Ready Player One

By: Ernest Cline

Narrated by: Wil Wheaton

Length: 15 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Now a major motion picture directed by Steven Spielberg.

“Enchanting . . . Willy Wonka meets The Matrix.”—USA Today • “As one adventure leads expertly to the next, time simply evaporates.”—Entertainment Weekly

A world at stake. A quest for the ultimate prize. Are you ready?

In the year 2045, reality is an ugly place. The only time Wade Watts really feels alive is when he’s jacked into the OASIS, a vast virtual world where most of humanity spends their days.

When the eccentric creator of the OASIS dies, he leaves behind a series of fiendish puzzles, based on his obsession with the pop culture of decades past. Whoever is first to solve them will inherit his vast fortune—and control of the OASIS itself.

Then Wade cracks the first clue. Suddenly he’s beset by rivals who’ll kill to take this prize. The race is on—and the only way to survive is to win.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Entertainment Weekly • San Francisco Chronicle • Village Voice • Chicago Sun-Times • iO9 • The AV Club

“Delightful . . . the grown-up’s Harry Potter.”—HuffPost

“An addictive read . . . part intergalactic scavenger hunt, part romance, and all heart.”—CNN

“A most excellent ride . . . Cline stuffs his novel with a cornucopia of pop culture, as if to wink to the reader.”—Boston Globe

“Ridiculously fun and large-hearted . . . Cline is that rare writer who can translate his own dorky enthusiasms into prose that’s both hilarious and compassionate.”—NPR

“[A] fantastic page-turner . . . starts out like a simple bit of fun and winds up feeling like a rich and plausible picture of future friendships in a world not too distant from our own.”—iO9

©2011 Ernest Cline (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

2017, Laura Hillenbrand Outstanding Literary Award, Winner

“The science-fiction writer John Scalzi has aptly referred to Ready Player One as a ‘nerdgasm’ [and] there can be no better one-word description of this ardent fantasy artifact about fantasy culture. . . . But Mr. Cline is able to incorporate his favorite toys and games into a perfectly accessible narrative.” (Janet Maslin, The New York Times)

“This non-gamer loved every page of Ready Player One.” (Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse series)

Loved it

Had me cheering out loud. Excellent voice acting. Hoping for a sequel. Hope movie is decent.

surprising good!

didn't think I would like it, but found myself really enjoying all the 80's references. Story was predictable but good just the same.

Mildly cliché, but a fantastic, engaging universe

I really loved the universe Cline created, but the writing was played out at certain times. There were just a few elements of the writing that kept pulling me out of the story and a few characters that seemed like they could have had a stronger arc. Still a good read that I'd recommend and an energetic performance from Wheaton. (Note: I criticize out of love! I'm excited to see more from Cline.)

Favorite audiobook ever

This has to be one of my favorite stories. As a game, comic, and pop culture nerd I love and appreciate every word of this book. This is about my 4th time listening and I'm sure there will be more to come. If you are a fan of an action packed adventure stories, this is a book for you. Every word makes you feel like the oasis is real. So detailed and well thought out. Makes you feel as if you are Parzival or there every step of his way to winning the silver egg. There's excitement, fear, action, teenage angst, love and romance (don't let this part push you away guys), corporate conspiracy, and just an amazing adventure. Seriously listen or read this book. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!!!

So glad I bought this!!

Loved this book. A must read for any video game fan in their 40s! I'm going to get his other books now.

Ah it's so good!!!😁

Born in 91, this is just outside of the time period it takes place, it's all a collection of references and throwbacks to the 80s, a great read.

Do not let the audible preview fool you. That content had to be chosen to not spoil anything.

Wow!

Best fiction book ever! I didn't want it to end. It was so life like and had me so captivated.

80's nerd's will love this book

Fun and funny. Only problem I had with the story was that they skipped over a lot of climax fight scenes making the second half of the book feel like there was no real danger. Also a corny ending. Still enjoyed it. Finished it in like 2 days so it's on the shorter side.

What a great book.

I will definitely listen to this again. It was a really fun and exciting story. glad I finally picked it up.

Very engaging

I've just recently discovered audio books and having not been much of a reader in the past I can say I would have read this book non stop. the story and pace were fantastic.