Little Brother

432 pages, 2010

Cory Doctorow

fiction

1382 books

Takeaways

Description

Marcus, a.k.a "w1n5t0n," is only seventeen years old, but he figures he already knows how the system works–and how to work the system. Intelligent, fast, and wise to the networked world, he has no trouble outwitting his high school's intrusive but clumsy surveillance systems.

But his whole world changes when he and his friends find themselves caught in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack on San Francisco.

In the wrong place at the wrong time, Marcus and his crew are apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security and whisked away to a secret prison, where they're mercilessly interrogated for days.

When the DHS finally releases them, Marcus discovers that his city has become a police state where every citizen is treated like a potential terrorist. He knows that no one will believe his story, which leaves him only one option: to take down the DHS himself.

The Power of Technology

In Little Brother, Cory Doctorow shows us how technology can be a powerful tool. The protagonist, Marcus, uses his tech skills to fight against an oppressive government. This book encourages us to explore the potential of technology and how it can be used for good.

Question Authority

One of the main themes in Little Brother is the importance of questioning authority. Marcus and his friends don't just accept what they're told, they dig deeper. This book encourages us to do the same, to question and research, rather than blindly follow.

The Importance of Privacy

Cory Doctorow's Little Brother takes a look at the importance of privacy in the digital age. The book shows us how easily our privacy can be invaded and why it's crucial to protect it. It's a reminder to be mindful of our digital footprint.

Youth Activism

Little Brother is a great example of youth activism. The young characters in the book are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. They show us that age is not a barrier to making a difference. It's a call to action for young readers to get involved and make their voices heard.

The Value of Friendship

In the midst of all the action and tech talk, Little Brother also explores the value of friendship. Marcus and his friends stick together through thick and thin, showing us the power of loyalty and camaraderie. It's a reminder to cherish our friends and the support they provide.

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A wonderful, important book, read it with your kids, read it yourself, pass it to friends. You're never too young or too old for it.

Neil Gaiman - Author, Screenwriter

Little Brother is a scarily realistic adventure about how homeland security technology could be abused to wrongfully imprison innocent Americans. A teenage hacker-turned-hero pits himself against the government to fight for his basic freedoms.