“In the year 2045, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he’s jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade’s devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world’s digital confines—puzzles that are based on their creator’s obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. But when Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade’s going to survive, he’ll have to win—and confront the real world he’s always been so desperate to escape.”

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is a fun ride. The movie adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg is an equally fun ride though it does have major differences from the book. Many of the differences make sense for cinematic purposes, but all the fun references (and some new ones) are still there and fun to see on-screen.

Though set in a dystopian future where there everyone scrambles for resources, humanity has created an online universe where many people work, play, and live most of their lives. The intricate puzzles and race to find the clues within the virtual galaxy keep you turning the pages. This future doesn’t seem too far off considering the exponential growth of technology and the ever expansive worlds being created within the internet. Let’s hope we create a better world than the one our friend Wade Watts inhabits.

Interested in this book? Look for it at your local library. If you’re affiliated with Lindenwood, you can request this book from the Lindenwood Library.