I realize dunking on #ReadyPlayerTwo is easy clicks. But, I think this is an overly unfair review of the book. Which, to be clear is not good.

1. Hudson’s core conceit is that Wade Watts is unknowingly a monster, and cites examples from the beginning of the book. https://twitter.com/laura_hudson/status/1333853139951345671

2/ But that’s his character arc. Immediately after that he goes to therapy and starts working on that. And by the end, he’s grown from there.

As far as the techno-Utopianism and Wade’s sexist behavior to Samantha, again - this is his character arc. He grows and changes his mind.

3/ #ReadyPlayerTwo is a drastically less sexist and less transphobic book. But it’s still hampered by a paper thin understanding of what anyone not white and male experiences.

This is the Ernest Cline’s fundamental limitation as an author. It makes for a frequently stupid plot.

4/ I said it before, but it’s very clear Cline is trying to be less terrible to women and transgender people in his writing. This book clearly had sensitivity readers make edits.

Is it good? No. Is Cline trying his best? It’s sad but this is his best. I appreciate the effort.

5/ I would posit that if you’re looking for a novel with interesting women characters, Cline is not capable of writing that novel.

I don’t think that makes him a villain, because he’s clearly trying.

Is it really necessary to keep raking him over the coals for this deficiency?