Cory Doctorow

Cory Doctorow is a Canadian-British author, journalist, and technology activist known for his science fiction works and his advocacy for digital rights and open-source software.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Picks And Shovels

    In 1986 San Francisco, MIT dropout Martin Hench drifts into the nascent personal-computer scene and becomes an early practitioner of forensic accounting. Hired to investigate a Silicon Valley firm, he instead joins a scrappy women-led startup and is pulled into a dangerous, high-stakes rivalry where new technology reshapes business — and crime. The book follows Marty as he navigates ambition, loyalty, and the brutal culture of early PC-era startups without revealing the outcome.

    The 12547th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Little Brother

    This novel is a gripping tale set in the near future, focusing on a tech-savvy teenager in San Francisco who becomes embroiled in the aftermath of a terrorist attack. As the Department of Homeland Security begins to infringe on personal freedoms in the name of security, the protagonist and his friends use their knowledge of technology and hacking to fight back against the oppressive surveillance state. The story is a powerful exploration of privacy, freedom, and resistance, urging readers to question the balance between security and civil liberties in the digital age.

    The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Radicalized

    Four Tales of Our Present Moment

    The book is a collection of four thought-provoking novellas that explore themes of technology, society, and justice. Each story delves into different aspects of modern life, from the impact of digital surveillance and corporate control to the struggles against systemic inequality and the quest for personal freedom. Through speculative fiction, the narratives highlight the potential consequences of current societal trends, urging readers to consider the ethical and moral implications of technological advancements and the power dynamics they create. The stories are interconnected by their focus on resistance and the human spirit's resilience in the face of oppressive systems.

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  4. 4. Clockwork Fagin

    In this inventive tale, a group of disabled orphans residing in a grim Victorian workhouse take control of their fate after the tyrannical headmaster mysteriously disappears. Led by the clever and resourceful Monty, the children create an elaborate ruse to maintain the illusion of the headmaster's presence, using a mechanical puppet to deceive outsiders. As they enjoy newfound freedom and camaraderie, the orphans transform their harsh environment into a place of creativity and empowerment, highlighting themes of resilience, ingenuity, and the power of collective action.

  5. 5. Walkaway

    In a near-future dystopian world plagued by economic inequality and environmental collapse, a group of disillusioned individuals, known as "walkaways," abandon conventional society to create a new, utopian community. As they experiment with advanced technology and radical social structures, they face challenges from both the remnants of the old world and internal conflicts. The story explores themes of freedom, identity, and the potential for humanity to reinvent itself in the face of existential threats, ultimately questioning what it means to truly live a meaningful life.

  6. 6. Down And Out In The Magic Kingdom

    In a future where death has been conquered and society thrives on a reputation-based economy called "Whuffie," the protagonist, Julius, navigates the complexities of a post-scarcity world. Set in a Disney World-like theme park, the story explores themes of immortality, identity, and the value of human experiences. As Julius grapples with personal and societal challenges, he confronts the implications of a world where technology can resurrect the dead and reputation dictates one's social standing, ultimately questioning the essence of what it means to truly live.

  7. 7. Overclocked

    Stories of the Future Present

    A collection of six thought-provoking short stories, this book delves into the intricate relationship between humanity and technology, exploring themes of digital rights, privacy, and the ethical implications of technological advancements. Each story presents a unique narrative that challenges the reader to consider the societal impact of a world increasingly dominated by digital innovation. From a future where digital immortality is possible to a world grappling with the consequences of ubiquitous surveillance, the tales weave together a tapestry of speculative fiction that is both cautionary and insightful.

  8. 8. Eastern Standard Tribe

    Set in a near-future world where people align themselves with tribes based on time zones rather than geography, the story follows Art, a UX designer who is secretly working to sabotage his employer for the benefit of his own tribe. As Art navigates the complexities of loyalty, love, and betrayal, he finds himself questioning the very foundations of his identity and the societal structures that dictate his life. With a blend of humor and insight, the narrative explores themes of technology, trust, and the human need for connection in an increasingly digital world.

  9. 9. The Internet Con

    How to Seize the Means of Computation

    In this insightful exploration of the digital landscape, the author delves into the intricate web of monopolistic practices and the erosion of user rights in the tech industry. Through a compelling narrative, the book unveils how a handful of powerful corporations have manipulated the internet's foundational principles, prioritizing profit over privacy and innovation. It calls for a radical rethinking of digital policies and advocates for a more equitable and open internet, urging readers to reclaim their digital autonomy and challenge the status quo.

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  10. 10. The Rapture Of The Nerds

    A tale of the singularity, posthumanity, and awkward social situations

    In a future where humanity has largely uploaded its consciousness into a digital realm, the story follows Huw, a technophobic Welshman, who is reluctantly drawn into a series of bizarre and comedic events. As the physical world becomes increasingly obsolete, Huw finds himself on a jury tasked with evaluating new technological innovations that could potentially alter the course of human evolution. Through a series of misadventures, Huw grapples with the absurdities of a post-singularity society, exploring themes of identity, technology, and the essence of humanity in a world where the lines between the digital and physical have blurred.

  11. 11. Unauthorized Bread

    In a near-future dystopian society, a refugee named Salima navigates a world where technology controls every aspect of life, including the appliances in her subsidized housing. When her toaster and other devices become "unauthorized" due to corporate software updates, Salima embarks on a journey of digital rebellion. She learns to hack her appliances, defying the monopolistic corporations that seek to control her existence. Through her acts of defiance, Salima not only gains independence but also inspires a community of marginalized individuals to reclaim their autonomy in a world dominated by restrictive technology.

  12. 12. Pirate Cinema

    In a near-future Britain where draconian copyright laws threaten creativity, a young hacker named Trent McCauley finds himself at odds with the law after his digital tinkering leads to his family's internet being cut off. Forced to leave home, he joins a vibrant community of like-minded rebels in London who use their skills to challenge the oppressive system. As they create underground films and fight for digital freedom, Trent learns the power of collaboration and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs in a world where creativity is under siege.

  13. 13. Homeland

    In a gripping tale of digital rebellion and political intrigue, a young hacker finds himself at the center of a high-stakes battle against government surveillance and corporate corruption. As he navigates a world where privacy is a luxury and information is power, he must make difficult choices that test his loyalty, courage, and the very essence of freedom. With the help of a diverse group of allies, he embarks on a daring mission to expose the truth, challenging the status quo and igniting a movement that could change the world.

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  14. 14. Information Doesn't Want To Be Free

    Laws for the Internet Age

    In this insightful exploration of the digital age, the author delves into the complex interplay between technology, creativity, and the law, emphasizing the importance of balancing the interests of creators, consumers, and corporations. Through a series of thought-provoking essays, the book challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding copyright, intellectual property, and digital rights management, advocating for a more equitable and open approach to information sharing. By weaving together personal anecdotes, historical context, and expert analysis, the narrative offers a compelling argument for rethinking how we value and protect creative works in an increasingly interconnected world.

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  15. 15. Red Team Blues

    A Martin Hench Novel

    In a thrilling blend of technology and suspense, the narrative follows a seasoned digital security expert who finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. As he navigates the treacherous waters of corporate espionage and cyber warfare, he must outsmart a formidable adversary who is always one step ahead. With the clock ticking and the stakes higher than ever, he delves into a world where trust is scarce, and every move could be his last. This gripping tale explores the intricate dance between innovation and morality, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.

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  16. 16. The Bezzle

    In this thought-provoking exploration of modern capitalism, the narrative delves into the intricate world of financial deception and the systemic flaws that allow it to thrive. The story unravels the complex interplay between technology, corporate greed, and regulatory loopholes, painting a vivid picture of how these elements contribute to a cycle of economic instability and inequality. Through a blend of sharp wit and insightful analysis, the book challenges readers to reconsider the ethical implications of unchecked financial practices and the societal impact of living in a world where the line between innovation and exploitation is increasingly blurred.

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  17. 17. Attack Surface

    In a world where surveillance technology is omnipresent, a former cybersecurity expert grapples with the moral implications of her past work for oppressive regimes. As she navigates a landscape filled with digital espionage and corporate greed, she is forced to confront her own complicity in the systems she once helped build. Torn between loyalty to her friends and the desire to make amends, she embarks on a journey of redemption, seeking to dismantle the very structures she once fortified, all while evading those who wish to silence her.

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  18. 18. Makers

    In a near-future America transformed by disruptive tech and economic upheaval, two garage inventors ignite a movement of DIY manufacturing and micro-enterprises that a tech journalist chronicles as it evolves into a living, ever-changing theme-park museum. Their grassroots innovation clashes with corporate interests, intellectual property battles, and relentless boom-and-bust cycles, straining friendships and communities while questioning who owns ideas and what the future of work looks like.

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  19. 19. For The Win

    In a near-future where online games power a shadow economy, a diverse group of teen gamers and virtual laborers fight back against exploitative gold-farming operations by organizing a global union that spans servers and countries. As corporations, criminal syndicates, and authorities retaliate, they confront perilous real-world consequences, grapple with the economics of virtual currencies, and learn how solidarity can transform both digital worlds and their own futures.

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  20. 20. The Lost Cause

    A near-future coming-of-age tale set in Southern California, where a teenager helps transform a car-centric suburb into resilient, green communities amid accelerating climate disasters. As managed retreat, mass transit, and public housing projects take shape, neighbors—many of them climate migrants—build mutual aid networks while confronting disinformation and violent revanchist militias bent on sabotaging the transition. Through grief, first love, and street-level organizing, the story shows how solidarity, practical skills, and stubborn hope can outlast the old world’s cruelties.

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  21. 21. In Real Life

    A teenage gamer who spends most of her free time in a massively multiplayer online game discovers the real-world labor and exploitation behind the virtual economy; as she learns about low-paid “gold farmers” and the corporate structures that benefit from them, she becomes involved in organizing players and workers to challenge unfair practices, forcing her to confront questions of identity, power, friendship and the boundary between online and offline life.

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  22. 22. Enshittification

    A critical diagnosis of how digital platforms rot from user-serving beginnings into monopoly-driven, extractive systems: companies initially prioritize growth and convenience, then shift to rent-seeking behaviors that degrade user experience, squeeze creators and suppliers, lock in customers with walled gardens and opaque algorithms, and monetize attention through surveillance and targeted advertising. The book traces the predictable stages and mechanisms of this decline and argues for concrete remedies—antitrust enforcement, interoperability and open protocols, data portability, alternative business models, and stronger consumer protections—to reclaim healthier online ecosystems.

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  23. 24. Someone Comes To Town, Someone Leaves Town

    A young man raised on the fringes of ordinary life returns to a small town and finds himself caught between the everyday and the supernatural: as he navigates a tender, complicated romance and the responsibilities of family and friendship, ghosts and giants intrude on domestic routines and collide with bureaucratic and commercial pressures, forcing a quirky, fiercely loyal community to reckon with belonging, loss, and the strange work of keeping a life intact.

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  24. 25. When Sysadmins Ruled The Earth

    After a sudden, civilization‑collapsing event leaves most people dead, a handful of system administrators find themselves among the few with the skills to keep networks, power, and critical data running; they scavenge and repair hardware, rig solar power, and use their command-line expertise to reconnect scattered survivors, while facing wrenching ethical choices about who to help, how to allocate scarce resources, and what it means to rebuild society when technical stewardship becomes the closest thing to leadership.