Cory Doctorow's novel on MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role playing game) culture - more specifically gold famers and power levelers - is an excellent read! Combining thrilling adventures both online and offline in places like Mumbai's Shadow City, Dharavi, and Shenzhen in Southern China, Mr Doctorow mashes macroeconomic and labor right concepts with the excitement of playing video games to make a living. Though targeted at young adults, I learned more than a thing or two as themes such as the new and fast evolving concept of virtual economy, the power of numbers and true global gatherings through online games are concerned.
Given my love for online games and international relations I really got into this book. In fact I often had a hard time putting it down since so many of the pages were filled with moments of real suspense!
I recommend picking it up and reading it, then pass it around and join the Webblies in their movement for just and fair... gaming!
EDIT: If you've got an hour, here is a good presentation from Cory at a bookstore in NYC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeQIMrYbJ6M
