Ernest Cline is the luckiest geek alive
https://www.theverge.com/2014/3/11/5492708/ernest-cline-is-the-luckiest-geek-alive-interview
This article in "The Verge" tells the story of how Ernest Cline became famous and how Ready Player One took off as a book, sci-fi world, and media franchise.
"Ready Player One" Curriculum Activities Guide
https://www.shsu.edu/dept/fye/read-to-succeed/documents/2014-Curriculum-Activities-Guide-Final.pdf
This study guide created by Sam Houston State University provides links and connections to a wide variety of resources and activities that connect Ready Player One to a variety of different topics and different school subject areas.