My First Computer

The Impossible Fortress by Jason Rekulak is labeled as a YA novel, but only someone from the 80's will understand and enjoy it. Having lived during that time, this was a trip back to yesteryear. Will Marvin is a computer geek who has created The Impossible Fortress, a computer game, on his Commodore 64. I remember creating games with my friend on that same computer, having a cassette recorder for storage. The 80's references brought back memories of the clothing styles, the music, and the technology of the time. Will meets Mary Zelinsky, another computer geek, when trying to get a copy of the Playboy featuring Vanna White. With the help of his friends Alf (another 80's reference) and Clark, they begin a quest to get a copy of the magazine, only for Will to fall in love with Mary. The novel is filled with the adventures of these three boys, ending on a positive note for Will and Mary. Rekulak's prose makes the novel an easy read that was an enjoyable romp through past memories. His website includes a copy of the game that can be played and his novel includes computer code from the Commodore 64 in every chapter.