Cline, Ernest-Ready Player One; Relaxed Buddy Reads starts March 1, 2018**REVISIT** June 5, 2018

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

This thread is open to discuss Ready Player One by Ernest Cline



Synopsis
In the year 2045, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he's jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade's devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world's digital confines, puzzles that are based on their creator's obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. When Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade's going to survive, he'll have to win—and confront the real world he's always been so desperate to escape.

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Reserved

[Tahmina]

OK Katelynn We can start this on the 1st!! So excited that I can read this with someone.

[Laura]

Tahmina wrote: "OK Katelynn We can start this on the 1st!! So excited that I can read this with someone."

The thread is open so technically you could go ahead now if you wanted:-0

I have so many books to read; I did want to read this one!

[Tahmina]

Well I hope you join us. The more the merrier!

[Laura]

I put a hold on it but I 'm way down the list:-(

[Tahmina]

OMG!!! I hate waiting. Anyway in case you do get it before your done please feel free to join in

[Laura]

Me too!

[Laura]

Thanks Tahmina!Will do

[Rayne]

I might join this one. I can't wait to read this book. I almost picked up a paperback copy at Walmart the other day. But I can't decide if I want to listen to the audio or read a print copy. I've head the audio is really good.

[Tahmina]

We would love to have you. It should be fun!

[Rayne]

I just ordered a paperback copy from Amazon. It should be here tomorrow, so I'll be ready to start on Friday.

[Tahmina]

Yay!!! So how did you want to do this? Did you want to set a certain amount we should read or did we just want to post as we go?

[Tahmina]

ok sounds good to me!

[Tahmina]

Whenever. it doesn't matter to me. But maybe Friday that way me you and Brooklyn will at least start at the same time. But its up to you i'm game whenever.

[Rayne]

Kate (Glitter Goth) wrote: "We could post the chapter we are on with our thoughts? Maybe we should keep them in spoilers as well in case someone doesn't have time to read something."

This works for me, although to be honest, I rarely know what chapter I'm on. I just read and read. And I'm not an analytical reader, I read for the entertainment and escape factor, so my thoughts won't be critical or analytical. They will be more gushy and fan-girly, if that makes sense.

Can't wait to start reading. I was an 80s kid, so this outta be a fun read.

[Rayne]

I finished two of my other current reads today so tonight I’m cracking the spine on this one. I probably won’t get too far tonight but I just couldn’t wait.

[Tahmina]

Brooklyn wrote: "Kate (Glitter Goth) wrote: "We could post the chapter we are on with our thoughts? Maybe we should keep them in spoilers as well in case someone doesn't have time to read something."

This works fo..."

I do it too but it can get analytical when you share your opinions with more than one person. Someone will always have a different viewpoint and then you tend to think of the text in a different way or try to prove your viewpoint. So that's why I love group /buddy reads because you get a bunch of different viewpoints on the same sentence or phrase.

[Rayne]

I’m in chapter 4, and I am just loving this book. I’m a software developer so the OASIS is just awesome. There is so much descriptive detail, and SO many 80s references. oMG!! I knew there were a lot but it’s practically every page.

[Tahmina]

ok i am getting started now!

[Rayne]

I’m about to start chapter 12. So loving this book. It’s so fun!

[Tahmina]

Soooo i just started this book but its soooooo good. i love the references to tings I've watched and heard (oingo Boingo, Heather and I loved Christian Slater!! like LOVED him as a kid) ... so now i just want to go watch a bunch of movies. But so far its very good. I will have more done. I'm gonna try to catch up to you Brooklyn!

[Rayne]

Just finished and OMG! Best book I’ve read in a long time! After a refrigerator fiasco last night, I couldn’t sleep so I stayed up reading til 2am, when I forced myself to put the book away. Then dreamed I was in the OASIS.

Now I’m so sad it’s over. I have book hangover! And don’t want to read anything for a while. I just want to absorb this for a while.

[Tahmina]

Brooklyn wrote: "Just finished and OMG! Best book I’ve read in a long time! After a refrigerator fiasco last night, I couldn’t sleep so I stayed up reading til 2am, when I forced myself to put the book away. Then d..."

OMG!!!! that was fast .... no chance to catch up at all!

[Rayne]

I really had a chuckle at the Wil Wheaton reference, since he is the one that narrates the audio version. Ha!!

Spoilers about the end...read at your own risk.
(view spoiler)[And I knew that PacMan quarter was gonna be the key to Wade getting through the Third Gate by himself, even though he was supposed to go in with the others. I didn't realize it would play out like it did with the Catalyst, although I should have. I totally forgot that piece of info about that artifact. But I knew that quarter would be important to him, and him alone getting the Egg. I so loved seeing him tear down the IOI guy. That rocked. (hide spoiler)]

[Tahmina]

Brooklyn wrote: "I really had a chuckle at the Wil Wheaton reference, since he is the one that narrates the audio version. Ha!!

Spoilers about the end...read at your own risk.
[spoilers removed]"

I'll read this when i'm done with the book!

[Tahmina]

I have gotten to chapter three. I am hoping to get to ten today. Be ready for comments and spoilers today!! :)

How far have you gotten Kate?

[Tahmina]

No go ahead but let me know as you're progressing along. So I know where we stand!

[Tahmina]

Kate the Pringle wrote: "Dont worry I’m actually reading two books right so don’t worry I will balance both"

Yeah me too. That's why i'm behind!

[Tahmina]

Ok so question. Are there other planets that are colonized or are these other planets that they keep talking about just in the video game. He keeps saying he's on planet earth but when he talks about other planets its usually through OASIS, which is virtual reality.

And Kate how far are you?

[Tahmina]

Chapter 3 --

(view spoiler)[ So there's a couple of things that i have noticed reading this book. So far the narrator does not believe in religion, which i find very interesting because he seems to equate it Santa Claus.

The world that they live in isn't that great. They seem to have poor conditions and he seems like an awfully bright kid so it makes me wonder why no one else realizes this and has not used him to their advantage. You would think a company like IOI would be actively looking for recruits with his skill.

I also find the whole high school in VR pretty neat but depressing that even in VR you can tell the rich from the poor. And I have played games where you can make purchases or earn things that you wanted but you would think that they would make like "uniforms" in school when its VR. It seems stupid to me that they get rid of anything that would make you different but not something that would show your socioeconomic standing.


Its a real bleak version of the world. The aunt though reminds me of Aunt Petunia from Harry Potter .... is that bad?? (hide spoiler)]

[Tahmina]

ok so far this book is getting better and better. I finally had to listen to music while reading because the reference had me singing. ( I finally put some Clash on and sang along as i read. I haven't listened to them since I can't even remember.)

Spoilers up to Chapter 7:

(view spoiler)[So in one of the chapters he talks about "5 year indenturement contract" this sounds to me like indentured servitude which just seems cruel. Instead of progressing in humanity they seem to be regressing.

So some things i've noticed:

All the same societal problems that we have today but seems like Human nature is just worse. There is obviously bullying and a distinction between poor and Rich. There is also a negative connotation for nerds or geeks (gunters), though it is changing in todays world.

Love the simulations they have in their school where they can see what they are learning and go to places they are learning about. Super Jelaous of this!!! And I like how their is similarities that I can relate to. And this is going to sound super STUPID but the fact that as seniors he can leave during lunch was something that we could do as well (HAHA)

Also the detail and size of this VR world is freaken crazy!!! He has created planets and then fictional worlds and then you can have meeting areas and create your own places as well as do business!! its just crazy. Something like that would take forever and years so I can see why the guy was a hermit because I doubt anyone else would have the time or skill to work a project this big. And then to be like good luck finding the key... just wow. Seems like an impossible clue to find it.

This VR world seems like where they live, work and socialize but it only seems that they can only do things with the credit in that VR world. And just like in the real world to travel, do things, and buy clothes you have to have money (credits) to gain these things. So again the rich have an advantage according to the narrator. But it doesn't explain how you can transfer your real life money to credits or vice versa. There's a part in the book he says that the credit are the most stable form of currency the world has but there is no real explanation on how you can use them in the real world. Have I missed something? He talks about jobs in the real world and how he wants one but there are awaiting lists to just get a fast food job. I find that crazy but it makes sense to the world he's created. But I can't see how they have time to be online and have electricity to power all these devices. Aren't they in an energy crisis? Doesn't this effect connectivity?

Wade also mentions that he has to stay in school and not get kicked out because if he does they will take his equipment away. So what happens when he graduates? And what do the poor people do to gain access to this information? Also not explained.

Wade and Halliday have similar backgrounds as well. And both are socially awkward. Which i wonder if it was on purpose. And I think it was very business smart to provide this platform OASIS for free. Anyone can get on and use it and earn points but do gain any real experience or to actually do anything worthwhile you will need to spend money. I think it was very cool of Halliday to hide it in the school area because he made sure that everyone was able to access this area for free and everyone had a fair chance to get it. This puts everyone a fair chance to find it as long as they did their homework.

Also no real description of the real world and what is going on. I think he did a good job in world building the VR world but not what people do day after day besides playing this game. No jobs?Food? does gov't provide this for them. He does mention that he fixes some computers and get vouchers but what do the rich people do that is different then the poor.

And on a last note: I WOULD HAVE NEVER FIGURED THE CLUE OUT!!!
(hide spoiler)]

Sorry this was more of a ramble. I accidentally read a spoiler for the next chapter because I thought i was in chapter 8 :( annoyed with myself

[Tahmina]

Kate the Pringle wrote: "Some planets have people but there are some that haven’t been explored yet. Also different kinds like a planet based off Star wars. Some planets are just for battling and the one Parzival was on is..."

Ok so its just in the VR not in the actual world .... right?

[Tahmina]

Ok I'm calling it a day. I'm hoping by Saturday i will have read through chapter 15

[Tahmina]

Take your time! How do you like the book so far?

[Tahmina]

Kate the Pringle wrote: "I like it a lot. To be completely honest when I first met Artemis I kinda didn't like her so I'm hoping that changes in the future. Not to rant, but I have this thing with female characters and the..."

Yeah so Far I am loving it.

[Tahmina]

Kate the Pringle wrote: "How far are you?"

Actually not that Far :( I am planning to do lots of reading today because I want to finish the book by Friday. Will it bother if I post my thoughts for each chapter as a post?

[Tahmina]

Ok cool so we will be finished around the same time!! I want to finish before the movie comes out .

[Laura]

I am still waiting for my copy to come in!

[Tahmina]

Laura wrote: "I am still waiting for my copy to come in!"

Ughhhh!!! That's the worst!! What number are you on the waiting list?

[Laura]

I put my request in on February 23 for an Overdrive copy. I 'm #39 on five copies. My library didn't have a physical copy.

Without looking at your comments are you both enjoying it? I'm getting excited to read it! ( ha when I finally get my copy!)

[Rayne]

I absolutely loved it. One of my favorite books this year, so far.

[Tahmina]

Actually yes!!! It’s super good!! If you remember the 80s and liked it you’ll prolly love this

[Laura]

Tahmina wrote: "Actually yes!!! It’s super good!! If you remember the 80s and liked it you’ll prolly love this"

I 'm glad you both enjoyed it so much!

[Tahmina]

Just finished Chapter 8 ... yes I am really behind and my heart was pounding and i was sooooooo nervous!!!! hahaha and i stopped to just leave this comment (view spoiler)[ also i find it really cool that Halliday made the first copper key so accessible and it just seemed like it didn't matter what level you were as long as you can follow the clues and are good at games the level of your avatar didn't matter. And it was also interesting that he had enough experience and money now to progress to find the gate. Like how exciting but also alot of thought goes into making one video game to think that someone created a whole universe is just crazy!!! But i just love how everyone has a fair chance in getting what they need as long as they put in the work. (hide spoiler)]

[Tahmina]

Chapter 9 (view spoiler)[ Awwwww I thought Art3mis was cute!! and I just love he got over his crush. But what was interesting to me was the fact that she was so honest with him and so helpful until she found out he was lying and I was on her side when she blocked him. But i can't blame him either (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10 (view spoiler)[ Funny how these games have been played so many times but no one has been able to figure it out until they had the copper key! And now I am a little worried for Wade because thats a lot of money and a lot of people want it. So I am a bit scared to see what the IOI will do.... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11 (view spoiler)[ OMG this game actually sounded like fun!! it would be nice to play it. Its interesting how the scoreboard keeps track of everything but also a bit scary. In the end, when he is telling us about his dream, I was wondering if that was some sort of foreshadowing of what would happen. I'm getting super nervous for him (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12 (view spoiler)[ Ok so looks like i was right to be nervous. The media and IOI is run by the same people and i am guessing that they were will play a major role coming up. And i am sort of scared of it. I have to say that his friend AECH is nice and I know Kate did not like Art3mis but i really like her. I'm nervous about IR0k he seems like he will definitely get them in trouble somehow.

It was interesting that he helped his friend in the end because that would be his competition in the end. but i loved that his friend was not being a jerk about him not giving him hints or helping him. It sounded like he was totally understanding and even apologized because he figured out a clue from wade. I just hope the friendship is what it seems and that Aech doesn't stab him in the back. He's even the one that warned him about IR0k.

Another thing i really liked is that each chapter will give you more insight into the characters that you are reading about and the world then and now. It gives you little details make the world building detailed and nuanced. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13 (view spoiler)[ OMGGGGGG why!!!! why did he decide to meet with this guy and do the endorsement deals without reading the contracts. This can't be good especially because it seems IOI owns everything i feel like he'll get caught faster. he should have just ignored the email. UGHHHHHHHHH!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Tahmina]

Chapter 14: (view spoiler)[ i knew they were going to find him. UGH!! he should never have accepted though so that was not smart! but he made a wise choice. They would have killed him eventually and i just cant imagine how horrible these people are.

I am wondering how Halliday did not think of this already. He has already thought of everything else. I mean he knew people would kill one another for things so he made the keys so they could not steal them or hand them over. But he didn't think about how corrupt this game was going to become. i have a feeling he knew and we will get a glimpse of it towards the end. i hope at lease :( He figured out how to give everyone a fair chance by making sure it was accessible to everyone in the most accessible planet and that once each one was completed they had enough experience points and money to go to the next level. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[ Wow i can't believe how crazy these people are! Anyway did not like daito though i can understand his peevishness. I still want to kill IR0K!!! And I am so glad he told them everything and got that over with it. But it seems like Wade is the only one who can be tracked. Which is sad for him.

These sixers are really starting to get on my nerves though. And just the amount of cheating or i guess its more bending the rules is just crazy! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16 (view spoiler)[ the bus ride is a really interesting one. He goes on the bus but he is able to still get on the oasis and play in the VR. For a planet that has no resources or limited resources it seems pretty crazy that they would have access to it. And he said as soon as all these people get on the bus they immediately put on their googles. It seems like their whole lives revolve around this VR, which is pretty sad.

There's also an underground world and a black market something that also mimicks the real world. i would assume that there would be a way to keep track or follow the locations of these individuals but i there does not seem to be. People just are super obsessed with this game. And also why have they not build solar energy places all over the globe so everyone has access to energy. He describes the land as barren and dead so couldn't they make solar plants there and have the energy funnel into the cities?

And we get another glimpse into IOI and how much they own in the world. They have access to all the news but it seems they also have access to internet systems as well which is scary. when he says that this server is protected from IOI, couldn't they just bribe the people at this other company just as easily as they had with the priniciple at the school he was going to?

And another random thought, could aech be Marrow? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17 (view spoiler)[ I love the quote in the beginning of level two. Because as soon as I read the end of the Chapter 16 I was thinking of 'what about food?'

Awwww the relationship between them is so cute but looks like he's about to have his heartbroken. I guess he's pretty lonely to get so attached with someone in such a short time though. (hide spoiler)]

[Tahmina]

Chapter 18 (view spoiler)[Sad that he had his heart broken but I can't blame the girl. Wonder why Marrow would invite them but not really talk to any of them. Did the sixer's know he was alive before now? Or would they have just found out. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 19 (view spoiler)[Some more world building but sad how he views himself and super weird about the hair and getting it all off. And i am so glad i finally see where the food comes from hahaha it was beginning to make me worried. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20 - 26 Well most these were plot driven so not much I can say. But i love that every little thing that we see, we get a glimpse of Halliday's life and also a glimpse of what the world is like in this reality. I just watched Blade runner (old and new) for the first time two weeks ago so it was kind of cool that it was mentioned here (view spoiler)[ I hate the fact that his relationships are deteriorating. Its sad. But crazy that they found one of the original five and killed them. Like there seems to be no law and order in this dystopian (hide spoiler)]

[Tahmina]

Kate the Pringle wrote: "You’re making quite a bit of progress! You’ll be caught up in no time"

Yes!!! finally I have some free time to finish this thing.

[Tahmina]

Kate the Pringle wrote: "Also talking about ch 17 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Well the thing with Artemis seemed pretty one sided and I'm a sucker for romance :( so I was hoping that finally he would get some human interaction. It seemed like he had a horrible life before he had to move and now he has a horrible life again.

And the Aech thing made me sooooo sad. And I can't really see why though except maybe all the fame and pressure was just getting to them. Though i liked how he tried to be nice to them all and gave them the place of the second gate.

And you are sooooooo right about Marrow. I totally forgot about that until you just pointed it out. (hide spoiler)]