I almost hate to say it, but I kept wondering if I should feel annoyed at Ready Player One because it was aimed so squarely at, well, me, and everyone else that grew up in the 80s. The answer was always “no”, and it was always no because of the writing; the story is kept deft and quick and carries you along quite well. I couldn’t even fault the ending which was, after all, exactly what you thought it would be way back at the beginning of the book.

Popcorn, yes, but good greasy popcorn, the kind you lick your fingers after.