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)

Wow, talk about capturing the 80s!

They had me at Wil Wheaton. Seriously - what better way to tell the story of a near-future time where the world lives in online environment, co-developed by an enigmatic software rock star, than to have Wil Wheaton as the narrator?

I was told that RP1 drips with 80s references. They weren't kidding - there are few missed, and it's clear that Mr. Cline didn't just drop them in haphazardly. Every single instance, whether it be a video game, song or movie just seems to fit with the story.

A fantastic book. But if you are someone who really doesn't "get" the 80s, it's probably not going to be as good of a story for you. And that's too bad.

Very entertaining!

Any additional comments?

Great sci-fi story that will make anyone that grew up in the '80s smile. Not the most complex story line but I enjoyed every minute of it. Great imagery. Good narration.

My new favorite

best book I have read in a long time! I was literally on the edge of my seat at times!

Great book with one exception

The book is great and definitely worth reading. There is a section where the author decides he needs to really promote atheism which I found needlessly offensive. It is really pointless and has nothing to do with the rest of the book. Otherwise, great read!

Churchgoers Beware - Everyone else rejoice!

I read so many bad reviews because people couldn’t get past the atheist perspective. That’s fine, if freedom of religion bothers you (and that means freedom to NOT believe and to write for a character and world that also does not) then skip the book. But don’t leave a crappy review, that isn’t a fair play at all. I LOVED this book! It took me back to my childhood and was so full of nostalgia, hope, curiosity, and adventure. So many times I found myself wondering what I would do in any of the numerous situations. I cheered on the team to victory and worried with them during daring escapes. I felt the nerves of first crushes and the highs of winning a tough encounter. Everyone has reviewed this book plenty so I won’t rattle on, but if you loved video games and the 80s and are in the mood for a throwback adventure, just get this book!

Please hurry with the sequel!

Growing up on the 80s I could reminis about the games and shows the author referenced. What a great ride! Loved Will Wheaton doing it too!

Fantastic

Easily one of my favorite books of all time. Maybe it is the nostalgia of growing up in the 80’s but this book hit every high point for me. I have listened to it at least 3 times so far...and probably will listen to it a few more times!

like traveling threw my own childhood memories

I feel in love with the referenced to all the 80s 90s pop culture references. it made this book a walk threw my own time machine a trip threw the past tangled with adventure technology love and a friendship. a wonderful story.

Wow, What a ride!

It was like taking a loving look back at pop culture of the 80's. Also a true look at what could so easily happen with a society that is all too connected.

Masterfully Marvelous

Loved this book. I didn't start listing and kept pilutting it off but once I started I couldn't stop. It is a fresh look into a dystopian future with amazing thought and creativity put into it.