Which Should I Read? Ready Player One or Anathem?

[Andrew]

I'm using an audible credit, so I feel there's more value in Anathem, but I do really want to read RP1. Your thoughts are appreciated.

[Gerd]

They don't seem to have that much in common from the description. I would guess that Stephenson is more, well, literature than Cline is.

Ready Player One is at its very core "only" a young adult SF role playing game novel.
I would say that you need to bring a certain affection for, and knowledge of computer games to the table to really enjoy it (although, if you know your matter, you may find the Wiki like excursions to be a nuisance).

Ultimately I'd say, Ready Player is fun to read if you can remember the 80s - but that's all there is to it.

[Dee]

have you listened to a sample of both - which one drew you in more? I read RP1 and really enjoyed it - I was a kid of the 80's, but never really got into video games...still haven't read/listened to Anathem

[Kirby]

Ready Player One is a fun read, but I agree with Gerd, you have to really enjoy all the references that they throw in there. Sometimes it seems a little overkill. But the story is still fun and interesting I thought. I haven't read Anathem though.

[Alyssa]

I've read Anathem and Ready Player 1. I liked Ready player one more than Anathem, but I love dystopia books so Anathem was really good to. It just depends on what u like. But I'd start with RP1.

p.s. if I rated Anathem low its because I had to read it for school. not because the book was bad.

[C.C.]

I think you answered your own question. You really want to read RP1. You think Anathem is a good value. Get the one you really want and worry about value later.

[Gary]

RP1 hit all the right notes for me. I must be the target audience, as each reference was dead on from my life. From Oingo Boingo to Rush, Zork to Gauntlet, plus the dead-on near-future prognostication of life in the new age.

This is one of my favourite books of the year.

[RJ]

Just because Anathem is bigger doesn't mean there's more meat in it

[Ryan]

RJ wrote: "Just because Anathem is bigger doesn't mean there's more meat in it"

...but there is :)

Loved both books. I literally couldn't put RP1 down - I think I read the whole thing in one day, possibly without moving.

But Anathem keeps bringing me back. I think it's almost *because* it's longer - it feels like I lived in that world for longer and therefore, I miss it more.

So yes, literally, there is more meat in Anathem, simply because of the length. And the meat is pretty damn delicious, too.

[Ziva]

Both are good. But if it comes down to math, and Gods help me if it comes down to math, see the following:

Re-Reads
Anathem 19
Rp1 2

carol

[JO]

Andrew wrote: "I'm using an audible credit, so I feel there's more value in Anathem, but I do really want to read RP1. Your thoughts are appreciated."

I am old so I do remember the 80s, but I know nothing about game playing. I really really liked ready player one. I thought it was clever, fun and enjoyable.

[Andrew]

Thanks for all the responses, I just finished Anathem and I did really enjoy it. There's something to be said for a LONG journey; it somehow takes on a life and character of its own. For those who haven't read it, I give a hearty recommendation. Ok, time for RP1!

[April]

I'll just throw in that I listened to the audio book of Ready Player 1 and Will Wheaton did a great job. Of the two books, I preferred RP1. I read Anathem in book form.

[by_tor]

Anathem is the better novel,by far, but RP1 is a ton of fun and much easier to read. If you are into the subject matter for RP1 (which I guess you are since you want to read it so much, ie 80s/90s videogames, role playing games and general geekiness, then go for that first. Once you're done with that, set aside some time and read Anathem. In the meantime, check out this cool trailer for Anathem: http://youtu.be/mWs1h5WAjWY
(Who knew books had trailers?)