Ready Player One

 

Author:  Ernest Cline

Begun: Jan 29th 2025

Finished: Feb 4th 2025

Type: Audiobook on Libby

Narrator: Wil Wheaton

Rating: 5.5/10

SPOILERS AHEAD!!!  Read at your own risk. 

Sigh.

Ages ago - like, years ago - I started reading this book then quit because I was put off by the preaching. 

This time I persevered, just wanting to get through it.

The story has an interesting premise and is somewhat engaging - but is also intensely problematic in parts that had me really creeped out by the author.  And grossed out.  I think it was Stephen Kind who said something like each book reveals something about the author. In this case, I don't know how Cline could stand to reveal such cringe things about himself.  Things like....dude, it is NOT romantic to stalk a girl who has asked to be left alone.  That bit was SUPER creepy.  And Wade, who has been hooked into the Oasis his whole life feels betrayed when he meets his best friend irl?  SERIOUSLY?  The intense harangues about religion and masturbation are just WEIRD.  Like...dude, thanks for sharing your issues with everyone, maybe chill out a bit?  And don't talk to me about how the one Japanese dude dies and the other sacrifices his place at the gate to guard the westerners.  I mean...no. Just...No.  

I was also irritated by things that could not be possible, even within the world of the book.  All the things that Wade studied - it would be physically impossible to complete it in the length of time mentioned, even if he hadn't attended school...which he had. 

Basically I went from engaged to creeped out and unimpressed.  I put the audiobook on 2x speed just to get through it. 

Speaking of the audiobook, Wil Wheaton was AMAZING as the narrator!  He did a fantastic job.  My favourite bit in the whole book was when Wil Wheaton, the narrator irl, read that Wil Wheaton character in the story, was VP of Oasis.  Brilliant!  That must have been so fun for him to read.

My other favourite part of the audiobook was the Pac-Man noises Wheaton made.  Oh my gosh he did them so well!  It was so delightful to hear that I listened a few times then bookmarked it so I could listen to it again whenever I wanted. 

Overall, I'm glad I finally got around to reading this book...but also kind of ticked I wasted time on it.  Thank goodness for 2x speed on audiobooks.  And thank goodness it's done.

It ended on a satisfying note, but was left open for sequels.  Problem is, you can already see the trajectory of the sequels, and the trite ropiness of it is incredibly cringe as well.  You just *know* that big red button is going to play a role.

Aaaaaaanyway.  At least there's no explicit sex or murder.

5.5/10. Not recommended.  

Just noticed that Mark Rylance plays Halliday in the film.  Chef's kiss.  No notes.