Action/Adventure Aficionados discussion
This topic is about
Ready Player One
Group Reads Archive
>
July 2014 Cyberpunk Thriller Group Read: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline *Spoilers*
date
newest »
newest »
Starting this in next few days.
Already read it, am looking forward to see what everyone else thinks about this. Someone described this as a "nerdgasm" and I totally agree. The plot is a bit basic, but it mirrors so many video game plots. The 80s Geek is all there, great for anyone who lived or brushed with the 80s but I don't think the story would do anything for anyone who hasn't had the Geek culture expose (not seen War Games? oops, won't get the references). Which is why I think in the end this one doesn't have staying power. It is a nostalgic Geek ride for people from a certain generation. The tech concepts and dystopian ideas aren't anything new. The gaming world is interesting, and the novel itself is a gaming cautionary tale. But that alone isn't enough to keep someone without the Geek culture references glued to this book. But I loved it, I am a person of certain demographic with a background in 80s Geek and video games.
Mod
I loved this book. It really appeals to my 80's geek. I'm giving it a listen this time on audio, narrated by Wil Wheaton, who's a great narrator.
I have Wil's audio as well. I've enjoyed all I've heard him do so far
I listened to Wil Wheaton read this. Fantastic. Here's my 4 star review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This book was pretty great. It is geared to a rather limited audience being those who lived through the 80's. Although anyone with a video game interest would enjoy the virtual world they basically live in, I think its added fun with some 80's knowledge. Some games I didn't know or had forgotten. A couple movies I was unsure about. I'm surprised how many of the old computers I remembered and some of the games on them.
message 9:
by
Lisa P, My weekend is all booked up!
(last edited Jul 08, 2014 10:02AM)
(new)
-
rated it 5 stars
Mod
I was a reasonable facsimile of an adult by the 80's, married with children, so some of it went by me, especially the music. I knew most of the games, though. I especially loved Joust. The idea of knights jousting from flying birds tickled me then & now. A lot of those old games can be found online. Here's a link to Joust:http://www.1980-games.com/us/old-game...
I read this last year, and it was my favourite book of the year. Brought back so many great memories of computer games at the start of home computers. Turn on the light, offer zorkmid to troll, ... Quite different but representative of our current nerd state was The Circle, that I read this year. Compelling issues if somewhat unlikeable characters, kind of the opposite of Ready, a Player One, but equally memorable.
Mod
Mod
Well, Lisa and the rest of you state this book is good so I will add it to my "to read" list. I didn't think I would like it but will give it a try. Right now I am immersed in The Clash of Kings, so will have to wait. But it is on my list now.
Mod
Dark in what way Danielle? I didn't find it too bad.
Mod
Well it's definitely not for everyone, but I read it in two sittings, which is rare for me. Have fun with the Game of Thrones series!
The real world setting is certainly on the dark side. The stacks. Poverty and starvation . Cruelty among humans. It has a bit of nasty dystopian setting until the game is rolling along.
message 18:
by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Literary Adrenaline Junkie
(last edited Jul 10, 2014 11:14AM)
(new)
-
rated it 5 stars
Mod
Dark in what way Danielle? I didn't find it too bad."
(view spoiler)
message 19:
by
Lisa P, My weekend is all booked up!
(last edited Jul 10, 2014 01:23PM)
(new)
-
rated it 5 stars
Mod
(view spoiler)
Mod
Mod
I've heard that Wil Wheaton does an excellent job. I'm not a big audiobook fan, otherwise I would have listened to him myself. I haven't learned the technique of keeping my mind focused on the story and not wandering while listening, lol.
Mod
I can totally relate to Lisa P's statement about focus and audiobooks, I joined Audible and have some really good audiobooks but find I have difficulty focusing as well. Guess will keep trying-- otherwise they will be here if my eyes ever fail.
Mod
I listen to them while on the treadmill or walking my dog, but still can't seem to focus. Even when I seem to be focused, I still never seem to enjoy them as much as reading them. I keep thinking it will get better the more I listen, but it never does...oh well, I guess they're not for everyone!
I've gotten better in the last year or two at concentrating while listening to audio books. I mostly listen in the car, but have started at the gym now occasionally too.I'm halfway through Wil Wheaton's narration of this one and loving it again. He does a great job and I just love all the 80's references. I am a little bored with the romantic angle. Part of the problem I think is that when reading it I could speed through it a little, but listening to it seems to make it drag on just a bit.
Mod
I'm halfway through Wil Wheaton's narration of this one and loving it again. He does a great job and I just love all the 80's references. I am a little bored with the romantic angle. Part of the problem I think is that when reading it I could speed through it a little, but listening to it seems to make it drag on just..."
I think that is one of my problems as well...I read much faster than they usually narrate the audiobooks, so I get bored. If they would talk a little faster, I might stay more focused lol!
Mod
Mod
I know some of the posters commented they weren't big on audiobooks, but this is really good in that format.
Wil does a great job reading. I don't think I would have enjoyed this book nearly as much without his voice. I'm getting more aural, I suppose. I read Mike Rowe's FB posts in his voice, too.;)
Mod
;)"
His voice really adds to the book. He's a great narrator. I might have to check out more books narrated by him.
Mike Rowe has a great voice. I could see him as a good narrator as well.
message 31:
by
Danielle The Book Huntress , Literary Adrenaline Junkie
(last edited Aug 01, 2014 12:29AM)
(new)
-
rated it 5 stars
Mod
I have to add it's making me want to play more video games.
I don't know whether John Scalzi would be your cup of tea but Wil does nice narrating all of those he's done. Scalzi isn't for everyone I'll admit.
Mod
What's his writing like?
Mix of sci fi and a kind of obscure sense of humor maybe even a bit crude at times. I've only read the stand alone. Haven't read the old mans war series which I think is military sci fi. He has a new one coming out soon which looks like it may be a bit different style for him. Wil is narrating that and I'll check it out whatever its called.
Mod
Sounds good to me. I get my audiobooks from the library, so I'll see if they have anything by him. Thanks!
Mod
Old Man's War has been on my TBR forever. I really need to read it soon!
Checking out my library is on my list of things to do. I didn't realize the audio and e-books of all the north country libraries here (maybe 20-30 small libraries in 3-4 counties) are all linked together. And they use overdrive I think audible has been taking a bit too much of my money. The only reason I know now is the library was having a push in June that was advertised. If so many e-books were signed out they would purchase so many new titles.
Mod
Mod
I get most of my kindle and audiobooks from the library Overdrive system...love it :) There getting better and better with the number of titles available.
Mod
Mod
When I lived in NC my library turnaround was 2 weeks, but the one here in TN is 3 weeks with a one time option to renew. I know that different libraries use different systems. It might be worth it to check yours out.
Mod
Mod
I couldn't believe how ruthless IOI was!
Mod
Action/Adventure Aficionados
Books mentioned in this topic
Old Man's War (other topics)Ready Player One (other topics)
If you would like to post discussion questions to the other participants, use bold codes:
(b) in front, (/b) behind, substitute < and > for ( and ).
I will post some questions when I get a chance.