Where do I go from here?

Okay, that was a bit dramatic. I have not written a blog, or done much online because of Ready Player One. This book. I’ve been reading this book for about two weeks. I finished it a couple of days ago. I know what you’re thinking … if it’s such a great book Melissa, why did it take you two weeks? I have reasons. Alright I admit it, it’s because when the book got dark, I was too depressed to keep reading it. (Hey! If people can feel that way about a tv show, I can feel that way about a book.)

My husband first read Ready Player One, then he told me about the book. We actually started listening to the audiobook before I started reading the book. The audiobook is read by one Mr. Wil Wheaton. Then I could not help it I had to read it. Darn you Wheaton’s voice, making me want to read things. Who am I kidding, I was going to read it anyway. But seriously Wil Wheaton does an amazing job.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline has been out since 2011, so I don’t think there will be any spoilers here. Before I forget to say, if you are looking for a book that will ruin your life, in a good way, this is the book for you. And if you like 80s references you’ll like Ready Player One. And if you like witty banter, you’ll like this book. And if you like gaming you’ll like this book.

WARNING: Okay there’s a lot of spoilers in this. Usually when I say sorry about the spoilers guys, they are vague spoilers. But these spoilers you are about to read have a lot of details. So if you have not read Ready Player One, and/or you don’t like spoilers you may not want to keep reading.

With that last note, if you have read my blogs you know that I am not as the kids say, a gamer. But you don’t have to be to appreciate the other themes in this book. The main theme, well for me anyway, was how scarily addictive the internet can be. (Trust me there is no irony here. At least I don’t think there is. I mean just because I am using the internet to tell people about this book. Right?) Anyway. After I read Ready Player One I went through a lot of emotions. One was being freaked out. It was kind of scary to see how even though that the world was a total mess, people could not log off the OASIS. Even if the world was a bad place in 2044, it would still be scary to see how addicted everyone is to the OASIS. (I know it was not medically proven that the OASIS is addictive.)

One of my favorite scenes is when Parzival and Art3mis meet for the first time at the First Gate. (And yes Wil does capture her attitude and hard core gunterness perfectly.) I like how Parzival totally crushes on her in person. Well as in person as they can get online. Although I still would like to know who this Chuck guy is. Every time he tries to convince himself Art3mis may not be a girl, it’s always a guy named Chuck.

I was in love with another scene in the book. Well two scenes. (Side note: I will be skipping around all over the place after this.) The first was when Aech and Pazival meet IRL. That’s when Wade realizes Aech is really Helen. You can feel the nervousness in the scene as Helen and Wade want to, but they don’t want to look at each other. Then when Helen smiles her smile Wade knows without a doubt this is his best friend. In the first part of the book, I knew Wade was a genuine nice guy, but this scene sealed it for me. That Wade was an amazing person. In the end Wade did not care that Helen was a girl because he loved her for who she is, not for what she looked like. And I mean love as a friend because you can tell as Wade and her talk that he respects and values their friendship.

The other scene I was in love with is of course the end when Art3mis and Parzival meet IRL. Of course Samantha (Art3mis) would not be Samantha without telling Wade “Well, what do you know? You look just like I always thought you would too,” she said. “Butt ugly.” Okay maybe the fact that he was in love with her before he meet her at the first gate made it an aww moment. (Side note: if you know me I am not the type of gal that says awww.)

I guess I can forgive Art3mis even though I feel like a part of why the book got dark is because Wade was so depressed after she decided to be a “girl” and not want to keep talking to him. Wade, I keep shaking my head because even though he threw those items away, I was a little disappointed he was looking for love in all the wrong places. I know, I know he was upset. But still.

I also liked that it was a happy ending. The bad guy was arrested, and the good guys were all really good guys. None of them were playing both sides. They all genuinely wanted to make sure the Sixers did not control the OASIS. It was such a happy ending it made me feel like a cross between John Bender at the end of The Breakfast Club where he throws his arm in the air, and The NeverEnding Story when Falkor flies over Bastian’s bullies.

There were a couple of “WHAT?” moments for me as well. Okay when Wade lets himself get caught by IOI. I almost threw the book across the room. Only because I thought it would knock some send into Wade. I mentioned earlier my husband read this book before me, so he gave me the “breathe, he has a plan” speech. Which he did and it was canon! Talk about tense, I thought I was going to pass out after you realize Wade bought a maintenance tech ID and access password to be able defeat the Sixers from opening the third gate. And then he had to leave earlier than planned because he saw the file folders on all of his friends. And then when the lady in the lobby was like sir you’re bleeding. And that was after he realized he was still walking in the plastic slippers. And then he changed back to his identity. (PS: Really Art3mis you had to be a girl because Wade looked at your picture. I know I can’t really say that because I would be the same way. But still. Wade is a super nice person. And he was trying to save your life.)

The other “WHAT!” moment is when Aech, Parzival, and Art3mis get through the third gate and everyone dies. O, my G-O-S-H! But then you realize what that quarter was for that Parzival won playing Pac-Man. (Did you know the original word for Pac-Man was Puck-Man? You would think it was because he looks like a hockey puck, but it actually comes from the Japanese phrase “Paku-Paku” which means to flap one’s mouth open and closed. They changed it because they thought Puck-Man would be too easy to vandalize, you know, like people would just scratch off the P and turn it into an F or whatever. –Scott Pilgrim)

I said this before about when you, well when I felt like I learned Wade was an amazing person because of the scene with Helen (Aech). Then right before he gets into the Third Gate and tells everyone that he is going to split the winnings with them. I could not help but smile because he really is a genuine, trusting person with no motives. And IRL we could use more of that.

Thank you Ernest Cline for writing a book that is, well … canon.

Random thoughts about books, television, things, life, whatnot

Life is not whatnot, and it’s none of your business. That was a John Hughes reference. Sixteen Candles, John Hughes? You know that guy? That guy. I think I may have said this before, but I think that John Hughes needs to be part of youth education. He is timeless.

I recently saw a hilarious book review on YouTube. Then it got me thinking what if there is no such thing as a bad book. Wait, hear me out. What if it’s just a matter of preference? Because someone, even if it’s one person, liked the book. Right? (She asked not to confident.) Maybe what I mean by preferences, is maybe since our brains function differently. It’s like when I read a book that I can’t get into, I can’t say that I don’t like the book because that would not be fair since I have not finished the book. And I will try reading the book later because my mind is not in the right frame of mind in a manner of speaking.

I often joke with my husband that I should put out an ad for a work friend. I used to have one, we talked about movies, funny things we’ve read and seen on the internet. While it is stuff that I already talk to my husband about those things first, during breaks I can continue that conversation during the work day. So then I started thinking about what my work ad would say. Would I just list a bunch of things that I like? You know looking for a work friend, must like some or most of the following. Also should know that this list does not include everything that I like, and I’m happy to be lead to read/watch recommendations as well.

Doctor Who

Firefly (not just the show but the actors as well)

Star Trek

Star Wars (Yes, I like both.)

Babylon 5

The Guild

Parks and Rec

Scott Pilgrim (comic series and film)

Battlestar Galatica and Caprica

Defiance (On that note, I also enjoy the music of Bear McCreary.)
Books (While I know that is a broad subject. It’s good to read, discuss and share.)

Speaking of books is there a certain copy of Mockingjay that everyone else read? With all the teasers and movie trailers that I have come out I have to say, I liked the ending of the book.

Speaking of books I recently read Rat Queens, 1-5. While there is some language in the series, it is not said just to be funny, crud, etc. I like that my husband tells me about the comics and books he reads because then I get introduced to series like Rat Queens. For those of you who have not read this series, it about a questing team of misfits who like to have fun as much as they like to fight. And I have say, Gary is my new hero.

Speaking of my better half aka my best friend, I often wonder if people give us a strange looks because he waits for me to get in the building. That needs some context. Since we first started dating, when he would drop me off he would wait until I was in the house before driving away. My husband and I carpool because his work is nor too far away from mine. Now he does the same thing when he drops me off at work. Call me old fashion but I like that he does that. And I like the fact that I can turn around one last time and see him smile before my work day begins. I just realized old fashion is not the right phrase, I think being in love would be more accurate. Just because you’re married does not mean that you should stop being in love. And just because you are a certain age does not mean you’re heart stops leaping when you hear their voice on the other end of the phone.

Love blossoms at the con. –lovely couple from Comic-con: Episode IV – A Fan’s Hope

Favorite Fictional Couples

I have written about my favorite bromances, so today I thought I would write about or maybe in this case ramble about my favorite couples in fiction. They are my favorite couples not necessarily because of the love story but just the stories itself. These are from both movies and books. I apologize in advance for any spoilers. However, knowing me most of my information will be short because I don’t want to go on, or do I?

Beth Fremont and Lincoln O’Neil from Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

For those of you who have not gotten around to reaching Attachments. First off, why not? Rainbow Rowell is a talented, witty, and honest writer. Go get you one Attachments, or any of her books, because they should be on your TBR list. Attachments is a love story in which boy meets girl, well sort of. Lincoln works in the System Securities department at The Courier. As he is reading their emails, which in his defense is his job, he begins to fall in love with Beth. Without giving too much away Beth does notice Lincoln but when she first does there is another person in the picture. I like that it’s a love story, but Rainbow Rowell does an excellent job building Beth and Lincoln characters that you don’t just fall in love with them together but as individual people.

Scott Pilgrim and Ramona Flowers from the comic series and the movie.

Fours words … Scott and Romona, eh?

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games trilogy.

I read The Hunger Games trilogy before the movie came out. I do have to say the movies do hold up, and brings the story out of the page. (In my humble opinion.) I won’t go into the summary to much because I can imagine by now everyone has read the books or seen the movies. Which I can imagine is not easy to make the reader of the books happy, which trying to find a balance of making a movie that can stand alone for people who have not read the books. Katniss and Peeta are another great example of how we fall in love with two people both individually and together. I enjoy that Suzanne Collins makes Katniss her own person. Although she is going through being a teenager phase, Suzanne Collins does not let Katniss’s love life define her. And without sounding bias, I am in love with Peeta. Not like that, I know he is fictional, but I can’t help it I actually like the nice guy. (I did marry one after all. Nice guy … not fictional character.)

Amanda Price and Darcy from Lost in Austen.

I know for some people Jane Austen might be one of those either you like her or you don’t. If you don’t that’s okay. What I like about Lost in Austen, it’s for everyone. Okay that sounds kind of vague. Lost in Austen reminds me of when I was a kid there were chose your own adventure stories. It’s been so long I am not sure what if that is what they are called anymore. Anywho, you read the story and at the end of the chapter it says to go into the room, turn to page 22 or if you want to continue walking keep reading. (Man I wish I could remember a name of a book like that, that I read.) Lost in Austen is also funny because it reminds me of me or anyone else I know who gets so absorbed by the story that you can’t help but laugh or cry with your favorite characters. Amanda Price works at a bank and to escape the everyday life she reads Pride and Prejudice over and over and over. She reads this book so much, somehow her and Elizabeth Bennet end up in each other’s lives. Hopefully this doesn’t spoil it too much. The story ends with Amanda and Darcy falling in love and it rewrites Pride and Prejudice in a manner of speaking.

Olivia Dunham and Peter Bishop from Fringe

Dunham is played by Anna Torv and Bishop by Joshua Jackson. He’s her lobster. Oh and if the internet can hear my small voice … yes I would love for Anna Torv to play Ms. Marvel. Let’s make it happen internet. I can so picture it. And I am biased about Joshua Jackson because I always preferred Pacey to Dawson. There I said okay? Anyway. Olivia and Peter are meant to be. I don’t mean in a cheesy way. Just they have the kind of love where when you know, you know kind of love. One thing I love about the Fringe series is that Peter respects Olivia as a woman and her career. He does not try and flirt with her because he knows it will not work, and when they do end up together it will be real. If you have watched the series you know that it’s not a boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl and timing is not right. It’s more like a boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl and timeline is not right because of another Fringe event. Darn you Folivia and your vagenda! (If you want to know what a vagenda is, watch Fringe you won’t be sorry.)

Angela Chase and Jordan Catalano from My So-Called Life

Ah, if ever there were a picture of teenage angst in regards to teenage love, Angela’s picture would be in the dictionary. But who can blame her? Have you ever seen Catalano lean? Angela and Catalano are not the only reason I like My So-Called Life I enjoy the series because it was ahead of its time. It was fictional but discussed real issues such as teenage drinking and sex, and discussed a number of issues in a honest, relatable way.

Raleigh Becket and Mako Mori from Pacific Rim

Okay this one is not a love story in the traditional sense. Which is why I wanted to end the blog this way. I can best describe way I like their story by quoting Guillermo del Toro, which is still my favorite quote of all time.  “I wanted to show that men and women can be friends without having a relationship. Theirs is a story about partnership, equality and a strong bond between partners. It’s important for little girls to know not every story has to be a love story and for boys to know that soldiers aren’t the only ones to triumph in war.”

How to tell if you are drift compatible.

After my husband and I first saw Guillermo del Torro’s Pacific Rim, we have found ourselves saying “drift compatible!” whenever we say or think the same things. For example, whenever my husband and I say the words “do you” we say it a la Anthony Michael Hall in The Breakfast Club. 

I thought it might be fun to list items, in my humble opinion, that make two people drift compatible. Some are from my personal life, others are things I have thought about recently. So here they are in no particular order.

• When you say, “check you later” they automatically think “alright, alright, alright.”
• Whenever you discuss or mention Doug Jones, the other person knows exactly who you are talking about. You even share the same favorite funny seen in Hellboy when, Abe and Hellboy are sharing a beer and discussing their women troubles. “You’re in love. Have a beer.”
• While watching the premier of J.J. Abrams, Star Trek, both of you geeked out when you saw Noel Clarke. And at the same time said Mickey! While looking around to see if anyone was excited as you were to see a companion.
• When you hear that someone has not seen Doctor Who, you or your significant other say “you’ve never seen Doctor Who?” in your best British accent. Saying it in that accent is a result of seeing Revision 3’s “Welcome Back, Doctor Who” one too many times on YouTube.
• Speaking of YouTube, one of the other videos you’ve both seen together a billion times is Portlandia’s Battlestar Galactica - One More Episode. Edward James Olmos and James Callis make a guest appearance. Ron Moore also makes a cameo, however not in the way you would think.
• You both said Whaaat! When you realized it would be the last time you would see Scott Wilson play Hershel in Too Far Gone. Yes admittedly one of you did have to comfort the other because while Beth and Maggie began crying that started the water works.
• You both feel like Rob Gordon in High Fidelity when everyone starts talking about The Walking Dead, Sherlock, and Doctor Who because you liked these shows first. Which makes you feel like a hipster for saying don’t infect my beautiful shows with your main stream. However, secretly you both need others to watch so the TV networks can keep the show going for as long as it can. The only reason you know the term “infect it with your main stream” because you’ve both seen Soundly Awake’s Hipsters On Valentine’s  Day a bunch of times. Okay let’s face it you both go on YouTube one day binges, but there is no judgment.
• Your significant other can recognize a Bear McCreary musical compositions before knowing it is him. Like when you watched season 1, episode 1 of Defiance, and heard the theme music the other person says that sounds like Bear.
• While watching the entire Star Trek series (yes all of them) you both say at the same time hey it’s Kate Vernon (aka Ellen Tigh)! Or, hey it’s Rick Worthy (aka Number Four)! But when watching Battlestar Galactica, you both say hey it’s Sam Witwer! Or, when Roslin was getting chemo you both say, isn’t that Kira (Deep Space Nine)?
• Whenever the computer messes up, acts strange, or you see a news article about another advancement in robotics or technology - your significant nods in agreement when you say “Skynet.”

I smile when I hear the word Toronto because I know my husband will say “in Toronto” a la Brandon Routh in Scott Pilgrim vs the World. Because its moments like these when we make a reference the other one gets, we simply look at each other and know we are thinking the same thing … drift compatible.