If you’ve gone to the movies recently, you’ve most likely seen a trailer for the upcoming Steven Spielberg movie Ready Player One. However, this realistic view of the future was not the brainchild of the acclaimed director. It started off as a novel written by Ernest Cline. For those of you who have not yet read it but might want to, this will be a no spoiler review. However, I do hope to peak your interest.
Without spoiling the major events in the book, it is the story of Wade Watts traveling through the OASIS, the virtual reality system that has gripped the United States. As a concept, it sounds intriguing. Actually reading it, it steals you away. It has absolutely everything you could want: interesting characters, a relatable world, a plot readers can get behind.
It has been a long time since I have read a book I couldn’t put down. When my friend handed it to me and told me I would need three sittings, I thought she just meant I would read it quickly. Little did I know that prediction would turn out to be true. I was so immersed with the plot and the characters, I consumed the book in three sittings and when I was finished, I was aching for more.
Okay, so now that I’ve played this novel up, I should probably give some specifics on why this book is a masterpiece.
Characters:
These characters are not only relatable, they are easy to imagine as real, breathing people. This is the mark of good characters. Like us, they are far from perfect. They use their strengths to their advantage but aren’t afraid to ask for help when they need it. Most importantly, they fail. You root for them to succeed, but on some occasions they fail. Just like us.
The World:
As a writer myself, when I experience worldbuilding like this, I have two reactions: extreme jealousy that I wasn’t able to think of this myself, and complete and utter awe. It’s absolutely beautiful while still being relatable. Cline gives you just enough to have solid footing but leaves the rest wide open for imagination. You are as much of the creator as he is, and I absolutely love that. Give your readers some power, folks, it makes them feel like they’re even more part of the world.
The Plot:
The characters and world can be amazing, but without a solid plot, they’re just there. Introducing the Holliday Contest within the first chapter is a genius move. Readers aren’t waiting to figure out what the plot is. Wade wants to win the contest, that’s the plot. Knowing that from the beginning makes it incredibly easy to introduce complications and intricacies without becoming confused.
I know that this was a vague review, but I really want everyone to be able to experience it for themselves. Learning about the intricacies of the OASIS and the contest is part of the ride and just one of the many parts that make this book so good. My goal was not to spoil everything, but to let you know what makes it so amazing. If you’re intrigued, and I hope you are, pick up a copy, and get ready to enter the world of the OASIS.