Books and Jams Readalong discussion

Half way there! Is this book similar to other books you've read? Is it something you may have picked up if not part of this group? What do you like about it so far? Do you dislike anything about it at this point?

The action definitely picked up for me finally. I still sometimes feel like the 80s references are a bit much, but since the plot has picked up and we are getting to know the characters a bit more it isn't as overwhelming as it was at the beginning.

I'm starting to be suspicious of Art3mis. I wonder if she's leading Wade on. Is she part of IOI?

Speaking of IOI that whole scene when they blew stuff up trying to kill him was crazy!

I think the 80s references are sometimes a bit much, too. I feel like some of the long explanations are slowing down the plot. I usually enjoy such explanations in novels (like in the Martian), but they aren't working as well for me here for some reason. Although, the best bit of 80s nostalgia for me was when Wade had to go to Halliday's childhood home and play a game on his old computer. We had a TI-80 computer back in the day and Wade's explanation of the computer and its cassette tape drive took me right back to my middle-school years.

I was surprised that IOI blew up his house! I kind of wish the author had spent more time on that scene. The extent of the destruction and the loss of life would be immense, I would imagine, but it seemed like the book passed over it rather quickly. It didn't seem like Wade cared all that much.

Despite my complaining, I am really enjoying the book. Wade's new life in Columbus seems even more isolated than his old life. I'm interested to see if he will ever get to meet any of his friends in real life and have a normal relationship.

Diane wrote: "I think the 80s references are sometimes a bit much, too. I feel like some of the long explanations are slowing down the plot. I usually enjoy such explanations in novels (like in the Martian), but..."

Keep going! It did pick up the pace a lot after this section. I can't wait to hear what you think as you finish it!

Krista I agree with you in reference to Art3mis I wonder if she is hiding something. I thought the possibility of the whole I0I spy could be what it is also.

I really started to enjoy the book around chapter 14 and now look forward to finding out what is going to happen. I can't believe they actual blew up his trailer. I was surprised that he was more devasted. He was more devastated by Art3mis not speaking to him than his trailer getting blown to smithereens. I understand his Aunt was horrible to him, but I thought he really cared about the lady who lived in the stack below them.

I also feel bad that he stopped talking to his friend Aech as much. He really let Art3mis take over his life. Maybe them not being together is a good thing.