Ready Player One by Ernest Cline -> Restarting August 6th 2021

[Dannii]

Akshita wrote: "Dannii wrote: "Akshita wrote: "Dannii wrote: "Third quarter

Wow.. looks like you will finish today.
Unfortunately, i am not a very quick reader, so probably won't be posting updates frequently.
I..."

That's exactly how I felt, too.

[Dannii]

Fourth quarter - (view spoiler)[I'm so conflicted about this one. I LOVED the concept and wished the book remained on it. Wade was an interesting protagonist and I enjoyed his perspective. Less so when his attention was on romancing At3mis and them moping the loss of her, though. I enjoyed his insights more and more as the novel continued, though.

There were far too many cases of telling not showing throughout. I understand the world was complex but too many lengthy explanations instead of organically learning something felt false and really didn't work for me. I also disliked the multiple 80s references, which took me right out of the novel and, again, were too numerous to feel authentic (although I did enjoy the pacman section).

The ending and the very beginning were the highlights for me and this remained a solid two star read. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Reading now!

[HeatherH]

Dannii wrote: "Third quarter - (view spoiler)[Wade took the multiple deaths of the people in his trailer and those surrounding them too well. I understand he wasn't close to his aunt but I can't imagine feeling so little for th..." (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)]

[HeatherH]

Dannii wrote: "Second quarter - (view spoiler)[I'm enjoying this infinitely more now that the quest has actually begun. The fight to get the first key was so fun and I felt very happy to have really understood my first referenc..." (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ So I actually assumed it was just 'H' not Aech because that's how it's pronounced on the audio
*facepalm*
But I do really like their friendship and how they compete but also support each other. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

HeatherH wrote: "Dannii wrote: "Second quarter - [spoilers removed]

So I actually assumed it was just 'H' not Aech because that's how it's pronounced on the audio
*facepalm*
But I do really like their friendship..."

I always have such a big shock when I listen and then read books and see the spelling, lol.

[HeatherH]

@Danni - it really is the one thing I don't like about listening when buddy reading, I always feel like I'm going to mess up some spelling of names in my comments hah. Sometimes I google the books characters just so I don't!

[Aly]

The first time I read this was a physical book, this time I'm listening. It's different but I love Wil Wheaton

[HeatherH]

I love Wil Wheaton too and adore his narration.

[Aly]

ch 10 (view spoiler)[ I love all the 80s pop culture references. When Wade finds the key and then the gate, it's so exciting! Following the clues is so much fun. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Aly wrote: "ch 10 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I thought the quest was super inventive and was probably my favourite part of the whole book. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Akshita wrote: "8%
I suppose people were right about too many '80s references..
[spoilers removed]"

I love all the references!

[Aly]

HeatherH wrote: "32%
[spoilers removed]"

Yes, love the narration and the quest!

[Aly]

Dannii wrote: "First quarter - (view spoiler)[The prologue had me immediately invested. I'm not a huge gamer anymore but the concept of hidden easter eggs will never not appeal to me! I wasn't a fan of the 80s references in qui... (hide spoiler)]"

I definitely agree that it's a huge info drop at the beginning. I love it though and the 80s are my favorite decade so I love the references

[Dannii]

Aly wrote: "Dannii wrote: "First quarter - [spoilers removed]"

I definitely agree that it's a huge info drop at the beginning. I love it though and the 80s are my favorite decade so I love the references"

I wish I could have got more of the references, but that is totally my fault and not the authors!

[Aaron]

Only just managed to start reading this. I’ve not had much energy because of this virus.
Chapter 6-
(view spoiler)[ I love the fact that the OASIS has a headset and gloves since the 1980’s was the time period that VR used gloves before we moved to controls. It’s a cool reference. I didn’t expect to get as many of the 80’s references as I do. I’m enjoying it. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

ch 20 (view spoiler)[ Wow, it's so crazy that Wade is living in a dark room and gets everything he needs there, but I guess we can pretty much do the same thing now. Have food delivered, work online, have relationships, etc. It's sad though, no real human connection.

Also I feel bad that Wade's friendship with Aech has suffered (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Dannii wrote: "Second quarter - (view spoiler)[I'm enjoying this infinitely more now that the quest has actually begun. The fight to get the first key was so fun and I felt very happy to have really understood my first referenc... (hide spoiler)]"

I agree (view spoiler)[ once Wade gets the first key, things amp up. I like Art3mis too, she's smart and sarcastic (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

HeatherH wrote: "Dannii wrote: "Second quarter - [spoilers removed]

So I actually assumed it was just 'H' not Aech because that's how it's pronounced on the audio
*facepalm*
But I do really like their friendship..."

haha I'd think the same thing if I hadn't read it before. Like H is an initial lol

[Aly]

ch 31 (view spoiler)[ What a crazy plan that was, Wade going into IOI as an indentured servant and finding all that info, then escaping. He's so lucky it worked and he wasn't trapped there whew! I love all the progress he made on the keys and I'm excited for the big show down! (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Dannii wrote: "Third quarter - (view spoiler)[Wade took the multiple deaths of the people in his trailer and those surrounding them too well. I understand he wasn't close to his aunt but I can't imagine feeling so little for th... (hide spoiler)]"

I think (view spoiler)[ he was in shock, because he was almost murdered then had to go on the run. Maybe he's also desensitized to violence a bit? I get what you're saying though.

I didn't love that Wade fell so hard for her and put everything else to the wayside. He should have kept his search and also made time for Aech (hide spoiler)]

[HeatherH]

Aly wrote: "ch 10 [spoilers removed]"

I caught so many more the second time through! Makes me smile with each one! "Answer the question Claire" <3

[HeatherH]

Aaron wrote: "Only just managed to start reading this. I’ve not had much energy because of this virus.
Chapter 6-
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I actually did not know gloves were a thing in the 80's! Adds more to this experience knowing that! (hide spoiler)]

[HeatherH]

Aly wrote: "ch 20 (view spoiler)[ Wow, it's so crazy that Wade is living in a dark room and gets everything he needs there, but I guess we can pretty much do the same thing now. Have food delivered, work online, have relatio..." (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ Yeah, it really is similar to what we have available to us now, but really a sad prospect for the future. Kind of timely reading it at a time that most people are stuck with only online or phones for contact with all this quarantine business. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Aaron wrote: "Only just managed to start reading this. I’ve not had much energy because of this virus.
Chapter 6-
[spoilers removed]"

That's cool to know. A lot of references like that went way over my head, lol.

[Aly]

Finished (view spoiler)[ I love the big battle between the Sixers and the Gunters. In the movie it's cool because there are so many video game and pop culture catches. When everyone dies but Wade has the quarter, I die. How awesome is that!

It's sweet when Haliday tells him to live in the real world and take care of the Oasis. (hide spoiler)] Love this freaking book!

[Aly]

Dannii wrote: "Fourth quarter - (view spoiler)[I'm so conflicted about this one. I LOVED the concept and wished the book remained on it. Wade was an interesting protagonist and I enjoyed his perspective. Less so when his attent.. (hide spoiler)]."

Ouch 2 stars. I'm sorry you didn't love the references or the storytelling. It's not for everyone and at least the ending was good for you :)

[Akshita]

Chptr 10(view spoiler)[There maybe potentially a million things to explore in OASIS..and all these kids prefer to play vidogames in a videogame itself ..?
And all these references...I feel so lost!
Atleast we are finally getting somewhere with the "Hunt" thing.. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Aly wrote: "Dannii wrote: "Fourth quarter - [spoilers removed]."

Ouch 2 stars. I'm sorry you didn't love the references or the storytelling. It's not for everyone and at least the ending was good for you :)"

Yeah I was so sure I was going to love it, but I'm glad it worked for you :)

[Aaron]

Akshita wrote: "Chptr 10There maybe potentially a million things to explore in OASIS..and all these kids prefer to play vidogames in a videogame itself ..?
And all these references...I feel so lost!
Atleast we are..."
Chapter 16
(view spoiler)[ There’s also lots of things to do in the real world yet lots of people prefer to spend their time on video games. Im not really surprised that it is what happens in the OASIS as well. I’m glad the hunt picked up the pace. The last few chapters have been really interesting because of it. (hide spoiler)]

[HeatherH]

Aly wrote: "Finished

(view spoiler)[ I friggin love that the quarter gives him that extra life! Ahh!!! I liked the movie alright, but to me it didn't hold up to the book. They changed soooo much! (hide spoiler)]

[HeatherH]

finished!
(view spoiler)[ I really enjoyed this reread. I caught even more pop culture references the second time through! (hide spoiler)]

[Aaron]

Chapter 29
(view spoiler)[ The pace of this book has really picked up. I can’t put it down now. This was a pretty good time to read this book since most of us are pretty much doing what Wade is (staying inside all day with no real human contact). (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Aaron wrote: "Chapter 29
[spoilers removed]"
Yes, It getting more exciting with each chapter..
After reading the first 100 pages or so, I had almost made up my mind to DNF it. Glad that I didn't!

[HeatherH]

Akshita wrote: "Aaron wrote: "Chapter 29
[spoilers removed]"
Yes, It getting more exciting with each chapter..
After reading the first 100 pages or so, I had almost made up my mind to DNF it. Glad that I didn't!"

Glad you stuck with it and are liking it better!

[Aaron]

HeatherH wrote: "Aly wrote: "Finished

[spoilers removed]"

Finished
(view spoiler)[ The movie is way more different to the book than I expected. The storyline for the book made more sense and it was more exciting to read than watch. (hide spoiler)]

[HeatherH]

Aaron wrote: "HeatherH wrote: "Aly wrote: "Finished

[spoilers removed]"

Finished
[spoilers removed]"

I read it right before the movie came out the first time and was really disappointed in how different the movie ended up being. The book, imo, is way better! Glad you enjoyed it!

[Dannii]

I think I'm going to watch the movie tonight, if it's on Netflix. As I wasn't a huge fan of the book I wonder if this is one of the rare cases where the movie actually works better for me?

[HeatherH]

Dannii wrote: "I think I'm going to watch the movie tonight, if it's on Netflix. As I wasn't a huge fan of the book I wonder if this is one of the rare cases where the movie actually works better for me?"

Definitely let us know if you do watch it!

[Dannii]

HeatherH wrote: "Dannii wrote: "I think I'm going to watch the movie tonight, if it's on Netflix. As I wasn't a huge fan of the book I wonder if this is one of the rare cases where the movie actually works better f..."

It's on Prime so if my boyfriend wants to watch it tonight too, I'll check back in :) He's way more into the 80s than me so it'll probably be totally his jam

[Akshita]

Chapter25
(view spoiler)[
Wait. So they can convert their OASIS money to actual real world money..?
The book has really picked up the pace now. I am enjoying it way more now.
Though, I am finding it a bit too confusing to distinguish between real world and OASIS ever since Wade arrived in Columbus. (hide spoiler)]

[Akshita]

Dannii wrote: "I think I'm going to watch the movie tonight, if it's on Netflix. As I wasn't a huge fan of the book I wonder if this is one of the rare cases where the movie actually works better for me?"
I didn't know there was a movie as well. I am definitely going to watch it.

[HeatherH]

Akshita wrote: "Dannii wrote: "I think I'm going to watch the movie tonight, if it's on Netflix. As I wasn't a huge fan of the book I wonder if this is one of the rare cases where the movie actually works better f..."

Be prepared for the fact that they change a TON from the book! But if you go in expecting it to be way way different then it is still pretty good!

[Aly]

The movie is good on it's own, but I was sad they changed the quests. Definitely different, but I like the boy that plays Wade.

[Akshita]

Finally finished it lol
(view spoiler)[ I still need to gather my thoughts a bit. I was extremely confused for most part of the book due all the 80s' references, complex world building and technological devices that I know nothing about. I did enjoy the quest though. The last few chapters were a thrill !!
I suppose it would be in middle for me.. A 3-star read.
I wish someday I would get to read a book with extensive use of this decade's references... (hide spoiler)]

[HeatherH]

Aly wrote: "The movie is good on it's own, but I was sad they changed the quests. Definitely different, but I like the boy that plays Wade."

I did like the kid who played Wade! I agree, it's good on it's own if you go in not expecting it to be the same as the book.

[Mummy's Naughty Corner]

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Date changed. Restarting November 6th 2020. Happy Reading ☺

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[Brinley]

I’ll probably be a day late on this one, but I’m super excited to start!

[Trisha (semi-hiatus)]

I might join in on this, but I'll be very slow :(

[Brinley]

If you want to join, go ahead. This book is gonna take me a while too, it’s not moving very fast yet