Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Little Brother
Little BrotherDescription from Goodreads.com
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. Smart, fast, and wise to the ways of 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 story of Marcus is awesome. I love the action and the drama and the real-world reactions he has for the events he's put through. I don't think I have ever read a book where the lead male character cried (more than once) But his circumstances are very serious and that is a human reaction.
What I had trouble getting through were the how-to break downs of how a computer/technology works. On the parts where he goes into details about how to find hidden cameras, how to write computer code or encrypted messages...I had some dozing off times and honestly felt like I was reading a computer manual. I also listened to the audiobook which I thought would be easier, but no those parts still sounded like I was back in the classroom being lectured.
But...these aspects will appeal to some of you, and the parts of the story that are not detail-filled really does keep you reading, you will want to know the outcome and the crazy events that happen.
     Paranoia expecially when it comes to terrorism and safety are real issues and this book does an awesome job of describing a very frightful situation and a glimpse into the fear factor.
Little Brother

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