Books like Distraction by Bruce Sterling

Set in November 2044, the United States is a farce: a bankrupt government, privately owned cities, and an army that mars the streets. In the chaotic heart of Washington, political spin‑doctor Oscar Valparaiso, known for making crises look good, secretly seeks to effect real change. Oscar is lured into a dangerous partnership with Dr. Greta Penninger, a pioneering neurologist working at the frontier of the neural revolution. Together, they aim to spread a transformative concept that has the potential to turn the nation’s political corruption into a catalyst for renewal. Their plan draws the ire of technophiles, government enforcers, and a shadowy laptop assassin bent on maintaining the status quo. Whether Oscar and Greta survive the onslaught remains uncertain, but their attempt promises to give America a new spin on its future.

First publish date: 1998