San Francisco production of Cory Doctorow's Little Brother

Absolutely fabulous. That's my non-specific review of Custom Made Theatre's production of Cory Doctorow's YA novel, Little Brother. It's amazing what three talented actors can do with a timely, dramatic, thoughtful piece of literature in a very small auditorium. I had my doubts at first at the meager surroundings and the cast of three. About fifteen minutes in, I was enmeshed into Cory Doctorow's image of life in the United States when "big brother", in the case of this play, Homeland Security, takes control and detains three youths merely for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

So many things that Doctorow predicted in his work have already come to pass with the Occupy movement and the increased security and decreased privacy that has been foisted upon us without our permission for our "protection". The subject matter was almost uncomfortable in its relevance. Near the beginning of the play, the Bay Bridge has is bombed, along with BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). Immediately cameras sprout up everywhere and everyone is closely watched by the HSA. Kids are held for days without formal charges. Marcus finds himself in a position to make a difference, and with Ange's help, they do. Their battle cry is "Don't trust anyone over 25!" Together, they form a resistance movement using their computer skills to create a safe, non-monitored method of communication.

The theatre is located in a church on Gough St. Instead of the auditorium's small stage, the actors used a space that was maybe 25' x 20' in front of the stage and did their quick changes right there in the corners, playing several parts each.

My hat goes off to director Josh Costello (who also wrote the adaptation) for the seamless way the actors could pull off so much action and so many rolls in such a tight, close space. And kudos to the talented cast who pulled it off: Daniel Petzold as Marcus, Marissa Keltie as Ange and Cory Censoprano as Darryl. The acting at times would just punch you in the gut (in a good way). They made me laugh, smile, hold my breath and almost cry.

Little Brother is still playing a the Gough St. Playhouse until Feb 25th. Get your tickets here.

iBoy and the slippery slope

iBoy
Kevin Brooks
Scholastic, Nov. 2011

Reviewed by Ann Wilkes


Let me preface this review by saying that I can count how many Young Adult (YA) books I've read on one hand. I don't think I even read many when I was young. Anyhow, now with Scholastic throwing books at me, I thought I'd check some out.

The premise for iBoy, or rather the scientific foundation behind the premise, is holier than Swiss cheese. But if you agree to just play along, the story will reward your efforts. Just think superhero comic and go with it and you'll enjoy the ride. You see, our "hero" Tom Harvey is hit by an iPhone from the 30th floor of a building. That's a neat trick in itself, since the assailant was actually aiming at him. I can totally get that bits of the phone could lodge in his brain. But what they do from there is the stuff of comic books.

The bits of the iPhone intertwine with his brain in such a way that he can do anything an iPhone can do - search the net, make and receive calls, take pictures and video, use apps and more. iBoy can also listen in on any cell phone conversation, send calls anonymously and shock people at will - as in give them an electrical shock. Data streams along his skin as it glows and shimmers. Normal, boring Tom Harvey becomes iBoy.

As soon as Tom wakes up from the coma caused by the impact, he learns that the girl he was going to meet on that fateful day was undergoing an attack herself. His new-found powers give him the means to act on his desire for revenge and his frustration at the lack of justice. But each time he uses his powers to punish Lucy's attackers, he changes, becomes somehow less human.

He chooses to tell no one of his powers. He's afraid the doctors will keep him for more poking and prodding and he doesn't want to worry his grandmother who is raising him. His very real struggle with his morals and the weight of carrying so many secrets is what makes this novel so compelling.

The book is probably 60 percent inner dialog, so you really get to experience his anguish and turmoil firsthand.

I was very close to hitting him then. I really wanted to smack him in the head and wipe that stupid look from his face. Not because he was grinning, not even because he'd momentarily lulle me into almost feeling sorry for him . . . but simply because of his complete lack of remorse for what had been done to Lucy. I mean, how could he even think about apologizing to me without feeling sorry for Lucy?

It was totally unbelievable.

And I knew then that it was a waste of time trying to reason with him, or trying to appeal to his better side, because he didn't have a better side anymore. I just had to treat him as nothing. I had to ingnore my disgust, bury my anger, and just use him to get what I wanted.

I looked at him, letting him see the coldness in my eyes.

I also appreciated the author's use of the short blurbs from literature or reference materials at the beginning of each chapter. In addition, he included little insets of listings that iBoy has brought up in his Internet searches here and there.

What surprised me about this novel was the adult (and by adult I mean profanity, not mature) language and the adult content. It also includes a gang rape (though, thankfully does not depict it) and torture. Scholastic says it's for readers in grades 9-12.

The best thing about this novel is Brooks' portrayal of the effects of trauma and the slippery slope of compromising our morals. Tom lives in a project in a city in England. Things might differ and be called by different names, but teenagers have the same struggles the world over. They need to be loved, accepted and want to become independent.

Recommendations for young readers new to SF

I've been asked this question several times now: Can you recommend some good books for a young reader to introduce them to science fiction?

Because I spent time on my answer and included so many lovely links, I thought I would share it here.

Here are my recommendations for readers aged 12 and up. Paralandra, Out of the Silent Planet and That Hideous Strength is a space trilogy by C.S. Lewis. Thrice Upon a Time by James P. Hogan, Enders Game by Orson Scott Card (this one has been used in schools as required reading and is the first book in a trilogy), The Practice Effect by David Brin, and www.Wake and www.WATCH by Robert J. Sawyer. Rob's Flashforward was the basis of the series by that name.

I guess The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien goes without saying. ;)

Those are all really excellent authors who have tons more books to choose from.

I have some short fiction available online that would be suitable. "Grey Drive" is a flash (under 1000 words) piece at Every Day Fiction. "The Visitor" is still archived at Chaos Theory: Tales Askew. That might have mild language. You should read it first.

You can sample the magazine Beyond Centauri, a magazine that focuses on the 9-13 age group. "For Chance to Dream" is in issue #25. It's an urban fantasy about a disabled girl.

The Promise of Wolves by Dorothy Hearst and Tiger Heart by Peter David are good fantasies fit for young and old alike.

Science fiction is a natural progression from fairy tales. Expose them early! :)

Feel free to add more recommendations in the comments. I love lists!

vote it up!