President Obama during remarks last week referenced George Orwell's dystopian novel, 1984, while attempting to ease concerns about the U.S. government's reported phone surveillance. And it seems he wasn't the only one reminded of the book this past week, as sales of the title have skyrocketed in the days since the scandal topped headlines.
The novel found its way up to as high as No. 4 on Amazon's list of "Movers and Shakers" and as of Tuesday, sales have climbed by a staggering 5,771%, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Following what seems to be a steady stream of leaks that suggest the Obama administration and its various agencies have tapped into phone records, Facebook and YouTube activity, audio and video files, as well as Web searches, many Americans—regardless of political association—are concerned that Big Brother is watching.
Coincidentally, 1984 celebrated its 64th anniversary on June 8, and yet it seems more relevant than it has in decades.