Book Club: Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Cory Doctorow's Little Brother—Once City One Book #9 (2013)

Sometime in the near future, tech-savvy teen Marcus finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and becomes a terrorism suspect. Suddenly, his casual objection to being monitored – via his internet use, cell phone use, school gate censors, and public transit fast passes – becomes a critical, life-altering protest. But how do you thwart the overzealous watchers without becoming as guilty of invasion of others’ privacy as your enemy? Where is the line between public safety and personal freedom? Written in 2008, this YA novel explores the worlds of surveillance, code-writing, and internet communications and offers a compelling examination of the question: What will be the legacy of the young people who grow up in an age of high-tech “anti-terrorism”?

Celebrate 20 years of great authors. Together, we read them all. This fall, SFPL will announce the 20th One City One Book selection, continuing a cherished tradition of bringing the community together through shared reading and discussion. To celebrate these powerful stories that have connected us over the years, we will host dedicated book clubs for each title throughout the summer—offering thoughtful conversations and a chance to reflect on two decades of collective reading. Pick up a commemorative bookmark at any SFPL location to track your progress on this literary journey.  Join us in celebrating 20 years of One City One Book, and stay tuned for the exciting reveal of this year’s selection.