Fahrenheit 451 in Pick-a-Shelf

Jan 14, 2010 BJ Rose rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: classics, loaned-to-me, futuristic, sci-fi, social-issues

Is this a straightforward message about the horrors that can arise if there is total government control, or a cautionary tale about unintended consequences - or is it both?

In the Author's Afterword of this book, Bradbury talked about the various faces of censorship. He said that there's more than one way to burn a book, including editing and revising to try to please everyone. And he depicts this in the story by talking about how books were first burned by minorities who objected to something in ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Sep 21, 2009 Sam rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: classics, science-fiction, books-about-books, proper-books

I'm completely torn by this book, it depressed me, angered me, tormented me, pleased me and cheered me up. The opening line of 'it's a pleasure to burn' starts you off on a journey through a literature-less society that is dominated by noise and light powered 'entertainment' that runs 24/7 that is streamed into people's homes through the walls themselves. Although the basic premise of this book is quite simplistic it's implications for society are complex, far-reaching and utterly crucial. The l ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Sep 30, 2009 Kate rated it liked it · review of another edition

Upon starting the review of this book, I should give a couple disclaimers. The first disclaimer is that I listened to this book via audio book. The second disclaimer is that when I listen to audio books, I sometimes find my mind drifting. Now on to the actual review.

This audio version was read by author, Ray Bradbury. While he might be a good author, his voice is rather monotone. I wish that I had had an actual paper copy of this book so that I could sort of follow along from time to time when I Upon starting the review of this book, I should give a couple disclaimers. The first disclaimer is that I listened to this book via audio book. The second disclaimer is that when I listen to audio books, I sometimes find my mind drifting. Now on to the actual review.

This audio version was read by author, Ray Bradbury. While he might be a good author, his voice is rather monotone. I wish that I had had an actual paper copy of this book so that I could sort of follow along from time to time when I let my mind drift. Sometimes I had to go and look at the sparknotes summary so that I could follow along better.

Now to the actual review of the story... As an avid reader, I cannot imagine what it would be like to have all books be illegal. I mean, I do love watching my tv shows, but to never be able to pick up a book and read? To never have known the joys of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. To have never met Katniss, Rue, or Peeta. To have never read Harry Potter, the Private series, or Lord help us, Twilight. The very thought of it is horrible. I love books. I love reading. I cannot imagine a world with none of it and with firemen who actually burn books.

And yet, when Bradbury discribed why books ceased to be, it made sense. Many times I find that our world is becoming entirely too P.C. to be safe. I could see how the world ended up where books ceased to be because minorities and special groups couldn't allow books without equal representation of their group, or a good representation of their group. There are so many opposing groups that it is impossible to please everyone. I mean, imagine if we lived in a world without the Bible. Whether you are religious or not, you are talking about a book that has been around for around 2000 years. No Bible, Koran, Book of Mormon, or any other book ever. That is crazy. I can't even really wrap my head around that idea.

Now, I love to read dystopian novels. I find reading about other peoples views of what the world would be like in a Utopia gone wrong is fascinating. And I thought that this one held so much potential. However, it was the main characters actions that led me to not like this book that much. I understand about wanting to read books, but I don't think their is ever an excuse for murder, whether it is freedom or anger or whatever, the taking of another's life is inexcusable.

My second feeling about this novel is that the ending sort of felt incomplete. I thought that there was more and I was missing a disk or two, but alas, it really was over.

Overall, I felt that the characters were a little two-dimensional and I could not be persuaded to care for them or their outcome. The ending felt incomplete and lacking. The concept was interesting, but it did not pan out as properly as it could have. I am glad to have read it, and I will probably re-read it some day (in paper form) but it is not high on my priority list.

Rating 3/5 ...more

1 like · Like · see review

May 08, 2011 Tien rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopia, science-fiction

... because books make you a revolutionary.

Books are illegal in this particular universe (*shudders*) and the enforcers are called firemen because they'd destroy the books by setting them (and their surrounding) on fire.

In this novel, our protagonist, Guy Montag (a firemen), started to question the way things are. It appears that he has been half asleep; he couldn't even remember how he met his wife! But, something prodded his mind to the 'on' position and he could not, would not, turn it off. P ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jan 04, 2010 Melissa Stebbins rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wow, I loved this book. Wonderful story, great writing and characters and makes you think even after you've finished reading. Ticks the boxes for me in every way.

The main character is Guy Montag whose job is to burn books. Set in the future where a constant flow of noise and "entertainment" keep people occupied and prevent to much thought or even feeling, books are banned because they are the source of unhappiness. I can't help thinking how much more relevent this is today with the massive amoun ...more

Like · see review

Jan 17, 2010 Tara rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

So strange and rather scary when I noticed some of the similarities some of the events in the book to life now. It is hard to believe it was written in the 50's.

I remember reading this in 8th grade, but I think I appreciated it more through this reading. I actually laughed as the women discussed the presidential race because it is not too far off to how some discussions are now when it comes to politics (of course not as extreme).

...more

Like · see review

Dec 01, 2009 Andrea rated it liked it · review of another edition

Interesting book! I had to read this one for my class, but did enjoy it! Once you reflect back after you read, and realize the date this was written and the story line, it makes it that much more fascinating. I don't want to say too much, for I feel it will give too much away! ...more

Like · see review

Mar 12, 2011 Lindsay rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, z2011

A real look at what it is to be human in this book, with an exploration of our flaws, doubts and need to fit in and follow the current values of society - no matter how flawed they may be. It also looks at how dangerous following this easy path, and the problems with censorship. A thought provoking read.

Like · see review