Level One | Ch.1-16

[[deleted user]]

I'm a little late to the game (every pun intended) having just finished Chapter 16. So much emphasis is placed on the world-building, both inside and outside the OASIS. They are such polar opposites yet strangely identical. While Halliday created a virtual world for people to escape to, there's still corruption, a division of class and the bleak reality that the OASIS users know it's not real.

This plot gives me a MR. PENUMBRA'S 24-HOUR BOOKSTORE kind of feeling. READY PLAYER ONE does for the gaming industry what MR. PENUMBRA's did for Google. While the characters aren't identical, the vibe is of one seemingly smart and witty "Average Joe" meets obsessive, modestly attractive girl with the oober rich, loyal friend he goes to for help. Everything feels a little too convenient in the onset of the story.

There's a typical teen-adventure theme going on here: the absent parental figure which, again, conveniently allows for total, unnoticed-absence immersion into the task at hand.

At first I felt like the descriptions of the IOI made them out to be a privately funded CIA-type, but I'm convinced they are a representation of our (the US) current government. Plainly put, "They're scary, man!" I wondered from the first discussions of the Sixers and the IOI if they wouldn't end up being the villains.

I'm a part of that crowd that wonders what the heck Wade does for food, but as I've seen my brother when he's immersed in a video game, eating is sometimes the last thing on your mind.

I'm looking forward to continuing to Level 2 tomorrow.

[Roberta]

Beatrice wrote: "I'm not so sure if I trust Art3mis but I find really cute that Wade has a crush on her (I ship I ship I ship). She better not crush Wade's heart and be a member of IOI."

I KNOW!! I so hope she doesn't.
But by now I'm having trust issues with pretty much everyone. No idea what's coming next. This is so exciting!

[Caz (littlebookowl)]

I just finished Level One last night, and can't even begin to explain how much I'm enjoying it!
Im with a few of you, in that I'm not sure if I completely trust Aech or Art3mis... I feel like one of them might end up being a little shady ;)
It's great seeing all if this discussion, you've made me think about some things I hadn't considered when reading it.
Just an FYI that I'll be referring to these discussions in the liveshow, so if you have any more theories or points to add please do!

[Anne]

In the beginning I found it hard to get through. But all of a sudden I couldn't stop reading! I'm liking the book so far and I hate the Suxorz :p
But I can't stop thinking that either Art3mis or Aech can't be trusted.
Altough I don't get all the references, I really enjoy reading how Wade/Parzival connects everything and it makes me want to go Easter egg hunting myself :)
Looking forward to Level 2!

[Rebecca]

Her is my discussion video on part one of ready player one
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzwND1s9038

[Rebecca]

Here is the correct link
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZwND1s9038