Author:David Lodge
Adrian Ludlow, a novelist with a distinguished reputation and a book on the 'A' level syllabus, is now seeking obscurity in a cottage beneath the Gatwick flight path. His university friend Sam Sharp, who has become a successful screen writer, drops in on the way to Los Angeles, fuming over a vicious profile of himself by Fanny Tarrant, one of the new breed of Rottweiler interviews, in a Sunday newspaper. Together they decide to take revenge on the interviewer, though Adrian is risking what he values most: his privacy. David Lodge's dazzling novella examines with wit and insight the contemporary culture of celebrity and the conflict between the solitary activity of writing and the demands of the media circus. 'Sharp, intelligent, surprising and fun' THE TIMES.
Awesome, poignant and extremely action-packed. 8/10
—— Emotionally FourteenDie-hard fans will lap this up, and it's a good and enjoyable addition to the series
—— Civilian ReaderThe abandonment of civilized talk about literature by the ‘theory’ fraternity would leave us very short if it were not for the likes of Lodge, the quality of whose prose and insights, not least because they both come matured from the casks of his own vocation, is a high treat. Leave consciousness to the neurophysiologists and philosophers, and explore human experience and selfhood with Lodge and the novelists, and enjoy
—— A. C. Grayling , Financial TimesLodge is a clear writer, wise about things and a careful reader and in general kind even to people who plainly irritate him
—— Sam Leith , SpectatorHe excels when he writes about books. His wide learning and through understanding of critical trends give confidence and enthusiasm to his work
—— Sunday TimesLodge’s animating spark is his sedulousness, his ability to marshal the facts, pronounce a judgement and then subtly qualify it
—— D. J. Taylor , Independent on SundayConsciousness and the Novel makes a bright, instructive introduction to David Lodge – as critic and novelist – for anyone who does not know his work
—— San Francisco ChronicleMost other critics would make heavy weather of such topics, but Lodge always scintillates
—— Boston Globe[Lodge] gives fresh perspectives of fellow writers and an enthralling way to read much of the twentieth-century novel
—— BookmunchThe novel’s greatest strength is its vision of the violent fecundity of nature…Groff excels in writing with a kind of fairy-tale lucidity…The book’s structure and imagery are full of delightful intricacies and cruel ironies.
—— Times Literary SupplementOne of our most talented writers, and Arcadia one of the most revelatory, magical and ambitious novels I've read in years.
—— Kate Walbert, author of the New York Times bestselling novel A Short History of WomenReady Player One expertly mines a copious vein of 1980s pop culture, catapulting the reader on a light-speed adventure in an advanced but backward-looking future. If this book were a living room, it would be wood-paneled. If it were shoes, it would be high-tops. And if it were a song, well, it would have to be Eye of the Tiger. I really, really loved it.
—— Daniel H. Wilson, author of How to Survive a Robot Uprising and RobopocalypseThe pure, unfettered brainscream of a child of the 80s, like a dream my 13-year-old self would have had after bingeing on Pop Rocks and Coke...I couldn't put it down
—— Charles Ardai, Edgar Award-winning author and producer of HavenPure geek heaven. Ernest Cline's hero competes in a virtual world with life-and-death stakes -- which is only fitting, because he's fighting to make his dreams into reality. Cline blends a dystopic future with meticulously detailed nostalgia to create a story that will resonate in the heart of every true nerd
—— Chris Farnsworth, author of Blood OathI was blown away by this book...Ernie Cline has pulled the raddest of all magic tricks: he's managed to write a novel that's at once serious and playful, that is as fun to read as it is harrowing. A book of ideas, a potboiler, a game-within-a-novel, a serious science-fiction epic, a comic pop culture mash-up-call this novel what you will, but READY PLAYER ONE will defy every label you try to put on it. Here, finally, is this generation's NEUROMANCER
—— Will Lavender, New York Times bestselling author of ObedienceCompletely fricking awesome...This book pleased every geeky bone in my geeky body. I felt like it was written just for me
—— Patrick Rothfuss, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of The Wise Man’s FearPleasingly geeky novel ... No wonder there are plans to make into a film
—— ShortlistReady Player One is a fantastic adventure set in a futuristic world with a retro heart. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down and I couldn't wait to pick it back up
—— S.G. Browne, author of Breathers and FatedCline's novel is a nerdcore odyssey; engaging and fun, this Gen-X popcult thrillride drew me in like a Galaxian machine set to free play.
—— James SwallowCline [crafts] a fresh and imaginative world from our old toy box ... Cline strikes the nerves of nerd culture as expertly as Andy played that skeleton organ in The Goonies
—— Entertainment WeeklyTotally awesome!
—— Edinburgh Evening NewsI would recommend this book in a heartbeat...young or old - it's just brilliant!
—— Books4Teens.co.ukIn the safe hands of none other than Mr. Steven Spielberg, this is your last chance to read the book before the movie hype drowns out the written word. A mixed up dystopian fantasy adventure novel with more nods to 80’s pop culture than even the biggest John Hughes fan will be able to handle, it’s just a whole lot of fun to read
—— 'Best books of 2015’, All in LondonThis is one you need to read before EVERYONE knows about it!
—— So FeminineUltimately entertaining, enthusiastic and enjoyable. A real must-have for any collection…a beautifully constructed piece of escapism which will pull you in with such vigour that you miss your train stop.
—— Live MagazinesPowerful and very timely message
—— GuardianFascinating and imaginative...It's non-stop action when gamers must navigate clever puzzles and outwit determined enemies in a virtual world in order to save a real one. Readers are in for a wild ride.
—— Terry Brooks, #1 New York Times bestselling authorThis non-gamer loved every page of Ready Player One.
—— Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling authorReady Player One expertly mines a copious vein of 1980s pop culture, catapulting the reader on a light-speed adventure in an advanced but backward-looking future. If this book were a living room, it would be wood-paneled. If it were shoes, it would be high-tops. And if it were a song, well, it would have to be Eye of the Tiger. I really, really loved it.
—— Daniel H. Wilson, author of How to Survive a Robot Uprising and RobopocalypseThe pure, unfettered brainscream of a child of the 80s, like a dream my 13-year-old self would have had after bingeing on Pop Rocks and Coke...I couldn't put it down.
—— Charles Ardai, Edgar Award-winning author and producer of HavenPure geek heaven. Ernest Cline's hero competes in a virtual world with life-and-death stakes -- which is only fitting, because he's fighting to make his dreams into reality. Cline blends a dystopic future with meticulously detailed nostalgia to create a story that will resonate in the heart of every true nerd.
—— Chris Farnsworth, author of Blood OathI was blown away by this book...Ernie Cline has pulled the raddest of all magic tricks: he's managed to write a novel that's at once serious and playful, that is as fun to read as it is harrowing. A book of ideas, a potboiler, a game-within-a-novel, a serious science-fiction epic, a comic pop culture mash-up-call this novel what you will, but READY PLAYER ONE will defy every label you try to put on it. Here, finally, is this generation's NEUROMANCER.
—— Will Lavender, New York Times bestselling author of ObedienceCompletely fricking awesome...This book pleased every geeky bone in my geeky body. I felt like it was written just for me.
—— Patrick Rothfuss, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of The Wise Man’s FearReady Player One is a fantastic adventure set in a futuristic world with a retro heart. Once I started reading, I didn't want to put it down and I couldn't wait to pick it back up.
—— S.G. Browne, author of Breathers and FatedCline's novel is a nerdcore odyssey; engaging and fun, this Gen-X popcult thrillride drew me in like a Galaxian machine set to free play.
—— James SwallowThe first thing I thought when I finished Ernest Cline's Ready Player One was, "My God, it's the grown-up's Harry Potter." Now this is from a mega "HP" fan, so I mean business, here. The mystery and fantasy in this novel weaves itself in the most delightful way, and the details that make up Mr. Cline's world are simply astounding. Ready Player One has it all
—— Huffington PostPleasingly geeky novel ... No wonder there are plans to make into a film.
—— ShortlistThe strength of Cline's first novel, other than its geeky referencing of 1980s pop culture, is the characterisation of the Candide-like Wade and his redemptive quest in both VR and the real world.
—— GuardianIf you grew up with an Atari or maybe had a Commodore 64 back in the day, you are going to really enjoy this one. Cline really captures the feeling of those good old days in Ready Player One.
—— WIRED.COMCline [crafts] a fresh and imaginative world from our old toy box ... Cline strikes the nerves of nerd culture as expertly as Andy played that skeleton organ in The Goonies.
—— Entertainment Weekly