Author
Cory Doctorow
Born 1971
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Books by Cory Doctorow
Little Brother
"Little Brother" by Cory Doctorow is a novel published in 2008. When a terrorist attack strikes San Francisco, four teenagers find themselves detained by the Department of Homeland Security. Released but under surveillance, seventeen-year-old hacker Marcus Yallow refuses to accept the government's erosion of civil liberties. He creates Xnet, a secret network to fight back against the surveillance state, transforming from suspect to resistance leader in a battle over freedom and security.
Makers
"Makers" by Cory Doctorow is a novel published in 2009. Set in a near-future where the economy is collapsing, it follows two hardware hackers, Lester and Perry, who repurpose devices and 3D print products to survive. When a corporate CEO discovers their innovative work, their small operation transforms into something much larger. The story explores maker culture, business disruption, and living arrangements reimagined for uncertain times, culminating in an unexpected clash with Disney over an interactive museum.
Eastern Standard Tribe
"Eastern Standard Tribe" by Cory Doctorow is a science fiction novel published in 2004. In a future where people organize into online "tribes" based on shared time zones rather than physical location, Art Berry works as a double-agent consultant in London. After a chance encounter with Linda leads to a revolutionary idea for peer-to-peer music sharing, Art becomes entangled in betrayal and conspiracy. Now trapped in an insane asylum, he must piece together how his girlfriend and colleague orchestrated his downfall.
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom
"Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom" by Cory Doctorow is a science fiction novel published in 2003. Set in a 22nd-century post-scarcity world, the story unfolds at Walt Disney World, where rival groups compete for control of attractions and visitors' esteem through a reputation-based currency called Whuffie. When narrator Julius is murdered and suspects foul play, he battles to preserve traditional park experiences against technological change, risking everything he values—including his relationships and his very identity.
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town
"Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town" by Cory Doctorow is a novel written in the early 21st century. The story revolves around Alan, a character who is engaged in a deeply transformative renovation of his house while reflecting on his past, his unique family dynamics, and his aspirations as a writer. The book explores themes of identity, belonging, and the interactions between the mundane and the fantastic, particularly through Alan's relationships with his neighbors and his mysterious family background. The opening of the novel introduces Alan as he takes possession of a dilapidated house in Toronto, embarking on an ambitious renovation project filled with much detail about his methods and motivations. As he settles into his new home, he begins to form connections with his new neighbors—Nat, Link, and the elusive Krishna—while also grappling with the complexities of his own past and the peculiar nature of his family, which includes his metaphorical "brothers." This section sets the stage for a narrative that blends realism with elements of magical realism, instilling a sense of wonder while grounding the story in relatable human experiences and challenges.
A Place so Foreign
"A Place So Foreign" by Cory Doctorow is a collection of science fiction stories written in the early 21st century. The stories explore themes of time travel, cultural clashes, and the impact of technology on everyday life. The opening tale follows a boy named James, whose father, an ambassador, disappears during a trip to 1975, leading James and his mother back to their home in 1898 Utah, where James must navigate the complexities of growing up and the legacy of his father. The opening of the tale presents an imaginative premise where time travel intersects with the protagonist's coming-of-age journey. It begins with James reflecting on his father's disappearance, interspersed with memories of a world that merges the past and a future filled with peculiar inventions and societal norms. Through the incredible backdrop of two eras – one steeped in tradition and the other brimming with futuristic elements – James grapples with his identity and relationships, particularly after returning to his home community. His interactions with friends and adults reveal deeper themes of loss, nostalgia, and the challenge of reconciling disparate worlds. The narrative sets the stage for a richly layered exploration of culture and personal growth, enticing readers into Doctorow's uniquely crafted universe.
Ebooks: Neither E, Nor Books Paper for the O'Reilly Emerging Technologies Conference, 2004
"Ebooks: Neither E, Nor Books" by Cory Doctorow is an insightful discourse presented as a paper for the O'Reilly Emerging Technologies Conference in the early 21st century. This book serves as a critical analysis of ebooks and their evolving role in the publishing landscape, particularly focusing on the intricate relationship between traditional print books and their digital counterparts. Through a combination of personal experiences and observations from the contemporary digital age, Doctorow illuminates the implications of technology on reading, writing, and the broader literary culture. In this work, Doctorow outlines various perspectives on ebooks, asserting that they are not merely an extension of paper books but possess unique characteristics that can redefine authorship and readership. He explores concepts such as the shared nature of ebooks, their accessibility, and the changing dynamics of reader engagement which differ significantly from traditional books. Additionally, Doctorow addresses the challenges posed by copyright laws in the digital realm and advocates for a more flexible approach to copyright that respects both creators and readers. Ultimately, he envisions a future where ebooks fulfill their potential as standalone literary works that complement, rather than compete with, traditional print formats.
Craphound
"Craphound" by Cory Doctorow is a science fiction short story that forms part of a collection titled "A Place So Foreign and Eight More," published in the early 2000s. The narrative unfolds within a contemporary setting and explores the relationship between humans and aliens, examining themes of ownership, value, and cultural appreciation, especially through the lens of thrift store culture and the quirks of society. The story follows Jerry, a picker who scavenges through yard sales and rummage sales for collectible items, who becomes entangled with Craphound, an alien with an uncanny ability to find beauty in seemingly worthless junk. Their budding friendship intensifies during a bidding war over a remarkable cowboy trunk filled with nostalgic treasures. As Craphound's alien background is revealed, so too is the deeper connection that objects from the past have to personal and collective memory. Ultimately, the narrative culminates in a poignant realization about value, identity, and the resonance of artifacts across cultures, leaving Jerry and readers with a newfound understanding of what truly constitutes treasure.
Printcrime
"Printcrime" by Cory Doctorow is a short story that explores themes of copyright, technology, and the implications of digital rights, written in the early 21st century. The narrative unfolds in a near-future setting where printing technology has advanced to the point of allowing individuals to produce various goods, including pharmaceuticals. The story reflects on the consequences of these developments, particularly focusing on the clash between creative freedom and legal restrictions. The story centers around Lanie, who recalls her childhood experience of witnessing her father's arrest for bootlegging, involving the illegal printing of various items. Years later, upon her father's release from prison, he expresses a desire to resume printing, but insists he wants to create printers instead of illegal goods. This ambition embodies a radical act of defiance against a system that punishes innovation and creativity. The narrative contrasts Lanie's struggles with her father's dreams, ultimately serving as a commentary on the importance of making technology accessible and questioning the existing frameworks that govern its use.
Return to Pleasure Island
"Return to Pleasure Island" by Cory Doctorow is a science fiction short story published in the late 1990s, included in his collection "A Place So Foreign and Eight More" released in the early 2000s. The story delves into the lives of George and his brothers, who are golems operating in an amusement park reminiscent of Pinocchio's notorious Pleasure Island. The narrative explores themes of identity, transformation, and the consequences of indulgence as George navigates the complexities of his existence and familial relationships in a world that blurs the lines between human and beast. In the story, George, a golem, juggles his work at the midway while his brother Joe embarks on a path leading him to a troubling transformation, becoming more donkey-like as he indulges in the pleasures of the park. As the brothers grapple with their identities and the expectations set upon them, Joe mounts the path of an Imagineer, showing how ambition and desire can lead to personal metamorphosis. George yearns for a son of his own, reflecting on the cycle of life and the importance of family, but is faced with the reality of Joe losing his humanity. The tale culminates in a poignant exploration of what it means to care for each other in a world that seems intent on tearing them apart, revealing the bittersweet nature of their existence at Pleasure Island.
Shadow of the Mothaship
"Shadow of the Mothaship" by Cory Doctorow is a science fiction short story included in his collection "A Place So Foreign and Eight More," published in the early 2000s. The narrative unfolds in a futuristic society that wrestles with the aftermath of an alien visitation and the subsequent disappearance of adults from a suburban neighborhood, leaving behind a younger generation grappling with chaos and disillusionment. It explores themes of identity, authority, and rebellion within a darkly imaginative setting. The story follows Maxes Fuentes, a 22-year-old protagonist whose parents have been taken aboard a mysterious mothership along with other "Processors," a group dedicated to ushering humanity into a form of enlightenment. The tale juxtaposes Maxes' rebellious, often reckless antics against the bleakness of a world where adults have abandoned their responsibilities. With his parents gone, Maxes engages in outlandish escapades, such as attempting to fly his family's home like a kite. Through interactions with various eccentric characters, including a dubious vendor named Stude and fellow neighborhood residents, Maxes attempts to redefine his existence in a world turned upside down. Ultimately, the story’s climax culminates in a defiant act against the very structures that once defined his existence, raising questions about autonomy and the consequences of societal expectations.
Home Again, Home Again
"Home Again, Home Again" by Cory Doctorow is a science fiction short story originally published in 1999 and later included in the collection "A Place So Foreign and Eight More," released in the early 2000s. The narrative explores themes of identity and alienation through the lens of a futuristic society where humans, often seen as unfit, are placed in mental institutions by extraterrestrial beings. The protagonist, Chet, navigates this complex world, grappling with feelings of betrayal and a deep sense of longing for connection and belonging. The story follows Chet, a young boy living in a dilapidated high-rise known colloquially as the "bat-house," where he and his neighbors face psychological turmoil due to their perceived 'batty' behavior. Chet's experience is marked by his interactions with The Amazing Robotron, a robotic counselor, and a mysterious man convinced he is Nikola Tesla. As Chet attempts to understand himself and those around him, the constraints of his environment lead him to explore troubling thoughts about family, friendship, and his own sanity. Ultimately, the narrative crescendos to a dramatic, poignant climax, showcasing Chet’s emotional journey and the severe consequences of being discarded by society, thus raising critical questions about the nature of humanity and the cost of being "normal."
Super Man and the Bug Out
"Super Man and the Bug Out" by Cory Doctorow is a science fiction short story originally published in 2001, later featured in the collection "A Place So Foreign and Eight More," released in the early 2000s. The story explores themes of identity and responsibility through the lens of a superhero navigating a society transformed by the interstellar Bugout Federation, which promises peace and stability. In this unique narrative, Doctorow intertwines humor and cultural commentary, creating a rich tapestry reflecting contemporary social issues. The plot centers on Hershie Abromowicz, a superhero known as the Super Man, who grapples with his purpose in a world where his skills as a protector seem increasingly redundant. After the arrival of the Bugouts, who promise to end war and crime, Hershie finds himself facing a personal and societal crisis, questioning the nature of his identity and role. Through interactions with his mother, activist friends, and a new, challenging political landscape, he navigates the complexities of a world that no longer needs a traditional superhero. The climax unfolds at the DefenseFest 33 event, where Hershie confronts his beliefs and takes a stand against the military-industrial complex, ultimately embracing his identity while affirming the importance of self-determination in a transformed world.