Why I bought it? I was going through a list of some of the best books ever written and picked out a few that I hadn't read. Next time I was at the store, I picked this one up. It made the top cut because of the concept (plus the fact that I couldn't believe I'd never read it--but I think there are probably a significant number of people these days who haven't).
Synopsis: Guy Montag works as a fireman. Starting fires not putting them out. In a society set on eliminating the written word, he wields a flame thrower dedicated to burning books. He loves his job. Then he meets a girl who introduces him to the past and a professor who makes him think about the future.
What I thought? At 179 pages I thought it would be a quick read. Ha! It didn't take me that long to actually read it, but it was no quick read. The images and ideas in it have stayed with me and worked my brain in quiet moments ever since I read it. There is a reason that it has been so incredibly popular for the last 56 years. I was amazed at how well it has weathered the test of time. It is just as current today as it was when it was written. Eerily so in some places. You can't go wrong with this one. I loved this one. If you haven't read it, it's one you need to search out.
My Rating: *****
Cleanness Score: 3 of 10, There is really not much in this one except situational things and some adult themes.
20 comments:
I remember my mind boggling that anyone could ban books when I read this many moons ago. Fortunately it was in junior high so I missed all of the adult themes. ;)
It's funny how some books are just as relevant today as the day they were written.
Thanks for the review. I haven't read this. Somewhere tucked in my old closet at my parents house I have an autographed book by Ray.
This is one of the very few classics I've read. And I'm with you. It was awesome, and does stick with you!
Windsong! Oh I love your name! As a kid I had a horse named "Carolina Windsong" and thought it was the coolest name. Yes, banning and burning books just boggles my mind too.
T. Anne, Wow! How did you not read it when you got it autographed?
PJ, It is powerful, isn't it?
Thank you. :)
That's a lovely name for a horse. *wishes she had a horse other than the small, stuffed variety*
The current horse is named "Wake Up Call." We call him Roo (short for Rooster). It's my daughter's not mine. I haven't ridden in a while.
I read F451 in high school, and it is definitely one of those books that stick with you. In fact I frequently associate the Book of Ecclesiastes with Ray Bradbury.
Hey Jessie, thanks for stopping by. I'm surprised more people didn't read it in high school.
Good choice, both to read and to review! I've read it a few times, and have loved it each time. Ironically, while the book addresses censorship it's also one of the most often-censored books in America. Um, are these people actually *reading* this book before they declare it evil? I'm betting not.
Wow! I've never even heard of this one before! I'll have to check it out! Thanks for your review! Jenni
I have always wanted to read this book. Now I even have more of a reason to! You have such great reviews. Thank you!
Wow, this one looks good. My list of to read keeps growing.
Caryn, Thanks for stopping by. I find it hard to believe it is censored. Do you know why? Is it from the controversial topics?
Jenni, It's a great read.
Glam, This is one I think you will really enjoy. I bet you will like that fact from the title page. 451 degrees fahrenheit is the temperature at which paper combusts. Cool fact, huh?
Crimogenic, I think you would appreciate the chases and suspense of this.
I know! It doesn't seem all that offensive. All I know is that it's often on ALA's list of most-often banned books (from public libraries and schools in America). I'm not sure why, though. Language? Anti-authority themes? Uh, maybe the TV industry finds it offensive. Maybe the callous disregard for life that many of the drivers and others in the novel feel -- but that's to make a point! I could explain most of the others on the list, but not this one. Who knows? Maybe people are offended at the anti-censorship themes, and they feel like it should be disallowed for that alone!
That sounds like a really interesting book. I haven't read it before. Now I'm going to have to get a copy. It reminds me a little of J.D. Salinger, although I've no idea if it's even similar. It's just that whole amazing staying relevant even though so much time has passed!
Such a good book. This is a "sticking" book for me--I read it once, and it stuck with me and made such a lasting impression, I couldn't help but carry the memory of it in my mind.
Caryn, Thanks for the thoughts on the incomprehensibility of this book being banned.
Stacy, You should read it sometime and see how it compares to Salinger.
Beth, It really is a book to keep the old brain cogitating.
Thanks for the review ... haven't read it, but will now add it to my list!
Kelly, I hope you enjoy it.
I think that F 451 is banned to give it punch. Just like movie people won't give a picture a G rating if they want a certain audience, or to be taken seriously.
This book is definitely a favorite.
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