Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

(review by Julie)
What a great book! Why have I never read this??? First published in 1953, Fahrenheit 451 is that classic novel about burning books that gets referenced in all sorts of random places. I'm sure we've all heard about it, but how many have actually read it? A tragedy! This is good stuff!!!

In this society, they destroy the written word and everyone watches extreme amounts of TV, which is now a 4-walled room (if you can afford it) instead of a single panel. The people become so involved with the drama of the television characters that they forget about real life. (sound familiar?) The twist is that the citizens themselves call for the book burning and more television. The more television they watch, the less they tolerate thinkers and readers. However, when one fireman who lives to burn books meets a young girl, Clarisse, who asks too many questions, he starts to think and wonder about all books he burns.

I often think about Fahrenheit 451 when I hear people talking about television shows they're in to and the characters on them. Many times it's inspired me to turn off the tube and pick up a book. I hope there will always be the Clarisse types among us to help us question our own behaviors- maybe I can even be one...

Here are my favorite quotes:

"Who knows what might be the target of the well read man- me?"

"...cram them full of noncombustible data, chalk them so damn full of facts they feel stuffed but absolutely brilliant with information. Then they'll feel they're thinking- they'll get a sense of motion without moving. Then they'll be happy."

This book earned 5 full stars and a permanent spot in my library. In fact, it even earned some other books a permanent spot in my library on principle!