Ray Bradbury’s internationally acclaimed novel Fahrenheit 451 is a masterwork of twentieth-century literature set in a bleak, dystopian future. Ray Bradbury’s internationally acclaimed novel Fahrenheit 451 is a masterwork of twentieth-century literature set in a bleak, dystopian future. Guy Montag is a fireman. In his world, where television rules and literature is on the brink of extinction, … literature is on the brink of extinction, firemen start fires rather than put them out. His job is to destroy the most illegal of commodities, the printed book, along with the houses in which they are hidden.
Montag never questions the destruction and ruin his actions produce, returning each day to his bland life and wife, Mildred, who spends all day with her television “family.” But then he meets an eccentric young neighbor, Clarisse, who introduces him to a past where people didn’t live in fear and to a present where one sees the world through the ideas in books instead of the mindless chatter of television.
When Mildred attempts suicide and Clarisse suddenly disappears, Montag begins to question everything he has ever known. He starts hiding books in his home, and when his pilfering is discovered, the fireman has to run for his life.more
In a terrifying view of a future where information is controlled, one man defies his government and society to seek something more.
Another great Ray Bradbury story. This led me to read several of his books over the years, see a movie or two and reread many. A author of the caliber of Asimov and Heinlein.
When this book was written, I don’t think there were many people demanding that books should be burnt, though it wasn’t too long after they were burning books in Nazi Germany, I’m pretty sure.
When I first read “Fahrenheit 451”, the idea that anyone in the USA would call for burning or even banning books was unthinkable, now I’m not so sure about that. There is so many people who would have no problem with burning the books they find offensive, that I’m surprised there aren’t any people pushing for banning books now. At least none that I know of.
It might be a good time to read or reread this book in a discussion group. The message is very relevant today, more so than when I read it.
As a bibliophile, this book was a vision of hell for me. A world full of censorship, a world without books, a world without people who read–it makes me shudder.
Another classic, but read it anyway!
This is a cautionary tale. Get your face out of your devices and televisions and read a book….
Bradbury at his best.
What an experience this one was!
I originally read this in the 1970s when I was in High School. At the time, I would have only given it about 3 stars. But since then it has been shown to be more predictive of the direction our society has gone. Also, it has stayed in my mind well beyond what I thought it would.
There was a female character whom I found very distasteful at the time, as I believe the author intended. But I thought she was beyond what was even possible for a human being to become. And I still think, or maybe hope, that people won’t go to the extremes of this character. However, I have met people recently who are much closer to this screen attached character than I ever believed possible.
I would now recommend this book to all adults. Firstly, it is an enjoyable read; and secondly, I believe it includes many warnings that our society needs at this time.
thoughtful
Even more meaningful today.
A book everyone should read.
It provides insight into a world where most non-firefighters cannot imagine. The characters are interesting and the storyline fast paced. A very good read.
A startling American classic that resembles so much of our own world. If you read this as teenager, re-read as an adult, it’s life-changing.
Fahrenheit 451 can be read on different levels, as many of the best stories can.
If you haven’t read this yet, you need to. The logical result of the PATRIOT Act meets science fiction. A classic.
Classic sci-fi that relates so well to the world we live in.
Bradbury was at his best with dystopian themes, and 451 is probably his best novel…but don’t skip his short stories!
Not enjoyable reading, but a book that must be read.
If you read any books, you owe it to yourself to read this one.