Ready Player One

Basically, an eccentric, multi-billionaire, who was an early computer/videogame designer, has built a massive virtual reality online Universe called the OASIS. When he dies, he leaves all of his estate to whoever can find his Easter Egg, hidden somewhere in the OASIS, by following a set of clues based on his early (and happiest period) of life. Although Cline's OASIS is similar to the Metaverse in Neal Stephenson's Snow Crash, it seems to be a more fleshed out virtual reality Universe, with a larger impact on society at large. It is also the perfect artificial landscape for the great Quest that forms the main plot of the book. The story is one hell of a trip down geek memory lane for those of us who grew up in the 80's and experienced the early years of videogames and personal computers. Cline's attention to 1980's TV, movie, music and game trivia is astounding. Those tidbits are alone worth reading the book! Cline also gives us a group of likeable underdog heroes up against an evil corporate army in a fast paced, desperate race to find the "egg" to save the OASIS for the masses. This is definitely a modern science fiction classic and must read for fans of the genre.