Author Ernest Cline is a super nerd. Star Wars, videogames, sci-fi movies, tabletop RPGs, and more; his obsessions cover many of the major nerd areas. His work as an author reflects these interests. His books are love letters to nerd culture and are also great fun to read!
“Ready Player One” takes place in 2044, where most people practically live online in a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). This includes work, play, school – almost everything is done through the game OASIS. OASIS’s creator hid an Easter egg in the game and dictated that whoever discovers it will inherit his massive estate. Solving these challenges requires an encyclopedic knowledge of 1980s pop culture. The story follows Wade Watts as he hunts keys that lead to the final test. I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the world building and character development in this story. I felt so connected to Wade and the other characters, even after finishing the book.
“Armada” comes out in mid-July. Zack Lightman spends most of his time playing the online flight simulator Armada, fighting aliens determined to destroy life on Earth. He’s worked his way into the top ten players in the world, sacrificing grades and relationships along the way. Zack is trying to survive the last few weeks of high school when a real spacecraft lands in the high school parking lot. It is identical to the aliens’ ships from Armada. The people inside ask Zack to come with them for a special mission.
Connect with excitement at the Buda Public Library!
