Another new feature on the blog for 2015!
One of my “resolutions” for this new year is to read more books. My good friend Aurora just told me that she was able to read 30 books in 2014, and I would love to be able to do the same. I started the year with one of the most fun books I’ve read in a very long time: Ready Player One. Now this had been a book I had been recommended constantly, and I actually bought it back in September! I didn’t start reading it until October, and then actually forgot about it until this month. Once I started getting the ball rolling, I finished the book in 2 days. It was one of those books you cannot pry yourself away from, and often made me lose precious hours of sleep (but so worth it).

So what is it about anyways? The book sleeve touted that it was the adult’s Harry Potter, but I would have to disagree. Ready Player One is set in a dystopian-esque future where the majority of the population has decided to immerse itself fully in a virtual reality simulation called The Oasis in order to escape their foul and depressing reality. The creator of The Oasis, James Halliday, was an 80’s pop culture geek who decided not to leave his fortune to family or friends upon his passing, but instead made it a contest: unlock 3 secret gates in The Oasis, and win it all. Some of the most talented gunters (those that study all things Halliday) are the main characters in this story and it follows their adventures to find the gates, defeat them, and all the obstacles that get in their way (mainly “The Sixers,” a big-time corporation that aims to use Halliday’s fortune for evil).

The book is peppered with a bunch of geeky pop culture references, which made me smile from ear to ear. I also loved the eventual theme that you cannot run away from your reality, and that despite how bleak it may seem, life is really worth living. I actually think it would be a great read for individuals that are suffering from depression, adolescence or just going through a rough period in their life. It just so happens that I have been down in the dumps, so getting this message was a real punch in the gut. Sure, it is a fun romp, but it has some pretty deep themes running through the story, which I really appreciated.

If you are an 80’s kid, definitely check out this book! Another reason to do so is that it may be made into a movie. There are some obvious copyright issues that are standing in the way (think of the challenges needed to complete and clear those gates), but that hasn’t stopped me from researching dream casts and possible directors (did someone say Nolan???). Honestly, if they have a tough time casting, I’m willing to volunteer to play Art3mis. Just sayin’.

Have you read Ready Player One? If so, what did you like about it?
What are you reading now? I’d love to get more suggestions to my growing list!