This was a fast read for me, very engaging. Riveting. Of course the 80's trivia was fun and nostalgic for me. I absolutely adored the ending, in more than one way.

One reason I have so much love for this novel is the good messages the four main characters help to illustrate. It is ironic that the these young people, who spend so much time plugged into OASIS because they feel like social misfits, would eventually forge such a strong bond--and they get to know each other before having the chance to be prejudiced by appearances or circumstance. (An avatar can be a good thing.) It is a virtual reality game that finally forces Aech, Parzival, Shoto, and Art3mis to become friends, outside of OASIS.

Some timely issues poke up, as well--greedy corporations, environmental devastation, an ever-growing chasm between ultra-rich and very poor, and even net neutrality.

This is good stuff! I'd recommend it to anyone.