Let me preface this review with stating the fact that I am not an avid reader, nor do I really like to read. That is why this will be the most honest review you will read about "READY PLAYER ONE".
Now that's out of the way...
Stop reading this right now and read this book! Or as the popular meme says "Shut up and take my money!"
This book opens up in a dystopian science fiction present day earth. As the hero tells this is the "real story" about what happened. There is no other reference to future hero self but that is not needed or is it necessary, the set up is all you need to know.
The book is set as if computer user technology had advanced faster than the point of where it is now because out of need, but still in line with what could have happened. Earth being destroyed by humans not caring about the environment non-sense. And then you are given the tour of the virtual plane which is filled with so many references to pop culture it's hard to count. The book twists and turns with a "treasure hunt" with detective like clues and ups and downs and a HUGE pay off at the end of the book.
There are no SPOILER ALERTS or long descriptions about the story here because you have to read the book to get it. If you think it's a book for gamers that want to read a book about the proper way to immortalize gamers and video games this is it. Much like the movie "Wreck it Ralph" this pays homage to video games and the players whom have ever picked up a controller (and also thrown one in anger). Not like the movie pixels which tries to hard to mix current culture with old culture and humor from 1990. This book is more than the game or gamers or science fiction, it is what Cline will be know for (which is a great thing) paying homage to pop culture from all eras. His pop culture references have no boundaries or limits everything from song line references from the 70's to current references like the oculus rift. Just when you think he's stuck on giving references to the 80's he will bring in another reference from the 90's, then go back to the 70's.
The gamer review is this; I felt that this book read like I was playing an epic video game and the chapters you read were each of the cut-scenes you would get after completing that series of events.
The real review is that if you have love for anything pop culture you need to read this book. This book defines what was fun about the last 50 years and puts it into a fun stomp through space and time. For any person who grew up in the 80's you should read this now. If you didn't grow up in the 80's you need to read this to know why your video games and pop culture is what it is now.
I don't know why you are still reading this... read the book... No do not google more stuff about the book, don't read the wiki-cliff notes-pidea version, don't wait for the Steven Spielberg movie, read this book now.
