How this 1990 science fiction novel about a utopian society inspired Cory Doctorow

Cory Doctorow is one of Canada's most celebrated sci-fi novelists. His latest book, Radicalized, is a timely collection of four novellas that looks at immigration, the dangers of proprietary technology and why classic superhero archetypes like Superman or Batman aren't a great fit for today's world. 

Akil Augustine will defend Radicalized on Canada Reads 2020.

Doctorow is a fan of Pacific Edge by Kim Stanley Robinson and loves to re-read it from time to time.

He stopped by The Next Chapter to tell us why.

"There's one book I go back to over and over again: Kim Stanley Robinson's Pacific Edge. It's a utopian novel set after a successful climate transition.

"It's a novel that is foundationally about a planning and zoning fight, but it manages to bring into focus so many different things about how our society will change in order to adjust to climate change — and what will still be left when that happens.

It makes me feel both optimistic and energized every time I read it.

"It makes me feel both optimistic and energized every time I read it. It makes me feel like the future is one where, if not our children, maybe their children will not be afraid."

Cory Doctorow's comments have been edited for length and clarity.