Search

Search only in certain items:

I've been leery of reading a Shelley Shepard Gray novel for awhile now. She was one of my favorites for a long time, but something in her writing style changed, and I just steered clear of her work for a while. But, when I read the synopsis for this one, something called me to it. I'm glad I gave it a chance. 

This book is filled with emotions I am still working through. As someone who has dealt with different kinds of death, from suicide to unexpected, this really hit home with me. The characters are tenderly chiseled and woven into an unforgettable plot line. 

The messages that Gray adds to the story for Andy's friends, the forgiveness, the hope, the redemption is all powerfully included in this page turning novel. I saw, rather than read this story. It moved off the pages and played out before me like a movie on the big screen. The tissues definitely came in handy, that's for sure! 

Through the words of Shelley Shepard Gray, I understood death a little better. Through her words, I understood the power of friendship just a little bit more. These friends endured confusion and pain, yet with God, and Andy's friendship, they came together and healed. 

This is a 4 star book that everyone should read. It's emotionally moving and soul gripping. I highly recommend this first book in her new series, and I am already looking forward to book 2. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  
Ready Player One
Ready Player One
Ernest Cline | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.9 (161 Ratings)
Book Rating
Excellent idea (1 more)
Doesn’t alienate you
Only true fans will get the most out of this (1 more)
Some characterisation is a bit weak
A unique adventure where you want the hero to really win!
I was inspired to read this book when I found out Spielberg was adapting it into a film. One quote described it as the matrix meets willy wonka and the chocolate factory. Although I think such matchmaker comparisons are lazy, it’s almost unavoidable in this case as that seems an accurate description.

The basic plot is a gazillionaire has past away and locked his vast tonnes of money away in a virtual reality game. To get the money, players have to obtain three eggs. The hunt is on. The story is told through Wade Watt’s eyes and his character is likeable for the most part. There are some choices he makes that don’t seem in tone with the character but the focus here is on the journey and being led from one clue to the next.

The movie has some big differences so there’s no advice on which you do first except for me to utter a cliche the book is better than the film. But only just. Spielberg masterfully puts the unfilmable book up on screen and the changes that are made are probably contractual ones rather than artistic. The bonus for readers of the book is that they are treated to different kinds of Easter eggs. Some could argue there are too many. I argue that makes it rewatchable numerous times. Cineastes will get the majority of the references straight away but there will always be something missed. The book and its references mostly appeal to kids of the 80s. I grew up with 90s references but that’s not a criticism because it would be difficult to be more universal. Either way, like watching The Matrix for the first time, I will be envious of anyone reading this for the first time as it is an amazing and original adventure.
  
    12 Steps Companion

    12 Steps Companion

    Lifestyle and Health & Fitness

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    App

    **FEATURED ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA** The ORIGINAL & MOST COMPREHENSIVE sobriety tool available for...