Return to Pleasure Island

"Return to Pleasure Island" by Cory Doctorow is a science fiction story that follows George, a golem working with his brothers in a strange amusement park, much like Pleasure Island from Pinocchio. The story centers on themes of who we are, how we change, and what happens when people give in too much to what they want. George tries to understand his own life and his relationships with his brothers, as they live in a world where it's hard to tell who is human and who is a monster. One of George's brothers, Joe, starts to change into something more like a donkey because he enjoys the park's attractions too much. While the brothers struggle with who they are supposed to be, Joe starts to get noticed by the park's leaders, showing how wanting more can change a person. George also wishes for a son, thinking about family and the future, but he's worried about Joe losing himself. The story ends with a touching look at how important it is to care for each other, even when things are falling apart, and shows how life at Pleasure Island can be both happy and sad.