Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved reading this book! It's a fast fun read, but it also addresses some very important ideas, like questioning authority, thinking for yourself, and defending freedom/civil rights. It is a book that encourages people to think, and also reflects the intelligence of kids/teenagers. It empowers young people, which is great… Something that never changes, no matter how old we get, is that “kids” ARE the future.
Reading the book, the voice/themes reminded me of a couple of my favorite films..
Hackers - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hackers_...
and
Pump Up the Volume - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pump_Up_...
In both these films, kids/teenagers essentially find problems within “the system” and attempt to fight back against authority, in the name of what is right/good, and are oppressed and disregarded because they are young. Adults/people in authority do NOT always “know what’s best.” But many people stand by, afraid to fight for what’s right… just not having the courage to stand up for their beliefs… not having the courage or even an open enough mind sometimes to SEE and acknowledge that there is a problem.
"Little Brother" encourages people (young and old) to continue to THINK, to QUESTION, to find their voice and use it. Not always the easiest things to do, and it’s good to have a reminder… :)
The lyrics of the Green Day song “Warning” also come to mind…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da0JwK...
"This is a public service announcement, this is only a test
Emergency evacuation protest
May Impair your ability to operate machinery
Can't quite tell just what it means to me
Keep out of reach of children, don't you talk to strangers
Get your philosophy from a bumper sticker

Warning. Live without warning
I said warning. Live without warning
Without. Alright.

Better homes and safety-sealed communities
Did you remember to pay the utilities?
Caution: Police line, you better not cross!
Is it the cop, or am I the one that’s really dangerous?
Sanitation, expiration date...
Question Everything!
Or shut up and be a victim of authority…"

Some people may read this and think it juvenile that I’d reference films and song lyrics… I’m ok with that. I may be over 30, married with child and hold a 9-to-5 desk job, but I’ve got a lot of “kid” in me, and I’m damn proud of it ;)

*Talk hard.*


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