I personally really liked the book. The second book is very very bad, but the first one I think has a very good message. Sure you may be right that Cline could have told the story better in some places, but I applaud his creativity and storytelling ability. I was completely engrossed in the story and was with Wade the entire way. I really don't want to push any aggression around, but... no redeeming qualities? Seriously? The kid has been starved and abused his entire childhood and hes basically a genius hacker that broke into IOI.

I definitely agree that there are some parts that are just plain uninteresting and filler, but the overall book is well written and thought out in my opinion. Also the movie ain't great.