"When I first read the novel some years ago, I found it endearing, initially. Reading about a lower income guy having fun playing classic games like Golden Axe with his friends was relatable to me. The silly debates about superheroes and movies immediately provided some solid characterization and gave me a sense of who Wade Watts was, and I was ready to enjoy learning more about him. The problem is, I never really did."
It was fun, but not deep.
In 2005, as many of you will recall, one writer’s wildly popular story created a gigantic cultural rift, even while many readers strongly identified with its teenaged protagonist. Stephenie M…