Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Fahrenheit 451
Book Review: A Chilling Critique of Our Modern Life.
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is simply the tale of a fireman, Guy Montag, whose job it is to burn books. Life for Guy is a routine--the same lifeless relationship with his wife, the same job day in and out, the same shallow fullfillment of time. There must be something else.
The humanity in Guy is writhing and struggling, but Guy knows not what he lacks. Montag is forced to choose between what he knows is right and what he feels.
And the consequences make all the difference.
In this novel, Ray Bradbury, in this novel of a futuristic world eerily similar to our own, critiques censorship and the education in America. Bradbury holds up a mirror to our ordinary lives, and for just 200 some odd pages, shows us how much better life truly can be.
An excellent short read.
Book Review: A Classic Book That Holds Up Today
Summary: 5 Stars
As much a cliché as it is to say, I think this book is even more relevant today then when originally written. I think Montag's wife's obsession with the "real people" she watches is such an uncanny parallel to the reality based shows that are so popular now that it's almost creepy. The fact that it was written so long ago only adds to the impact. There is also the similarity of the viewing walls and the 56 inch high definition T.V.s of today. It's a little like a horoscope though, the reader can read more into it then is there. Ray Bradbury's past future is dreary and bleak and no one cares for anyone else. I tend to be more of an optimist, I think there are still enough people in the world that care to prevent the kind of events that happen in this book to occur any time in the near future.I don't believe the main focus of this book (as most people think) is censorship at all but rather a love letter to books and the joy of reading. Mr Bradbury writes about the joys of reading as though he were describing a flesh and blood lover. He clearly despises censorship and complacency but he gives more of his passion to the love of the written word. I think the "not happy, but hopeful" ending shows his faith in man.
This is literally a classic piece of fiction and it's impressive how much Ray Bradbury says in such a short novel. It's easy to read on several different levels. There's almost no excuse not to read this book.
Book Review: A Classic of Modern American Literature
Summary: 5 Stars
In summary, this is not a plot book. It has the sole purpose of convaying a message, it's theme. Throughout the book, Bradbury says that books are made for people to think and without this ability to think, people are a mass of "happy" that care nothing of responsibility or consequence. This novel had a profound effect on me, even if I am only 16. I do not want to criticize, but there is some ignorance in the other reviews. People want this book to be exciting, like a TV show. Montag seems to prophisize this in his book. He says people like to be led and not think by a TV, rather than lead and think by a book. I guess it is sad that people think this. Montag's prophicy of a psuedo-happy world may realize. It seems to be leaning that way.
If you think while you read, this book is excellent. It is a theme book, not plot. I enjoyed it greatly and it has given me a new outlook on life (as a book should). Lovely!!
Book Review: A Classic.
Summary: 5 Stars
Ray Bradbury's 'Fahreneheit 451' is a classic that almost everyone should read before they get out of high school or college. It is not just for science fiction fans, but for lovers of good storytelling.Book Review: A Dark Age Inferno
Summary: 5 Stars
Fahrenheit 451 is a futuristic story of the dark ages. Guy Montag, a fireman with the job of burning books, sees a problem with book burning after meeting a nonconformist neighborhood girl. Ultimately, this leads Montag on a path which encourages him to discover books. While he was told books are nonsensical and useless, he discovers their beauty. Montag rebels, destroying his own home and killing the fire chief. As a fugitive, he ends up on the outskirts of the city when a war destroys his former homeland. The insinuation is that the book keepers who live outside the city will bring about the end of the dark age, rebuilding civilization. Bradbury's futuristic society is effective because he creates a thorough picture of the future. In the same breath, I think the scenario is realistic because people do not read as often as they once did. It made me think about the likelihood of a new dark age.
The story starts off slowly. Montag seems to have an unhealthy obsession with the young girl. But as the story develops, more conflicts are evident. As a consequence, the story flows more smoothly. I particularly enjoyed the police chase. The mechanical hounds seemed very realistic. They would seem to be such an effective crime fighting tool for this day and age.
I would suggest this book is a classic. If you enjoyed "1984", "Brave New World", or "Animal Farm" for the ideas they stood for, you should enjoy this book.