Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, features a futuristic world where reading is illegal. Guy Montag is employed as a "fireman." Ironically, his job is to burn books. On his way home, he meets his new 17 year-old neighbor, Clarisse McClellan. They have an awkward talk and then Guy leaves. The next day, he goes to work and tries to pet the Mechanical Hound. It growls at him and threatens him. After a while, the alarm rings. They go to burn an old lady's house because of an illegal possession of books. When they push the lady aside, a book falls into Guy's hands. Thoughtlessly, he hides it under his shirt. The firemen had no choice but to burn the house with her in it. Guy feels guilt and shame. Later, he decides to make copies of the book also known as the Bible with the help of his professor, Fabor. After changing his mind, he goes to work and gives the book to the captain of the fire department. Then, once again the alarm rings. The destination was Guy Montag's own house. What will happen to Guy's house? What will happen to Guy Montag?
Fahrenheit 451 was a very exhilarating novel. I was very impressed of how brave Guy was for taking the book. I found it ridiculous that books were illegal. This book kept me wondering, "What will our future look like?"
-Reviewed by Michelle, grade 9.
Comments
It is a time where books, magazines, or other literature is despised. Guy Montag is a fireman, but instead of putting out fires, he sets books on fire. He is happy with his life and loves to see books burn. He was exactly like everyone else, until the fateful day he meets a girl called Clarisse McClellan.
Clarisse was an oddity in the society and nobody listened to her. However, Montag listens to what she has to say for a few minutes, and realizes that his world wasn't what he thought it was. Kids shooting each other, cars crashing at over 100 mph, and his wife not even knowing where she met Montag suddenly seemed wrong, and he wakes up from the brainwashed state that everyone was in. Montag, for the first time, gets curious of his job and steals some books from one of his burnings, marking the beginning of a turningpoint in his life.
Superbly written, Fahrenheit 451 is a story set in a Dark Age for people. It is an unknown Dark Age, which is far more dangerous, where people don't even think twice about a formation of bombers flying past overhead. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about a futuristic society.
-Reviewed by JunHyung, grade 7.
Guy Montag is a firefighter who burns books. That is his only philosophy. Books in his government are banned because they offer new ideas. The people of his country seem perfectly content with what they have. Montag does, too, until he meets a girl named Clarice who literally blows into his life. With her successful guidance, it only takes Montag about six days to understand the flaws in their "utopia." So Montag plans to show everybody else what's wrong. Too bad no one wants to believe him. They like the way they live. Strange enough, the society has its own fire captain against them. So the main question is what does one man do when a utopia is turned upside down when their secrets are revealed?
Although I first read this story in my English class, I thought the point was stranger than it seemed. A firefighter that is charged with burning books must feel some remorse. Guy Montag is unique because he finds the flaws, although they are already all around him. Books like this don't come around every day. This sci-fi thriller is a famous story written in the 1950s and impeccably true about society today. Ray Bradbury did a fantastic job on a book that can be read for years and years to come.
-Reviewed by T.A., grade 10.
I would recommend this book to teens. This is an interesting book because it shows what a society would be like if we didn't have books. This book makes you keep reading, and wanting you to know what would happen next. Some of the character's in this book has interesting personalities, and it's interesting to see what they will do next.
- VSH, grade 9
- Reviewed by Cody W., grade 12
Montrose Library
Reviewed by Samantha, Grade 12.
Fahrenheit 451 was overall a pretty good book. It was a bit hard to get through at times but the book is better understood when you analyze it more with little symbols and what they may represent, which helps motivate you to keep reading. What I really liked about the book though was how Montag changes throughout it and how everything throughout the story was explained with good detail. I think the theme of the book is also very strong but I liked how Bradbury predicts the future and sets up the society and the hidden messages into it all. If you really want to appreciate the book, I’d recommend being ready to analyze it and understand what simple things might mean in a deeper way. If you like books about government control this would be a good one.
Reviewed by Nayri T., grade 10
Casa Verdugo Library
At first when my teacher recommended this book I wasn't too thrilled about it. As i began to read i still wasn't wowed by it, but as it progressed it turned out to be really interesting. It amazed how i could connect my everyday life to this book that was written in 1953. Bradbury wrote this book as a warning for us, the civilians. He wanted to warn us that if keep letting the government control us we will be doomed. He also showed how technology is a big part of our lives. Can you imagine, someone from 1953 creating such a realistic setting that we live today? This book is great for those who love science fiction novels.
Reviewed by Karla S., grade 9
Glendale Central Library
This novel brings about the idea that society will soon become very emotionless, dependent on technology, and too politically correct. This idea is not too far off from many issues regarding today's society, and it is an important novel to read because of its ability to shed light on people's fear of being politically incorrect. To question anything remains crucial to further improve society, and I believe that Ray Bradbury successfully delivers this very message. This novel's theme presents itself beautifully through metaphors and similes and is a wonderful read.
Reviewed by: Yeo Gyoung (Jemma) K., grade 10
Montrose Library
Although I was hesitant to read this book at first, since it is considered a science fiction novel, I was pleasantly surprised. The author conveyed a bold message that very much related to the government of today. Although the author did a wonderful job, I wish he would have carried out the ending a little further. People of all ages will enjoy this book because the message relates to everyone. It made me take a second look at life, to think about how we're living, and how society is controlled. It somehow made me feel angry because the book was so relevant. I definitely recommend this book to everyone, especially if you like dystopian novels.
Reviewed by M.T., Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
In conclusion, I was somewhat blown away from this novel. I seem to enjoy dystopian novels more than any other genre. I would highly recommend this novel to every one of all ages. The author wrote this novel with care, artistry, and a lot of imagination. Anyone who enjoys reading fictional novels, would enjoy Fahrenheit 451.
Reviewed by Christina B., Grade 11
Montrose Library
My opinion on this book is that it is very sad that people are not allowed to read books. That should be someone's choice. Books wouldn't cause anything bad but actually make them smarter. That is personally what I think. My friend would probably enjoy reading this book so I would recommend it to her because she loves reading. To see another persons side of what they think of reading books would probably really interest her.
Reviewed by Jacqueline, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
My thoughts on Fahrenheit 451 was how well said it was. I really loved how ridiculous the world in which the story takes place in is and how something as innocent as reading a book can lead to such consequences, like death. This type of book really gets me to think about how the world might actually end up as destructive as how the world in the story is. I think anyone who really enjoys books and reading them and would like to keep them alive would really enjoy this book because it would give them something major to think about.
Reviewed by Tina, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
I love this book so much! It is so unconventional to our society we live in, its nice to see how life would be like if our normal ways, were other peoples forbidden ways. This book caught me by surprise, not going to lie. From the burning of books, to Guy's rebellious ways, to the crazy wife and back fire of the unit once they find our what Guy has been up to. It kept me on my toes through the whole book! I would recommend everyone ages 12 and up to read this book and unravel the adventures through this story!
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
My first opinion of the book was that the concept of “books being illegal” was very interesting. Once I started reading through the book I noticed how crazy some of the actions in the story were. Montag over time grew to be very irrational. By the time I was done with the book I was more or less put off by the unserious nature of the events. I developed a second opinion though after speaking with someone else about the book. I learned that the book had just been written after World War 2 and was meant to be satire about how crazy some people can become when you to convince them that something is bad. I looked back and was able to find the delightful humor in the book and like it very much.
Reviewed by Jason B., Grade 11
Montrose Library
I really liked this book because it showed something that can become possible one day, I mean look at all the kids with their iphones these days. I think all ages of readers who are past the 6th grade would find this book enjoyable. It made me feel worried for the future of the human civilization. It is not that long, only a couple pages and it captivates audiences from all shapes and sizes, whether you like action or mystery, fiction or non-fiction, and everyone else. Enjoy this futuristic literature! (:
Reviewed by Crystal MG, Grade 9
Montrose Library
I enjoyed this book it was a little over done for my opinion, but I still enjoyed reading it. What I mean by over done is how the fireman now burns these books and how they start the fires I just find it a little corny. But I understand it is a book and it is supposed to be a dystopian future. What I like about this book is how it talks about society being so blind well all these things are changing. It is scary to think that this could happen in our new future seeing how our technology is getting more advanced every day. I think the book can make you think about a lot of your current life because of how much it resembles our current day of life in some ways more than others. I don't know if I would recommend this book to someone because it is a little over exaggerated, but that is my opinion. If I knew someone liked dystopian novels/stories I would recommend it but if they didn't I wouldn't.
Reviewed by J., Grade12
Glendale Central Library
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
"Fahrenheit 451" was and is the best book I have ever read. I particularly enjoyed the unusual pacing. There were a lot of sudden, unexpected plot twists in the book that kept me involved in the story. Furthermore, the descriptions of various objects were extremely well-written; they made it easier to 'see through the eyes of Montag' and plainly made the book much more satisfying to read. While I do not agree with Bradbury's social commentary on the improvement of technology, it was interesting to read another's point of view on an issue that still continues today. I love this book and I would recommend it to everyone who wants to read a unique story with a unique writing style. It's truly worth it.
Reviewed by William J., Grade 9
Montrose Library
Before I began reading the novel, I was excited because of the interesting storyline. However, when I began reading it, I was semi-disappointed. Prior to reading the novel, I had read one of Bradbury's other, more shorter work, There Will Come Soft Rains, which I really loved and highly recommend. I think Fahrenheit 451 didn't live up to the pedestal most readers put it up on. Don't get me wrong, the book is truly a literary triumph and does have its high points, but the language and the way Bradbury describes things just wasn't my cup of tea. I found myself reading the same page a couple times just to understand what was even happening.
I believe the novel is a staple to read and I think most high-schoolers and adults who like the dystopian and mystery genre would enjoy it.
Reviewed by Melody S., Grade 9
Montrose Library
This book offers a lot of insight on what the world may come to someday. I feel like the story hits on some accurate points that we today indulge in ourselves. For example, the people in Montag's society devour entertainment, all day, and do nothing but that. Our lives have come to a similar point where many people watch shows, videos, and play games for hours. It would be scary if Ray Bradbury's story became a reality, where there would be no thoughtful activities, all life was all just a lie. The book was very interesting to read, and it gave me a new perspective on how dystonia societies may arise. One of the only flaws to the book may be that it was very short, but I understand it was intended to be an open ending.
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Downtown Central Library
I really enjoyed Fahrenheit by Ray Bradbury because of its characters like Guy Montag, Beatty, Mildred, and Clarisse. All the characters provide a interesting dynamic and they all do something for Montag to change the way he feels in the story. I would recommend this book to anyone because of its interesting story and the ending is also pretty good. I would overall recommend this book to everyone that likes to read interesting books about a distant future.
Reviewed by AB, Grade 9
Grandview Library
Fahrenheit 451 is a book written by Ray Bradbury, which is about imagined society, where books are believed to cause people to become uncomfortable, unhappy, and even offended at them, and TV screens are put in place to entertain everyone. So, in this story, people are hired into being firemen in order to burn books, and houses containing them, rather than extinguishing the fire. The reader is introduced to a man that goes by the name of Montag, a hired fireman, that enjoys his duty. However, everything changed one day, after meeting a girl named Clarisse McClellan, which changed, and made him wonder about the perspective about books, and what was inside him. He would then continue throughout the whole book trying to find out why books are burned, without anybody finding out how a fireman kept books, or he would have to sacrifice many things he earned in his life, and be sent to jail.
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
While first hearing about the topic of this book, I thought this is going to be great. Later on while reading the book, I thought it was pretty great but at the same time not really. Half of the time I liked this book because of the plot and it had something unique, something that I thought an author would never put in a controversial book like the action of burning books. The rest of my experience of this book I thought wasn't really that great because in the beginning, it felt a bit boring. The plot was too detailed and too wordy but I can't blame it because of course it's literature and I know a lot of people would absolutely love it.
I think there is a negative and positive opinion I would say here but anyone can read this book whether it is just for fun or for school. In fact, I can see a lot of teachers would recommend their students reading this book as a school assignment. Well, mostly high school and college students in general because like I said, it can be a bit too wordy but that's okay. And this novel has a lot of different types of editions and book adaptations. The one I got was pretty small but it doesn't matter much. I like the more modern copy that shows a book containing a bookmark on it. If you want to watch the movie on this, I mean sure you can but of course the books are obviously much better. I haven't watched the movie yet and I'll leave it as that because I'd rather appreciate the value of literature because Ray Bradbury is a really good author. If you want to give a movie a view, then go ahead.
Reviewed by Hannah R., Grade 10
Downtown Central Library
I really enjoyed this book, I was introduced to this story through a friend's recommendation. Before Fahrenheit 451, I had read some other books of Bradburys such as the Martian Chronicles. Also this book might be confusing to understand at the start. But once you begin to recognize the brilliant writing within this book, you will be able to clearly perceive the emotions the author put into the crevices of his writing. This book is full of literary devices and interesting contrasts between the characters. I would definitely recommend this book to those who have interest in dystopian novels such as "The Giver".
Reviewed by Skylar, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
This novel has an interesting twist on how firefighters should work and is another one of George Orwell's predictions similar to 1984. My favorite part of this book is when the main character finally realizes he has been controlled and get a hunger for books while trying to hide it. The idea of books being illegal is very interesting, and is a valid way of seeing how people can be controlled if they are stripped of their intelligence. Overall, I believe this books is worth reading and will be more interesting the further you progress.
Reviewed by E.N., Grade 12
Casa Verdugo Library
Fahrenheit 451 is considered a classic in the science fiction genre and offers a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as censorship, intellectual freedom, and the dangers of a society devoid of critical thinking. Ray Bradbury's vivid writing style and his ability to create a bleak and oppressive dystopian world are commendable. The story raises important questions about the role of knowledge and the consequences of suppressing individuality. Readers who appreciate dystopian literature, social commentary, and philosophical exploration will likely find Fahrenheit 451 compelling. It challenges readers to reflect on the importance of preserving intellectual freedom and encourages them to question societal norms.
Reviewed by Abraham K., Grade 9
Montrose Library