Ready Player One

In a dystopian future where reality is bleak, teenager Wade Watts embarks on a thrilling quest inside the virtual universe of the OASIS, a massive online game. He competes against foes and allies alike to solve the ultimate riddle left by its eccentric creator, which promises unimaginable wealth and control of the OASIS. As Wade dives deeper into this enthralling digital reality, he must confront not only his own fears but also formidable corporate entities willing to crush anyone in their way. Packed with nostalgia from the '80s pop culture, this adventure is a race against time and a testament to the power of friendship and determination. Will Wade unlock the secrets of the OASIS before it's too late, or will his dreams vanish into the pixels?

By Ernest Cline

Published: 2011

"The only way to win is not to play. But how can you take a step back when the world around you is so easy to escape into?"

Ready Player OneBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

Nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read The bestselling cult classic--now a major motion picture directed by Steven Spielberg. 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.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Ready Player One

About the Author

E

Ernest Cline

Ernest Cline is an American novelist and screenwriter best known for his debut novel, "Ready Player One," published in 2011. The book, which has been adapted into a successful film directed by Steven Spielberg, explores themes of virtual reality, nostalgia, and gaming culture in a richly detailed dystopian future. Cline's writing is characterized by a blend of pop culture references, humor, and a passion for 1980s nostalgia, appealing to both young and adult readers. His subsequent works include "Armada," a science fiction novel that also delves into gaming, and "Ready Player Two," the highly anticipated sequel to his first novel. Cline's ability to weave intricate plots with relatable characters makes him a standout voice in contemporary science fiction.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Ernest Cline
Published
January 2011
Publisher
Ballantine Books
ISBN
0804190135
Language
English
Pages
402
Genres
Adventure FictionFictionDystopianScience Fiction

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

The Left Hand of DarknessBook binding

The Left Hand of Darkness

Ursula K. Le Guin

The Handmaid's TaleBook binding

The Handmaid's Tale

Margaret Atwood

Fahrenheit 451Book binding

Fahrenheit 451

Ray Bradbury

The Kill ChainBook binding

The Kill Chain

Christian Brose

The Wandering EarthBook binding

The Wandering Earth

Cixin Liu

A Wrinkle in TimeBook binding

A Wrinkle in Time

Madeleine L'Engle

Cat's CradleBook binding

Cat's Cradle

Kurt Vonnegut

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern WorldBook binding

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World

Jack Weatherford

Showing 8 of 29 similar books

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Shaan Puri's Book Recommendations

Shaan Puri's Book Recommendations

Shaan Puri is an entrepreneur, podcaster, and investor, best known for his work as the former CEO of Bebo and as a co-host of the popular podcast My First Million. Puri is an active angel investor and advisor to startups, often sharing insights on entrepreneurship, growth, and product development through his podcast and social media. He has built a strong online following by providing practical advice on business strategy, side hustles, and personal development. Puri’s engaging personality and down-to-earth approach have made him a popular figure among aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts.

View Collection
Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman's Book Recommendations

Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.

View Collection
Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations

Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations

Alexis Ohanian is an American entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Reddit, one of the world’s most popular social news and discussion platforms. Ohanian is also a prominent advocate for open internet and net neutrality, and he has invested in numerous startups through his venture capital firm, Initialized Capital. In addition to his work in tech, Ohanian is involved in philanthropy, supporting causes related to women’s rights, education, and social justice. He is married to tennis star Serena Williams, and together they advocate for gender equality and inclusive leadership. Ohanian’s influence in the tech world and his commitment to social impact have made him a respected figure in both business and activism.

View Collection
Jack Edwards's Book Recommendations

Jack Edwards's Book Recommendations

Jack Edwards is a British YouTuber, content creator, and author known for his videos on literature, academia, and productivity. Edwards gained popularity through his educational content, which includes book recommendations, study tips, and insights into university life. He is an advocate for reading and lifelong learning, often encouraging his audience to explore literature and improve their academic skills. Edwards has also written a book, The Uni-Verse, which offers advice to students navigating university life. His work has made him a well-known figure in the educational and literary communities, particularly among young readers and students.

View Collection
Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.

View Collection
Brad Feld's Book Recommendations

Brad Feld's Book Recommendations

Brad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.

View Collection
Astro Teller's Book Recommendations

Astro Teller's Book Recommendations

Astro Teller is an American entrepreneur, scientist, and the CEO of X (formerly Google X), Alphabet’s innovation lab dedicated to developing groundbreaking technologies. Often referred to as "Captain of Moonshots," Teller leads a team focused on tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges through radical solutions. Under his leadership, X has worked on projects like self-driving cars (Waymo), internet balloons (Loon), and delivery drones (Wing). Teller holds a PhD in artificial intelligence and has a deep background in science and technology, blending his technical expertise with a passion for innovation. He is a proponent of a fail-fast approach, encouraging experimentation and learning from failure as integral parts of the innovation process. Teller’s work at X has placed him at the forefront of the tech world’s quest for transformative technologies. Outside of his work at X, he is an accomplished author, having written both fiction and non-fiction, and is an advocate for the future of AI and robotics.

View Collection
Aaron Rodgers's Book Recommendations

Aaron Rodgers's Book Recommendations

Aaron Rodgers is a renowned American football quarterback, widely recognized for his exceptional career with the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. Although his primary acclaim comes from sports, Rodgers has contributed to literature through insightful writings and interviews that offer a deep dive into the mindset of a professional athlete. His thoughtful perspectives on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth have resonated with readers beyond the sports community. Rodgers’ contributions have been featured in various sports and lifestyle publications, adding a unique voice to the literary world. His ability to articulate the nuances of his experiences has made him a respected figure in both athletic and literary circles.

View Collection

Showing 8 of 16 related collections

The only way to win is not to play. But how can you take a step back when the world around you is so easy to escape into?

Ready Player One

By Ernest Cline

Frequently Asked Questions