there's another story in the same collection, "unauthorized bread", that is probably the most prescient-feeling science fiction dystopia I've ever read. helps t

there's another story in the same collection, "unauthorized bread", that is probably the most prescient-feeling science fiction dystopia I've ever read. helps that it's a near-future story dealing with topics that are squarely in doctorow's wheelhouse, but it really seems like a strong "this is where we are headed unless we do something to avert it" kind of tale.