Fahrenheit 451 (1953)

Date approximate ( )

I didn't read this in school or study all the meanings behind it so I'm sure I missed a lot. I think I get that it's against book burning and focusing so much on entertaining like tv that we miss the wisdom in life. People often become kind of like sheep and just follow instead of educating themselves. I think it's a super smart book, and I can definitely see why it is so popular. Even though I do think it should be read, it didn't hold my attention so well. I read it just because it's one of those that must be read. ( )

Guy Montag is a fireman. However, he doesn't put out fires. He, along with all the other firefighters, ignite fires in order to destroy all evidence of printed books, as well as the houses they are found in. But when a couple of specific incidents occur, he begins to question what he's never questioned before.

I managed to make it through school without having to read this book and I've never had a strong desire to, mostly because it was one of those required reading books which had to be analyzed for symbolism, etc. I've never been good at catching all the symbolism in books. I tend to read books more for their entertainment value and to expand my knowledge, though I don't necessarily want to have to work at discovering that knowledge. Lay it out there for me and I'm good.

I have mixed feelings about this one. I read it on audio, and despite the book being read by the wonderful Tim Robbins, I do think I would've gotten more out of this had I read it in print. Lots has been said about this book still being very relevant and spot-on for today's world. That is true. I enjoyed the writing for the most part -- the dialogue sounded quite contemporary, and it's hard to believe this was originally published in 1953. But I guess I was frustrated by all the unanswered questions. Mostly, I wanted some more background as to how the world got to the point of where it was in this story, and there wasn't a lot of that. The ending left me kind of unsatisfied as well, although I suppose a lot of dystopian fiction is like that. Regardless, it is a good discussion book, and though I don't really regret not having to analyze it in school, it will be a good one to discuss at my upcoming book club. ( )

4,75 stars

Part of the dystopian future cannon, Fahrenheit 451 is full of interesting insights into what a world where reading, discourse, and thought are replaced by the non-stop babble of television screens. The protagonist of the book, Guy Montag has an esteemed profession – he is a fireman. He burns books and other literature in order to keep society happy. Montag has his understanding of the world slowly melted away, primarily because of the actions of three women: his wife, Mildred, who can hardly recall what she has done half an hour ago, a young neighbor, Clarisse, who seems to be able to enjoy the little things in life with her family and on her own, and one woman who valued books above all else. After all turmoil, Guy goes on a chase-turned-pilgrimage, to finally free himself from the shackles of censorship, brainwashing, and to find new purpose.

I’d recommend it to you if you enjoyed Animal Farm by George Orwell, since it has many similar beats, but is very different on the whole. ( )

I've heard of this book since I was young, but never got to read it.

I enjoyed the book, it suprises me how timeless this book is and how it's still relevant today.

I would recommend if it you'd like to have some provoking thoughts, but I didn't feel like this book had anything particulary groundbreaking in it. ( )