Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Fahrenheit 451
Book Review: "There is more than one way to burn a book." -R. Bradbury
Summary: 3 Stars
Each piece of Utopian literature provides a different perspective on how and why society became no more than a living nightmare. "Farenheit 451" is no different. Whereas "1984" implies that the downfall of the elements of language and pure animal instincts led to the degredation of society and "Brave New World" argues that beauty and truth are essential, "Fahrenheit 451" places its claim on the existence of literature. This fast-paced novel transports the reader to a world where firemen don't put out fires, they start them, and where philosophers and lovers of books don't have a place in a college classroom, but rather as bums on the streets. With descriptive passages and thought-provoking characterizations, "Fahrenheit 451" is a delightful novel.However, I was slightly disappointed in the lack of depth it contains. I am an avid fan of Utopian literature, but I found it difficult to get swept up in the emotions of the novel. Without a doubt, it was pleasant to read, but if you're looking for a deep and enriching book that will make you laugh and cry and bring to light new perspectives on life and society, this isn't the most suitable novel for you.
Book Review: "I'm seventeen and crazy"... but I loved this book
Summary: 5 Stars
Bradbury has created a shockingly realistic future for us, where the desire to be happy overrules the need to be informed. The most frightening part, perhaps, is that this style of censorship is practiced in high schools across the country. As a high school senior, I have witnessed several instances of attempted "book bannings" from school libraries, mostly led by misinformed parents who could not see through the 4-letter words or "disturbing" situations to the true worth of the novel. Unlike 1984 or Brave New World before him, Bradbury's world is closer to ours, and much more attainable.The theme of Fahrenheit 451 is seeing through the clutter and propaganda to what is truly important. Not necessarily books in particular, but the essence of life which they capture and present in sometimes startling ways. Guy Montag, Clarisse McClellan, Faber, and few others can see that butterfly in a landfill essence of truth, and their contrast against the rest of the world shocks the most disillusioned reader into realizing that, in literature, there is truth. In a world where science and technology are increasingly more important, Fahrenheit 451 is a far-sighted message from the past telling us, indeed, the arts are what puts us above the primates.
Book Review: "Speculative Fiction" at it's very best!
Summary: 5 Stars
Ray Bradbury once called himself a writer of "speculative fiction." He most certainly based that statement on this very book. Bradbury's view of the future from 1953 is proving its merit now that it is beginning to come true. Similar to Aldous Huxley's Brave New World and George Orwell's 1984, Bradbury's novel tells of a world in which the government has entrapped society in a web of propaganda. Bradbury's novel differentiates itself from the other two, however, in that it focuses on this oppressive government's censorship of literature and the "firemen," who burn these illegal books. Fahrenheit 451 also is far more entertaining to read, as it is in pure Bradbury style, with vivid, colorful writing, and Bradbury's standard metaphors at every turn of the page. A great read for any Bradbury fan, a science fiction reader, or anyone who wants to see society with a whole new perspective. in sum, this book proves that Ray Bradbury has got the future's number. That number is, of course, Fahrenheit 451.Book Review: "We went right on insulting the dead..."
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been checking out some of the classics that I never gave a chance while in high school, now that I'm a much more aware and mature reader. "Fahrenheit 451" was something I always wanted to read but never got around to it. Well, I have finally read it and the time was very much well spent. Ray Bradbury offers a bleak and dim future where thinking for yourself is against the law.
Guy Montag's life had always been simple. He understood the order of things, and he understood the nature of his job. He was a fireman, and that entailed burning books and burning down the buildings that hid them. He never questioned it once and never felt guilty for what he was doing. Things take a different route when he meets a peculiar girl who asks the tough questions that he has never had to answer. And with those questions, he starts to think and wonder why things are the way they are. Ever since the meeting with this stranger, Montag is curious about the true nature of his job, leading to dangerous revelations that will put his very life in jeopardy.
Bradbury has created a magnificent piece of literature that attacks censorship and the numbing of society head on with no regrets and no remorse. He doesn't need to give us an exact year of this future, as that makes it all the more frightening. Even though this is a work of fiction, it seems so realistic and so possible that all of this could really happen to us. Think about it. We are now a "TV Generation" who spend a lot less time reading, people are trying to ban different types of books for different reasons, and anything that is deemed "unpleasant" is demanded to be "fixed" or "taken care of" so we can all feel happy and not deal with the pain and troubles of life. Bradbury captures all of this and does not give you a bitter rant about today's youth, but he uses all of that negative energy and creates something so profound and well established. It's no mistake that this fine novel has sold millions upon millions of copies and is forever deemed a classic.
The writing is simple to read and it is a short book. You will have to give it a few pages before you can really get into it all, but make sure that you stick with it. Once it gets moving, there's no stopping the pages. Bradbury is great with imagery and provides excellent descriptions--but never goes overboard with them. It's such a short read that you could most likely finish it in a day or two if you put the effort into it. Turn off that TV for just a few hours or so and pick this up! It definitely sticks in your head once it's all said and done, and you will be thinking about everything that has transpired in this book.
"Fahrenheit 451" is a tremendous work of fiction that is both thought-provoking and terrifying (in a subtle way). It really goes to show you how terrible things can get if censorship wins, and it really can happen if you think about it. If you haven't given this a read yet, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy as soon as you can. This is a book that I know I will be re-reading again in the very near future. -Michael Crane
Book Review: "frightening in its implications"
Summary: 4 Stars
It truly is. Ray Bradbury's masturfully told story of censorship in the future show us what we may become: A civilization of mindless people who are so bent on being PC and "happy" that they end up burning all books. While that is a rough description, I don't wish to give too much away. Bradbury's characters all act realistically (something im a stickler for) and I love the way he writes, using metaphors constantly he achieves an amazing level of description while still leaving some things for the reader to figure out. People have told me that the beginning is confusing; while I don't feel that is true, if you do kepp reading because the last 100 pages (out of only around 200) will rivet your eyes to the pages. Personally, I love Ray Bradbury and feel that this is his greatest work, or one of them. But you don't have to like Bradbury to like this novel; if you want a great book that will truly make you think, and just a great read, by all means pick this one up. Highly Recommended.