Ready Player One: Book Review

Title: Ready Player One
Author: Ernest Klein
Year Published: 2012

Reading Level:  

Diary of a Wimpy Kid ——-X——————Moby Dick

Recommendation:

It’s a fun page-turner. Definitely read it if you’re into sci-fi adventure.

What’s it about?

In 2044 the real world sucks so people spend most of their time in The Oasis, an online virtual reality. The Oasis has interactive technology far beyond what we’re used to and to its users, it is often difficult to tell the difference between reality and virtual reality. Kids go to school in The Oasis. Adults work in the Oasis. People meet their friends, go on dates, compete in sports and games without ever seeing the humans who controls the online characters called avatars. When the inventor of The Oasis dies, he creates an elaborate treasure hunt. His entire fortune (he’s the wealthiest man on the planet) will go to the first person who can solve his puzzles, tricks and traps, beat all his games and find and collect his Easter Egg. Millions of people have been trying for years, but that doesn’t deter Wade. He might be young and flat broke, but he’s an expert on the The Oasis and he intends to win. He soon learns, however, that not all the dangers are virtual.

Special Features:

• 80’s pop culture references
• video games / virtual reality / technology
• Action / Adventure

Themes / Big Ideas:

• How do we shape our identity?
• Can you have close relationships, but remain independent?
• What is required to build trust and friendship?
• Can individuals or societies become too dependent on technology?

About toniofavetta

Tonio Favetta is the author of Falling From the Ground, a Y/A SciFi adventure. He also teaches high school English.