Books matching: government monitoring
8 result(s)
- #1
"Permanent Record" by Edward Snowden is an autobiography that delves into his life, career, and the events that led him to expose the NSA's surveillance programs. Snowden shares insights into his early life, his motivations for whistleblowing, and the challenges he faced in revealing classified information to the world. The book combines personal anecdotes with technical details about surveillance systems, providing readers with a deep understanding of Snowden's journey from a CIA employee to a wanted whistleblower living in exile.
Many of the first 2,000 or so nights of my life ended in civil disobedience: crying, begging, bargaining, until—on night 2,193, the night I turned six years old—I discovered direct action. The authori... - #2
"Rainbows End" by Vernor Vinge is a near-future science fiction novel that explores a world where technology has advanced to the point of wearable computers, augmented reality, and a fully interconnected society. The plot follows the protagonist Robert Gu, an elderly man who undergoes a rejuvenation treatment and must navigate a world where information flow and virtual interfaces are paramount. The book delves into themes of future education, digital divide, and the consequences of technological advancements, all set in a vividly imagined near future world.
The writing style of "Rainbows End" is characterized by a focus on technology and its implications on society, with intricate details about future technologies such as augmented reality, wearable computers, and the impact of regenerative medicine. The plot is driven by the interactions of complex characters within a world where information and connectivity play a central role, creating a compelling narrative that explores the possibilities and challenges of a technologically advanced future.
The rabbit hopped onto the unoccupied wicker chair and thence to the middle of the table, between the teacups and the condiments. It tipped its top hat first at Alfred Vaz and then at Günberk Braun an... - #3
'Spoonbenders' by Daryl Gregory is a darkly humorous family saga that follows the Telemachus family, who possess psychic abilities, through different timelines and generations. The story delves into the complexities of family dynamics, government monitoring, mob involvement, and the challenges the family faces due to their supernatural gifts. The plot intertwines humor, pathos, realism, and fantastical elements, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged with its twists and turns.
The writing style of 'Spoonbenders' has been described as intricate, entertaining, and fast-paced. The book skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, diverse characters, and flashbacks, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected narratives. The author, Daryl Gregory, combines elements of fantasy, comedy, and drama to craft a story that explores themes of dysfunctional families, psychic abilities, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.
Matty Telemachus left his body for the first time in the summer of 1995, when he was fourteen years old. Or maybe it’s more accurate to say that his body expelled him, sending his consciousness flying... - #4
In a dystopian future America, Harper Adams, a telepath working for the oppressive government, faces a moral dilemma when her daughter's name, Veracity, is added to the list of banned words. The citizens are monitored through implanted devices that punish them for uttering prohibited words, leading to a chilling narrative about surveillance, rebellion, and the value of freedom. As Harper joins the resistance movement guided by a pre-doomsday tome, she navigates a world where language is strictly controlled, and speaking a Red Listed word could mean death.
Laura Bynum's "Veracity" offers a thought-provoking exploration of a totalitarian society where individual freedoms are sacrificed for security. The novel weaves a narrative of oppression, resistance, and the power of words in a future where psychic abilities, government surveillance, and underground rebellions shape the lives of the characters. Through Harper's journey from compliance to rebellion, the story delves into themes of control, freedom of expression, and the consequences of giving up rights in the face of fear.
"You think too much of yourself!" the shop keep snarls. He runs the card through the reader, a trenched piece of oblong plastic sitting atop the register like a malformed head. "Too good for the local... - #5
Authority, the second book in the Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer, shifts focus from the explorers of Area X to the bureaucrats and scientists of the Southern Reach agency, responsible for studying and protecting the mysterious Area X. The storyline revolves around John Rodriguez, known as Control, who becomes the acting director of Southern Reach. The book delves into the complexities of the agency, the politics, the intrigue, and the mysteries surrounding Area X, providing a different perspective than the first book, Annihilation. The writing style is described as methodical, heavy on bureaucratic infighting, and at times chaotic and paranoid, creating a creepy and unsettling atmosphere.
Control stood beside the assistant director of the Southern Reach, behind smudged one-way glass, staring at the three individuals sitting in the interrogation room. Returnees from the twelfth expediti...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Southern Reach ) - #6
'Empress Theresa' follows the story of Theresa, a young girl who acquires troublesome superpowers and aspires to an ordinary life. As she grows older, she becomes a powerful figure known as Empress Theresa, taking on big problems in the world like peace in the Middle East and disarming North Korea. The plot involves major modifications to the planet, including moving countries and changing the tilt of the Earth on its axis, leading to environmental consequences that challenge Theresa's abilities and decisions.
The writing style of the book is described as a mix of future retelling and current character thoughts, with some readers finding it suspenseful and engaging, particularly in the first third of the story. The narrative explores Theresa's journey from a young girl with powers to a powerful figure making significant impacts on the world, while also delving into themes of power, consequences, and personal growth.
I’m Theresa, the younger daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Sullivan, and I hope it’s not bragging to say I was cute as heck at age ten. Everybody in the family said so. I was the princess in the Sulli... - #7
And Still the Earth by Ignacio de Loyola Brandao, as described by readers, is a dystopian novel set in a future Brazil where environmental degradation, oligarchic capitalism, and totalitarian control have led to a society on the brink of collapse. The story follows the protagonist Souza, a history professor, as he navigates a world where resources are scarce, freedom is restricted, and the government enforces consumption quotas on its citizens. The narrative paints a grim picture of a nation where the Amazon has been deforested, global warming has ravaged the climate, and the population faces mutations, diseases, and deformities due to pollution and overpopulation.
The writing style of the book is praised for its foresight and relevance to contemporary issues such as climate change, government control, and social inequality. Readers note the vivid world-building, the chilling depiction of a society in decline, and the thought-provoking exploration of themes like environmental destruction, social engineering, and the consequences of unchecked capitalism.
I, THE KING, make known to one and all, through this my Royal Decree which carries the weight of Law: That it has been disclosed to me by the Proprietors of Factories of Tanned Hides in the Captaincie... - #8
Set in a near future totalitarian state, "Kallocain" follows the story of Leo Kall, a scientist who invents a truth serum drug named Kallocain that compels people to tell nothing but the truth. Initially naïve and loyal to the regime, Leo soon realizes the potential impact of the drug on his relationship with his wife, leading to a series of events that challenge his beliefs and loyalties. The book delves into themes of thought control, individuality, and the consequences of living in a society where every word spoken is scrutinized. Through eloquent writing and a gripping plot, the author, Karin Boye, paints a bleak yet thought-provoking picture of a dystopian world.
The book I now sit down to write will inevitably appear pointless to many – if indeed I dare suppose that ‘many’ will ever have a chance to read it – since quite on my own initiative, without anyone’s...