Three teenage boys desperately want to get a copy of Playboy from their local stationary store because Vanna White is the centerfold! One boy is chosen to try to get the security code from the owner’s daughter Mary; a weird girl that is always typing away at the Commodore 64 on display in the back of the store. That boy, Billy, has no problem with this plan because he’s starting to enjoy his time with Mary as they work on a computer game that will be entered to win the grand prize at the end of the summer at an awards ceremony at Rutgers University. But when the stakes get higher and the Playboy must be had, Billy needs to chose between his first love and his friends.
This book has a lot of heart, I would say it reminded me a bit of Stand By Me. There is a serious layer under the hijinks and a boy’s struggle to do the right thing even when he doesn’t know what that is.
If you liked Ready Player One, you’ll love this book. If you grew up in the 80s playing Ultima on a Commodore 64 and riding your bike around town, you’ll love this book. If you’re nostalgic for a simpler time, and I can’t believe I’m typing that about my childhood, give this one a shot, I guarantee it’ll make you smile at least once.
For those who may not be familiar with the amazing graphics capable with a Commodore 64 you can play a copy of the game Mary and Billy designed in this book called, you guessed it, The Impossible Fortress, here: http://jasonrekulak.com/game/
