Well, I finally read Ray Bradbury's classic Fahrenheit 451. I did it because it was sci-fi month at the GoodReads Tuesday BookTalk Read-Alongs group, and mercifully Michele chose this one as I have wanted to read it for awhile.
I am not a sci-fi fan, but as a lover of books, it was an interesting read. I didn't love it the way so many people do, but I can see why it is so popular.
The picture it paints of a numbed out, dumbed down society of people who are given bread and circuses so they won't protest or resist the authoritarian government is perennially relevant, especially these days.
I cheered as Guy Montag slowly embraced the fact that his conscience and reason where worth listening to and following, despite what his wife, his boss, and seemingly everyone else was insisting on. I found the first two thirds of the book a bit of a struggle to read--it was so oppressive and dystopian--but the final third, where Guy was able to escape the city and find the hobo town of book lovers who welcomed him into their group, I found worth slogging through the rest of the book to reach.
I've heard there's a new movie, but honestly, I just don't have the heart to see the book brought to life. Definitely glad I read this classic, but glad I can now check it off my to-read list!
This is the Back to the Classics book that I was most scared to read! Glad I'm able to check off that category as well. So, why did it scare me? I don't care for sci-fi, and I anticipated a gloomy read that would make the gloom seep into my mood...which it did.
This is one of my favorites from childhood. As you point out, early on it was a grim book but unlike works like Nineteen Eighty - Four the protagonists rebels with some success in the end. I also have not seen the new film but I would like to.
ReplyDeleteI picked up a copy of this recently. I honestly can't remember if I read it when I was young or if it's just referenced so often that I think I've read it. I guess I'll see if it's actually familiar at all!
ReplyDeleteAnd good for you for giving it a try!
My niece Brianna gave me this book and I have vowed to read it by end of year. Not a sci fi reader but did read Bradbury's Martian Chronicles which I was really impressed with.
ReplyDeleteI read this a couple of years ago and it is amazingly relevant...right? The warning signs have been there all along.
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of Bradbury's writing style, but I am really glad to have this one under my belt because it is so famous and topical.
I'm with you, this isn't my favorite book, but I'm glad that I read it. I like Bradbury's other books much better than this one. :)
ReplyDeleteAww...I hope the gloom has seeped back out of your mood. I love Bradbury and F. 451. Neil Gaiman called this novel "a love letter for books" I kinda like Gaiman too. Goon for you stepping out of your comfort zone.
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