Title: Fahrenheit 451
Author: Ray Bradbury
Genre: Dystopian Science Fiction
Pages: 180
Rating: 4.5 of 5
This is the second time I’ve read this book (the first time was 9 or 10 years ago), and I noticed a lot more relevance this time around. The ideas of banal/violent interactive media turning people into inane loners and of government-imposed destruction of independent thought naturally growing out of popular-level boycott/censorship of anything deemed offensive by anyone seem eerily prophetic of the direction our society could be headed.
Bradbury’s dreamy-repetitiveness, synesthesia-filled descriptions, half-mad metaphors, and other poetic touches definitely add to the reading experience. However, to be honest, I can only enjoy his style for so long before I need to read something a little more straightforward.
One thing that makes this stand out from other classic dystopian novels is that there is at least a hint that the age of lonely ignorance does not have to last forever if people are willing to stand together against it in their own small way. It’s not a light, happy book by any means, but it’s not quite as grimdark as the likes of 1984, Brave New World, or A Clockwork Orange.
If you are a lover of books this is a must read. Ray Bradbury’s love of literature shines through the whole work as he provides a moving reminder of the dangers of technology-obsession and the suppression of potentially-offensive and/or contradictory ideas.
Joelendil's Kingdom of Books 
I read this book for the first time this year and it’s definitely one of the best things I’ve ever read. I personally loved his style (though I understand it’s very flowery and not for everyone) I also liked the optimistic ending. And yes, I love the anti-censorship message!
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Yes, the message about censorship is so important! I come for a denominational background that tends to be big on boycotts, censorship, etc. (as long as it’s us doing it to other people), but I firmly believe in trying to understand where other people are coming from and discussing differences/disagreements with gentleness and respect rather than trying to shut them up (to say nothing of treating others how we want to be treated).
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I really respect and agree with you here. I’m far from a moral relativist, but I’ve come to understand that a lot of sides have valid opinions and are not coming from a bad place- so even if I disagree it’s worth trying to hear people out and have a peaceable discussion. Certainly, the golden rule’s always a good place to start 😉
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Well put. It’s sad how some sort of censorship is often preferred to “agree to disagree after a civil discussion”
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Yes!
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