LITTLE BROTHER presents a pretty scary picture of the way things could be if terrorist threats continue and politicians keep funding the Department of Homeland Security with no thought to how this might victimize the average innocent American. There is already an incredible amount of technology devoted to "spying" on the citizens of our country, and we normally don't give it a second thought. This book will make you think and not just a little bit.
Marcus is a seventeen year old tech wizard. Granted, he often uses his skills for less than ethical reasons, but he doesn't hurt anyone. When a terrorist attack destroys the Bay Bridge near his home in San Francisco, he and several friends are captured by police (DHS) as they are attempting to help a fallen companion. They become the victims of frightening interrogation and torture.
When Marcus final gains his freedom, he vows to take back America from the out-of-control Department of Homeland Security. Using his vast techie skills he creates an alternate internet called Xnet which utilizes the old XBox game system. Marcus becomes known as M1k3y and develops a huge group of supporters who attempt to undermine the government agencies determined to destroy the true meaning and protection of the United States Constitution.
Cory Doctorow has created a modern-day 1984. Set in the not-too-distant future, this book attempts to show what could happen if we sit back and allow the government to whittle away at our rights to "protect" us from terrorism. It gives a whole new meaning to the idea of terrorism and fear within our own government.
LITTLE BROTHER is full of adventure and intrigue. A lot of the suspense comes from all the technical tricks Marcus brings to the story. Some of the detail might prove too much for a struggling reader, but any tech/geek teens will not be able to read it fast enough.
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