Ready Player One

[Mariab]

Stephanie wrote: "I have read up to chapter 24. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yeah, pretty bad. It was the only thing which annoyed me a little. Not that some character died, but that it was a foreigner, a japanese. It was like a cliche, which you see in those suspense movies, where the black man always dies. But then again, perhaps is a little wink to the 80's movie's style. (i wonder if there are another "eggs" in the book for the avanced readers) (hide spoiler)]

[Stephanie]

(view spoiler)[ I really wish the last chapter would have been a little longer with more dialogue with Wade and Art3mis, but all in all I really liked this book. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Mariab]

Sarah wrote: "To be honest Stephanie, I just got used to that kind of attitude back then - I'd be less accepting of it now though.

I've read up to the end of chapter 25 The heat is on! Things are getting very c..."

and @Stephanie

Yes! and many people forget that the internet has a mother, not a father, and that many women were responsible for the progress.
I have worked in a "all-and-only-man" bureau, which was prided of that fact, I was the first woman employed there

[Mariab]

Stephanie wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Man, I was so nervous! Above is my first time posting a spoiler and was worried that it wouldn't work! PHEW!! :)"

I just reached chapter 29. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I think it is just a needed turn in the plot. We have to remember Sorrento saying: "there is no rules, that is the big mistake Halliday made", but then... that detail was crucial to make the end work (hide spoiler)]

[Suzanne]

Just started READY PLAYER ONE today and have read through chapter 5. Very fun book so far. Love all the 80's references!

[Mariab]

Tejas Janet wrote: "I love when Wade finds out in Chapter 33 that [spoilers removed]. This is the kind of detail that added to the story's believability and made it so interesting."

and @Tasha. (view spoiler)[Well... that was a minus point for me in the plot. Not because it's not true, that girls from other races are not discriminated, but because it was... to...o political correct (I felt myself "schooled" in this chapter) (hide spoiler)]

[Mariab]

Stephanie wrote: "I have now read up to chapter 34. Any guesses how the story will end? [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ That was a cliche again in the plot. But I think is a wink at the suspense plots of the 80's movies
(hide spoiler)]

[Mariab]

All the acronyms were a little heavy to me (English is not my first language), but I got accustomed to it.
That said, (view spoiler)[I got the MTFBWYA right away (hide spoiler)](geeky, I know)

[Stephanie]

Mariab wrote: "All the acronyms were a little heavy to me (English is not my first language), but I got accustomed to it.
That said, [spoilers removed](geeky, I know)"

Me too :-) and not geeky at all :-)

[Sarah]

Glad you enjoyed the book Mariab - I've enjoyed reading your spoilers through. About character's demises (view spoiler)[I suppose you might be right about the Japanese guy being killed off first. In Star Trek, if something kicks off and someone dies, it's always the guy who has just shown up that we've never seen before. To the point that when they show up at the start, you just know what's coming. Shoto and Daito did have reasonable-ish parts in the book but they were definitely lesser characters who turned up later so it could be a nod to the Star Trek way too?!?

And nice theory on the H standing for Halliday - I had never thought of that - that would also have been a wicked plot twist.

Back in the 80s, many TV programs and films had a token black person in and perhaps Aech is that in addition to being the token homosexual (plus a woman) - all the tokens in one (except we have Art3mis on the female front too)! Thinking about South Park who has the little black kid called Token!

One reference that I am very surprised didn't come up was Futurama. I know it was late 90s that is came about but it is the ultimate geek cartoon.
(hide spoiler)]

[Mariab]

Sarah wrote: "Glad you enjoyed the book Mariab - I've enjoyed reading your spoilers through. About character's "

Yes, you may be right about (view spoiler)[ South Park. I missed also the Transformers -explicitly-. In regard to Aech, it seems to me too much "correctness" in one character alone. But then, I thought making she gay were the only way she and wade could chat so much about women, without arouse any suspicion or making the whole thing unbelievable (such a facade were impossible to hold for long, otherwise) (hide spoiler)]

[Mariab]

Another thing about Og (view spoiler)[ I think his appearance in plaid robe and slippers is another wink to a movie: it's not so how the Professor Brown open the door to Marty in "Back to the Future"? (hide spoiler)]

[Casceil]

Suzanne, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one getting a late start. I've read to the beginning of Chapter 13, though at the moment I'm being a bit side-tracked by Discovery of Witches.

[Mariab]

Casceil wrote: "Suzanne, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one getting a late start. I've read to the beginning of Chapter 13, though at the moment I'm being a bit side-tracked by Discovery of Witches."

We are still "in" the book Casceil!

[Cathie]

Mariab wrote: "Another thing about Og [spoilers removed]"

Mariab you are right. Did you know that the author, Earnest Cline was associated with that film you mentioned? Also he gave away a replica car from that film, absolutely gorgeous, in his own easter egg hunt on a website he created, when Ready Player One, was first released. It was a very cool tie-in to the book!! I don't have the links anymore (& I'm lazy to try and find them again, lol) but if you google Earnest Cline car giveaway I'm sure you'll find the story :-)

[Sarah]

I knew about the Delorian give away Cathie - I checked out the website and wiki about the book and it mentioned the easter egg tie in to the book.

[Cathie]

Sarah, :-). I'm soooo looking forward to his next book, suppose to be released in 2015 ☺

[Sarah]

Cathie wrote: "Sarah, :-). I'm soooo looking forward to his next book, suppose to be released in 2015 ☺"

I know! It sounds good. He also released a short story in a collection this year but I don't have much of a track record with short stories so I'll leave it for now. I also saw that the rights have been obtained to make Ready Player One in to a film which should be interesting.

[Cathie]

I would be so geeky over the top if a movie of Ready Player One came out! I hound everyone now with "Have you read this book; you HAVE to read this book!" , lol.

Do you happen to remember which collection book his short story was in Sarah? (I can always google it when I get home if not) Thanks for sharing the info :-)

[Sarah]

It was Robot Uprisings

[Stephanie]

A movie would be awesome!! That's as long as they cast the right people for the characters and follow the book exactly ;-)

[Cathie]

Thanks Sarah, you rock!

I agree with you Stephanie.

[Mariab]

Cathie wrote: "Mariab wrote: "Another thing about Og [spoilers removed]"

Mariab you are right. Did you know that the author, Earnest Cline was associated with that film you mentioned? Also he gave away a replic..."

Wow! I didn't know that

[Melissa]

My hubby is now reading the book so when he asked me what MTFBWYA stood for and thanks to Sarah I was able to let him know! :)

[Stephanie]

Does he like the book so far, Melissa?

[Melissa]

He does like it, Steph! It's just taking him longer to read it than us, but that's ok ;)
The whole book - the relationships aren't very detailed, right? I wonder if that is intentional or if Cline just doesn't right well about human relationships...I remember when (view spoiler)[Aech's story about how her mom kicked her out when she told her she was gay which is why she lived on her own in the RV...that's it? I thought it was very matter of fact, not a lot of emotion tied up into that. Which also reminds me of when his family and friendly neighbor died in the explosion...oh and when he and Art3mis get together at the end and there was not much to that either... (hide spoiler)]
So it makes me think of George Lucas and how he'd write about the romantic relationships in Star Wars :)
OK, so I haven't read those books, but I've heard aaand seen the movies haha

[Stephanie]

Melissa wrote: "He does like it, Steph! It's just taking him longer to read it than us, but that's ok ;)
The whole book - the relationships aren't very detailed, right? I wonder if that is intentional or if Cline ..."
I think you are right, Melissa :)

[Melissa]

Mariab wrote: "Another thing about Og [spoilers removed]"
I thought of Val Kilmer in Real Genius... :)

[Sarah]

relationships (view spoiler)[most of the characters in the book struggle with interaction face to face so perhaps Cline purposely didn't focus on relationships and the emotions attached to these to emphathise the point?!? Also in many blockbuster films something happens, then something else, you hear a bit of back story but nothing to deep, then something else happens etc. etc. until the end, especially with more action/adventure/sci-fi films so perhaps it's following that style too. (hide spoiler)]

[Suzanne]

I finished the book last night. W.O.W. I absolutely loved it! What a fun ride! This book reminded me of being in a movie - it was so visual and had great dialogue. A screen adaption should DEFINITELY be made. It could be fantastic if done right. Here are my comments:

Parzival:(view spoiler)[Great protagonist. I love how he is nerdy, but very, very clever. You can't help cheering him on. His background story was sad, so the relationships he develops online are touching. I wasn't sure if he would be the one to win in the end. I thought he might let one of the others do it, but I'm glad he was the winner after all. And the way he decided to share the winnings with the other four was great. (hide spoiler)]

Aech:(view spoiler)[This character had me guessing all the way. I knew Aech was smart, and I didn't doubt that he was a "good guy." I did feel all along that there was something hidden about this character. I thought maybe it would turn out to be Morrow, or maybe even Halliday (who would have faked his death). By the time the reveal came, I wasn't surprised that Aech was a girl. It thought the lesbian bit was a bit unnecessary. All it did was make me think Aech and Artemis were a couple. (hide spoiler)]

Artemis:(view spoiler)[I enjoyed the way Parzival let us in on his crush for Artemis. The unfolding of their friendship and her shyness about letting him get close to her helped a lot with the character development. Although it was revealed that she had that facial birthmark (which she considered too disfiguring for Parzival to actually find her attractive), I kept expecting some other major development to unravel with their relationship. Even Morrow's big grin made it seem like there was a surprise about Artemis that would be revealed to Parzival at the end. The fact that there wasn't was a bit of a let down. I was happy that they finally got together in the real world. (hide spoiler)]

Japanese "brothers":(view spoiler)[Although they weren't actually brothers, their familial love for each other was really touching. They were a team, a family. When "D" was killed covering for "S" it was so sad. I also really liked their sense of honor. Instances like returning the Beta Capsule and how "S" went after Sorrento to avenge "D" and help out his friends was wonderful. (hide spoiler)]

Sorrento:(view spoiler)[You've gotta have a bad guy and Sorrento is the perfect fit. The author shows you just how bad he is when he attempts to kill Wade right after he refuses to work with IOI. I also liked the sense of urgency Parzival and his friends have to beat Halliday's game and find the egg before Sorrento and the bad buys get to it. (hide spoiler)]

Morrow:(view spoiler)[He was one of my favorite characters. You spend all this time cheering on Parzival and when there are times he and his friends are in trouble you want to help them out but can't. Enter Morrow. He comes to save the day. He, like you, roots for the good guys, and has all the means to helps them. Yay! I also think that he'll end up being the "family" that is missing from Parzival's life, which makes for a very happy ending. (hide spoiler)]

I don't read much sci fi/fantasy, but I do enjoy it from time to time. I'm so glad my Goodreads friends turned me onto this book and am glad for the chance to buddy read with you all!

[Stephanie]

Suzanne wrote: "I finished the book last night. W.O.W. I absolutely loved it! What a fun ride! This book reminded me of being in a movie - it was so visual and had great dialogue. A screen adaption should DEF..."

I love how you did the individual reviews of each character :-)

[Suzanne]

Thanks, Stephanie - I thought since I didn't review the book as I went along, it would be good to recap it this way.

[Cherie]

Melissa wrote: "Mariab wrote: "Another thing about Og [spoilers removed]"
I thought of Val Kilmer in Real Genius... :)"

ROFL! Did he really wear slippers and a robe? I cannot picture him! When I see his name - I immediately see him as he was in Top Gun as Ice Man.

[Melissa]

Suzanne wrote: "I finished the book last night. W.O.W. I absolutely loved it! What a fun ride! This book reminded me of being in a movie - it was so visual and had great dialogue. A screen adaption should DEF..."

Great review Suzanne! All of it is spot on and I agree with everything you wrote! :)
Great book!

[Melissa]

Cherie wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Mariab wrote: "Another thing about Og [spoilers removed]"
I thought of Val Kilmer in Real Genius... :)"

ROFL! Did he really wear slippers and a robe? I cannot picture him! When ..."

I definitely remember bunny slippers! :)

[Mariab]

Melissa wrote: "Cherie wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Mariab wrote: "Another thing about Og [spoilers removed]"
I thought of Val Kilmer in Real Genius... :)"

ROFL! Did he really wear slippers and a robe? I cannot pict..."

Yes, he was wearing slippers in that movie, LOL!
I always picture him in his role as adventurer in "Willow"

[Mariab]

Sarah wrote: "relationships [spoilers removed]"

Yeah, you may be rigth Sarah

[Mariab]

Sarah wrote: "relationships [spoilers removed]"

Yeah, you may be rigth Sarah

[Stephanie]

Oh my goodness, Willow! Haven't seen that movie in forever! I remember it there was one part that really scared me when I was a kid. I remember a giant snake thing?

[Cherie]

Mariab wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Cherie wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Mariab wrote: "Another thing about Og [spoilers removed]"
I thought of Val Kilmer in Real Genius... :)"

ROFL! Did he really wear slippers and a robe..."

Val Kilmer was in Willow??? Wow, I don't remember that! I thought it was a great movie though. It has been a long time. ☻

[Melissa]

Oh Cherie...you have some movies to rewatch! ;)
I only have a recording of Willow on VHS (how 80s is that, huh?!? Lol)

The snake was the evil queen's?
Good times...

[Cherie]

Melissa wrote: "Oh Cherie...you have some movies to rewatch! ;)
I only have a recording of Willow on VHS (how 80s is that, huh?!? Lol)

The snake was the evil queen's?
Good times..."

I still have a trunkful of VHS tapes in the back room - mostly Disney movies and a few other favorites.
I still have a working VHS player built into my old TV. How 80s is that?☻

LOL. My daughter validated both Val Kilmer movie topics. She did not remember a snake. I do not think I ever watched Real Genius.

[Stephanie]

Hmmm..I remember something getting its head cut off in that movie because it scared me so bad as a kid..hmm maybe it was a different movie??

[Stephanie]

Oh I just looked it up! It was a giant two-headed snake thing...creepy..that's if Google is true, lol :)

[Melissa]

Stephanie wrote: "Oh I just looked it up! It was a giant two-headed snake thing...creepy..that's if Google is true, lol :)"

HAHA....um isn't Google always right?
;)

VHS is awesome. Most of our VHS movies are Disney films too. We have bought maybe 2 VHS tapes at yard sales and my daughter (who is 5 1/2) knows she gets to watch Barbie Nutcracker on VHS ;)

[Casceil]

I finished the book last night. It was quite a ride! When I left for work yesterday morning, I had just reached the part where (view spoiler)[ Wade is sent to the equivalent of debtor's prison, (hide spoiler)] and I thought he must have lost his mind to let that happen, but of course he had a clever plan.

So many things about the ending worked so well. From the time Parzival acquired that quarter, I knew it was going to be important, and I loved how it worked out. I also really liked the way the characters interacted when they finally met in real life. Even if they had not known the "facts" about each other, they "knew" each other from having worked together in Oasis for so many hours. I liked it that Wade was able to recognize this when he met Aech.

Someone mentioned a new book expected out in 2015. Is it supposed to be the same characters? Or just another book by the same author?

[Canadian Dragon]

Casceil wrote: "I finished the book last night. It was quite a ride! When I left for work yesterday morning, I had just reached the part where Wade is sent to the equivalent of debtor's prison, and I thought he ..."

The ending (view spoiler)[
I agree about the debtors prison, I was wondering about why Wade would let himself be captured.

I was also hoping that you could your comment in spoilers about the prison I think it is a big plot twist I would hate to have someone read that and have their story ruined (hide spoiler)]

[Melissa]

A new book? That would be great!
My husband (who is a goodreads member and not on this book club here, I dunno why!) LOVED the book and has become a Facebook page fan of it. haha
So now he's on a kick to find more books like this one.
I would have never read this book without the Buddy Read oh and of course Stephanie!
Thanks!! :)
I must be in a thankful mood...must be Thanksgiving season ;)

[Sarah]

Glad you enjoyed it Casceil. The 2015 book release is by the same author but not connected to Ready Player One in any way.

[Sarah]

Melissa - If you liked the game aspect of this book, you (or your husband) might like Vurt (different author) although he does add a level of weird to his books - it's not completely game mode, more drug induced/alternate reality but it's immersive in the same way.