little world, he avoids a lot of the bad stuff going on which can be good or bad.

8) I can imagine everyone's frustration over IOI's planned takeover. I wouldn't want ads or a subscription fee, either. What do you think of the "Sixers," as the gunters call them? Will they be threats later on as the search continues for the egg?
**No fees! The Sixers are interesting and I'm curious to know more. I suspect they will be threats, yes.

9) Do you think we will ever meet Art3mis the blogger? What are your impressions of her (if you have any)? What do you think of Aech?
We will meet her in some form, whether it's her virtual or flesh. I'm not sure why we would meet her flesh form but I think we'll definitely meet her virtual form. I'm wondering if we will find out who she is in real life. She seems cool. I like Aech, so far. Curious about his real persona, as well.

10) What did you think of this first section overall? Are you hooked?
**I found it fast and easy to read and I like Wade. I like it and I am hooked.

[Allison Ann]

This is a book I always wanted to read but knew that my library wouldn't buy it. And they didn't. Magically somehow I managed to *cough* acquire *cough* a copy of the audiobook, which I normally can't stand but I adore Wil Wheaton so very much that I managed to pay attention to it for almost 5 hours today. My brain hurts now and I would much rather be reading it myself, but I am still loving this story.

I'm glad so many people are still reading and discussing it.

[☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎]

I started this morning and was excited to hear that Will Wheaton was doing the audio for the book. I was also enjoying the 80s theme. I didn't get far and don't want to comment until I get passed at least chapter 5 but I'm really liking how smart this teen is. He sounds like he's a skinny dork but the description of him didn't seem to match my vision of him :) Ok off to hear some more.

[Cathie]

Finished!! Loved this book all over again! ☺ You know a great book when it can stand up to a re-read!

This is one of my definitely go to fun reads when I need a pick me up and just a very fun adventure!

[Sarah]

I have been listening to this today while cleaning and driving around. I feel so totally geeked out right now. Yeah all the 80's love is a little much, but I am involved in the story and riding the virtual wave.

[Allison Ann]

I finished this last night and really really enjoyed the story. Still love Wil Wheaton, enjoyed having him read it to me but it annoys the crap out of me that a book I could have read in about 4 hours took two FULL days to listen to. I just don't get audio books.