by Ray Bradbury
Some time in the future, books are banned. Televisions are everywhere, telling people exactly what "officials" want them to know. No one needs to deal with messy things like religion, psychology, sociology, or anything that might make them unhappy.
In this world lives Guy Montag, married with no children. He is a fireman; like all firemen, his job is to burn books. They are not permitted to keep any of the books which are confiscated; that's an imprisonable offense. But one day, Guy did just that. His wife had been bothering him to work harder and make more money, so she could have a fourth TV wall in their house, because she spends all of her time with her TV family. Then Clarisse moves in next door, and she's a scholar, reading books and holding lively discussions with Guy. This is what inspired him to secrete the first book, and to do it over and again. One day, Clarisse simply disappeared. Then Guy's wife discovered his cache of books and turned him in, forcing Guy to flee.
451 degrees Fahreheit is the temperature at which paper burns, thus the title of the book. I truly enjoyed this book; it made me happy that we live in a time and place where we are free to read and do as we please, think what we like, and disagree with anyone, including the government. It should not have taken Ray Bradbury's passing to make me write a review of this book, and everyone should read it and think carefully about the implications of a society where the government dictates more and more of what people can do and think.
Thor read this book with me and Ryan, smart guy that he was, and he would also implore you to read it!
Edited to add: Janet at Mystery Fanfare wrote about Ray Bradbury yesterday, and I learned this from her:
"He (Ray Bradbury) wrote “Fahrenheit 451” at the UCLA library, on typewriters that rented for 10 cents a half hour. He said he carried a sack full of dimes to the library and completed the book in nine days, at a cost of $9.80."
13 comments:
Love those Thor photos!
I think I read every book Ray Bradbury wrote. What a wonderful author.
Mango Momma
P.S. Thor. Sigh.
That book sounds good, I'll have to go look for it. Wonder what happened to Clarisse? Of course I don't want to know, I'm sure. g
One of my favorites. And I plan to read Dandelion Wine. Is that on your list?
I love that book... such a cautionary tale as we seem to be heading there... slightly different trajectory but with everyone watching tv or on the computer instead of LIVING we are getting there. We won't need to have books burned... they will rot away from lack of reading.
Happy Thorsday to you too.
BTW, you may be interested in the Metropolitan Museum's costume collection online. They have great pictures that would inspire you... they inspire me and I can't sew a stitch!!
I haven't read 451. My favorite Bradbury book is Something Wicked This Way Comes, which is also available as a movie...
I think I read this in hs!
I remember having to read it my Freshman year in high school. It wasn't one of my favorite books and probably the only Ray Bradbury book I've ever read.
Congrats on your two graduates,Marjie!
Samba is too interested in books. She's 'digested' several. Most of my dogs outgrew this obnoxious habit, but not my girl.
Love the photo of Thor with his book :) Diane
I have never read this book but I think it's time I do... it sounds really good.
I hope all is well in your world & that your mouth is finally feeling better.
Hi Marjie, we were talking about Ray Bradbury too and agree, he's a wonderful author. Hope your weekend is fine. No worries, and love, Carol
I still haven't read the book. Thanks for the reminder. It's on my list again!
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