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sshelbyreadss's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Fun and nostalgic. I’m not a big gamer, but I have a love of the 80s I inherited from my parents that made the many references enjoyable.
While this book did include diverse characters, it also included homophonic slurs and cultural stereotypes. I haven’t watched the movie yet, but this is an area that filmmakers could improve and expand upon for more accurate and respectful representation.
While this book did include diverse characters, it also included homophonic slurs and cultural stereotypes. I haven’t watched the movie yet, but this is an area that filmmakers could improve and expand upon for more accurate and respectful representation.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cultural appropriation, Racism, and Homophobia
thefandomphantom's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Death
Minor: Death of parent, Drug use, and Suicide
cianarae's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I liked this a lot! The story was great, the characters were funny, I liked the ‘80s references. I think it could have done a little bit better with the representation of women and people of color. Also I’m not a big fan of the benevolent billionaire trope so that was another thing I didn’t love. Last complaint, a lot of the riddles and things that were supposedly so difficult that no one could figure them out for years seemed really obvious. All-in-all, the writing isn’t perfect but it’s a fun book that I enjoyed reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Murder, Death, and Violence
Minor: Body shaming, Slavery, Bullying, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Racism, and Misogyny
mengzhenreads's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Honestly I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book, since some aspects of it were really great and others...not so much.
I really enjoyed the world building and really.enjoyed the world of OASIS and thought it was a really cool idea with lots of room for fun and interesting scenarios. The story and world really had a lot of potential to explore ideas of consumerism, escapism, virtual reality, and the power of the Internet and video games and stuff but I felt like it wasn't really discussed as thoroughly as I would have liked. This book was on the verge of being really thought provoking but instead chose to focus more on the surface-level action and drama, which isn't a bad thing either. This was really fast-paced and really action packed and engaging. The tension was really there, and although the villain had absolutely no substance, it still was a lot of fun to read.
That brings me to one of my biggest issues, which was that I didn't feel like any of the characters were particularly engaging or interesting. Sure, they were likable and served the story well enough, but Wade felt less like a character in a story and more like a blank void for readers to insert themselves into the story and live out their dreams in which they transform from unattractive, anti-social losers into rich, all-powerful gods. Art3mis was a total disappointment, since she didn't really serve purpose in the book except to be Wade's idolized love interest.I really disliked how their "romance" was handled since Wade's stalking was seriously creepy and clingy and it felt like the whole relationship was really one sided. Their dynamic felt very stilted and forced, probably because they had very little chemistry. And especially in the end of the book, it felt like her behavior was really inconsistent without any explanation and was just changed on a whim to best suit the storyline (AKA Wade). Aech was probably the most likable and engaging character out of the main group, and I honestly would've preferred getting a book from Aech's perspective instead just because that story would be so much more interesting. The whole thing with Aech being a black lesbian woman was the most interesting thing that happened in terms of characters and I wish that the whole book had just been about Aech's story instead because it not only is Aech a much more likeable character, but Aech also would've provided some actual substance and tension in the story in a way that Wade simply couldn't. Also the fact that this was barely discussed about was really annoying, like Ernest Cline really just wanted to get that diversity point and give nothing but breadcrumbs in terms of representation.
Although this book isn't AMAZING, I can definitely see why it's so hyped-up and well-loved within communities, since this book is targeted towards a very specific audience and provides a story that really speaks to that group. Overall, it does have some cool ideas about video games that I like to think about as well as some incredibly mediocre writing and bland characters, but at the end of the day it still gets the job done.
I really enjoyed the world building and really.enjoyed the world of OASIS and thought it was a really cool idea with lots of room for fun and interesting scenarios. The story and world really had a lot of potential to explore ideas of consumerism, escapism, virtual reality, and the power of the Internet and video games and stuff but I felt like it wasn't really discussed as thoroughly as I would have liked. This book was on the verge of being really thought provoking but instead chose to focus more on the surface-level action and drama, which isn't a bad thing either. This was really fast-paced and really action packed and engaging. The tension was really there, and although the villain had absolutely no substance, it still was a lot of fun to read.
That brings me to one of my biggest issues, which was that I didn't feel like any of the characters were particularly engaging or interesting. Sure, they were likable and served the story well enough, but Wade felt less like a character in a story and more like a blank void for readers to insert themselves into the story and live out their dreams in which they transform from unattractive, anti-social losers into rich, all-powerful gods. Art3mis was a total disappointment, since she didn't really serve purpose in the book except to be Wade's idolized love interest.
Although this book isn't AMAZING, I can definitely see why it's so hyped-up and well-loved within communities, since this book is targeted towards a very specific audience and provides a story that really speaks to that group. Overall, it does have some cool ideas about video games that I like to think about as well as some incredibly mediocre writing and bland characters, but at the end of the day it still gets the job done.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Homophobia
cryogenic's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia, Sexism, and Homophobia
mghnhill's review against another edition
I got to the basement chat room scene and I honestly can't read anymore. It's so bad.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia
rachellrinehart's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Gore, Homophobia, Sexism, and Transphobia
bebereads's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
i’m only glad i read this book so i can now know how bad it is? it’s not a crime to like this book, i even found it ironically enjoyable in a way, but if you find yourself uneasy with it just know YOU ARE NOT ALONE, THIS IS BECAUSE IT IS A BAD BOOK. it’s not only so poorly written, it is deeply problematic and unfortunately not aware of itself in any type of way, where that could have been insightful. books like these are often framed as “but it’s just lots of fun!” or “escapism” and etc. but my issue with that is don’t introduce themes into your book unless you are going to address them properly and it’s not like i would trust Ernest Cline to address anything properly (he wrote this book about as well as he could have) but regardless. i don’t even feel like going into all the problems with this story, there’s enough critical analysis about it out there as is, and also i exhausted even thinking about it more than i already have. moving on!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Death, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, and Transphobia
Minor: Fatphobia, Misogyny, and Sexism
sp4ceprince's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, and Violence
Minor: Sexism
kelly_e's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Title: Ready Player One
Author: Ernest Cline
Series: Ready Player One, #1
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: August 16th 2011
T H R E E • W O R D S
Inventive • Gripping • Compulsive
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Flashforward to the year 2044, the world is a dark and ugly place, a real dystopia. In fact, many choose to escape to a virtual utopia known as the OASIS, a place where you can choose to be anything you want. Ready Player One follows Wade in his ultimate quest to discover a secret egg, hidden somewhere within the OASIS, and inherit creator James Halliday's fortune. A nostalgic, high-stakes, action packed adventure of heartache, friendship, and determination.
💭 T H O U G H T S
It takes a special kind of book, for me to feel fully engaged within the first few pages, thus was the case with Ready Player One. The writing was intriguing and fast-paced, the character development was on point, and the references to 80s pop-culture and video game culture were fantastic. I certainly wish I could have appreciated all of the references to their full potential though. The trio of Parzical, Aech, and Art3mis has great chemistry, and I would have to say Arch was my favourite character, even more so as the story progressed. I listened to the audio simultaneously while reading, and the narration definitely added an extra dimension and really brought the story to life. Given the book is quite long, I am not sure if I'd have enjoyed it as much without the audio. This isn't a genre I typically gravitate towards, so there was apprehension going in, but it quickly dissipated. And this book ended up being just the escape I didn't know I needed.
I'd recommend this to anyone craving retro vibes, an escape from reality or who reads science fiction on a regular basis. And I'll definitely be adding Ready Player Two to my TBR for the future.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers looking for retro vibes
• Science Fiction lovers
• those not too sure about Science Fiction
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"'I created the OASIS because I never felt at home in the real world. I didn't know how to connect with the people there. I was afraid, for all of my life. Right up until I knew it was ending. That was when I realized, as terrifying and painful as reality can be, it's also the only place where you can find true happiness. Because reality is real. Do you understand?'"
Author: Ernest Cline
Series: Ready Player One, #1
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: 4.25
Pub Date: August 16th 2011
T H R E E • W O R D S
Inventive • Gripping • Compulsive
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Flashforward to the year 2044, the world is a dark and ugly place, a real dystopia. In fact, many choose to escape to a virtual utopia known as the OASIS, a place where you can choose to be anything you want. Ready Player One follows Wade in his ultimate quest to discover a secret egg, hidden somewhere within the OASIS, and inherit creator James Halliday's fortune. A nostalgic, high-stakes, action packed adventure of heartache, friendship, and determination.
💭 T H O U G H T S
It takes a special kind of book, for me to feel fully engaged within the first few pages, thus was the case with Ready Player One. The writing was intriguing and fast-paced, the character development was on point, and the references to 80s pop-culture and video game culture were fantastic. I certainly wish I could have appreciated all of the references to their full potential though. The trio of Parzical, Aech, and Art3mis has great chemistry, and I would have to say Arch was my favourite character, even more so as the story progressed. I listened to the audio simultaneously while reading, and the narration definitely added an extra dimension and really brought the story to life. Given the book is quite long, I am not sure if I'd have enjoyed it as much without the audio. This isn't a genre I typically gravitate towards, so there was apprehension going in, but it quickly dissipated. And this book ended up being just the escape I didn't know I needed.
I'd recommend this to anyone craving retro vibes, an escape from reality or who reads science fiction on a regular basis. And I'll definitely be adding Ready Player Two to my TBR for the future.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• readers looking for retro vibes
• Science Fiction lovers
• those not too sure about Science Fiction
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"'I created the OASIS because I never felt at home in the real world. I didn't know how to connect with the people there. I was afraid, for all of my life. Right up until I knew it was ending. That was when I realized, as terrifying and painful as reality can be, it's also the only place where you can find true happiness. Because reality is real. Do you understand?'"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, Drug use, Gun violence, Hate crime, and Violence
Minor: Fatphobia, Homophobia, and Transphobia
overdose, crime