Independent Arts News Reporting Cory Doctorow to Launch New Book "PICKS & SHOVELS" at Doylestown Books
Reported on Friday, February 21, 2025.
Pictured Above: Author Cory Doctorow. Photo Credit: Sourced at Craphount.com.
NEWSROOM POST: DOYLESTOWN PENNSYLVANIA
New York Times bestselling author Cory Doctorow celebrates the release of his highly anticipated novel, PICKS & SHOVELS at Doylestown Books on March 1
Doylestown, PA – Renowned activist, journalist, and New York Times bestselling author Cory Doctorow is set to celebrate the release of his highly anticipated novel, PICKS & SHOVELS (Tor Books; February 18, 2025), with an in-person event at Doylestown Books on Saturday, March 1, at 12 PM ET. Fans and readers will have the opportunity to hear Doctorow discuss his latest work, which delves into the fascinating world of Silicon Valley’s origins, the transformative power of technology, and the cultural shifts of the 1980s.
Doctorow, known for his sharp critique of Big Tech and deep understanding of digital culture, continues his exploration of power, economy, and technology in PICKS & SHOVELS. Set against the backdrop of Reagan-era San Francisco, the novel follows protagonist Martin Hench as he navigates the tumultuous early days of personal computing, radical AIDS activism, and the first wave of the tech boom. The book is both a gripping thriller and a historical reflection on how technological revolutions shape societies.
Themes in PICKS & SHOVELS:
-Enshittification: Doctorow explores how platforms and industries deteriorate over time, a concept he coined that was named the 2023 Word of the Year by the American Dialect Society.
-The Women Who Made the Internet: The novel pays tribute to the unsung pioneers of early tech, inspired by Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet by Claire L. Evans.
-Silicon Valley’s Impact on San Francisco: A deep dive into how the rise of the tech industry reshaped the city’s economy and culture, amid challenges such as the AIDS crisis and gentrification.
-The Business of Tech: The title Picks & Shovels refers to the strategy of investing in essential tech infrastructure rather than industry trends—a concept increasingly relevant as AI and automation advance.
-1980s Counterculture and Activism: A richly detailed look at the music, politics, and underground movements that defined the era.
-Power of Community and Found Family: The novel underscores the importance of human connection in a corporate-dominated world.
Cory Doctorow is a prolific writer whose works span science fiction, journalism, and activism. His previous books, including Red Team Blues, Chokepoint Capitalism, and The Lost Cause, have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in digital rights and the creative economy. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Neil Postman Award for Career Achievement in Public Intellectual Activity (2024) and induction into the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.
Event Details:
Doylestown Books
Saturday, March 1, 2025
12 PM ET
16 S Main Street, Doylestown, PA
Event Registration Link
This event promises to be a must-attend for book lovers, tech enthusiasts, and fans of Doctorow’s insightful commentary on the digital age. Copies of PICKS & SHOVELS will be available for purchase, and attendees will have a chance to hear firsthand about the ideas that shaped the novel.
For more information about Cory Doctorow and his work, visit craphound.com.
About Cory Doctorow:
Cory Doctorow is an award-winning author, journalist, and advocate for digital rights. His extensive bibliography includes The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation, The Bezzle, and Little Brother. His work often examines the intersection of technology, economics, and power, making complex topics accessible and thought-provoking for readers.
About Doylestown Books:
Doylestown Books is a beloved independent bookstore in Pennsylvania, known for its diverse selection of books, author events, and community engagement.
Join the Doylestown Bookshop on March 1st for an enlightening discussion with one of the most influential voices in contemporary literature and technology!
