The Big Read: Fahrenheit 451 (Mar 15-Apr 30)

[MH]

Mid-Continent Public Library was one of 75 nonprofit organizations awarded a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts to conduct a city-wide program known as The Big Read. The program’s goal is to broaden a community’s view of the world and of itself through the joy of reading and sharing a single book. As the only Kansas City-area library conducting a Big Read program in 2016, MCPL will provide a multitude of Big Read programming opportunities at its branches.

MCPL selected author Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 as the subject for The Big Read to draw a striking contrast between the novel’s futuristic society where books are outlawed and the Kansas City of today, which has a vibrant reading culture and several hundred thousand dedicated library customers throughout our area.

Beginning March 15 and running through April 30, teens and adults are invited to attend author presentations, participate in art, music, and writing programs, and join community book discussions about Fahrenheit 451.

And, of course, chat it up on Goodreads! Starting tomorrow we will spend the next month and a half talking about this amazing title.

If you've never read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, you are in for a for a discussable treat!

Where can I read more about this classic?
http://www.neabigread.org/books/fahre...

So, what else is MCPL doing to celebrate The Big Read?
Check out our Big Read landing page to find all the planned events!
http://www.mymcpl.org/events/big-read

[Pam]

I remember reading various Ray Bradbury stories and books in high school, but I don't think this one ever made my list. It was so enjoyable to read this now! Really looking forward to my book group meeting next Tuesday at Woodneath!

[Robin]

I don't recall reading this when I was younger. Reading it now has been enjoyable. In my opinion Fahrenheit 451 is about about human existence and quality of life as a whole. The banning of books is a symptom. The underlying disease is much more disturbing, a self inflicted apathy and elected ignorance. Although the book burning aspect of the story is decidedly different than the culture we live in, I find many of the other themes present a disturbingly accurate mirror of today's society.

[Abigail]

I have never read it. Since I am a mcpl member, I noticed all the chatter about it so I am reading it for the first time now. It is a book I love and hate, in equal measure so far.

[Kelly]

True confession. This is my first Ray Bradbury book. Why did someone not hand this to me as a teenager ? Now I want to read more of his written artwork. I am hooked. Throughly enjoyed this. Thank you for introducing me to this author. I will attend the book talk at DE (Dearborn) branch and hopefully make it to one of the special evenings at Woodneath branch.

[Pam]

I attended the WN book group discussion of this book this week. I really enjoy hearing others share their thoughts on books, especially one so provoking. The Blue Ribbon book group at WN is always a joy to attend. I remember Ray Bradbury being one of my favorite authors as a teenager, but I didn't remember this particular book. So glad I was able to add it to my "read" list. The parallels to some of the things actually happening today are spooky. Makes me wonder what people 50 years from now will find truthful in The Hunger Games! Yikes!

[MH]

Robin wrote: "The banning of books is a symptom. The underlying disease is much more disturbing, a self inflicted apathy and elected ignorance. "

THIS. Yes. So much.