May 2017 Host:  Colleen

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Summary

This novel is set in the near future (around 2044) where nearly everyone lives in poverty due to no oil, etc.  But on the bright side, there is a virtual reality world called the Oasis which serves as an online utopia for the poor populace.  The protagonist of the story, a very destitute Wade Watts, goes to school, earns money, and meets friends on the Oasis.  James Halliday, the deceased creator of Oasis and the richest man to have lived, leaves behind three keys to finding his fortune and Wade Watts becomes obsessed with finding those keys which are located within the Oasis.  His quest puts him in frequent and often violent danger, but he doesn’t give up.  This novel is full of puzzles, 80s nostalgia, nerdy friends and nerdy romance.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book but it was partly due to a plethora of references to the 1980s. Can’t wait to see the movie.

Asparagus Bites

Salad

Mushrooms

Meatballs and Caprese Kabobs

Candy Bar Cake