Just skim read those bits while making a face like a dog has farted directly into your mouth

I used to rate ready player one highly. It holds a special place in my heart...but....it only has that place due to the references. I think as a stand alone novel and for the right age group or people who love particular franchises it's a fun light read. A few years ago I listened to We Are Legion which does similar things in terms of using nostalgia to drive the plot but I found it less compelling.