The Illustrated Man, by Ray Bradbury

The Illustrated Man is one of acclaimed author Ray Bradbury's many literary accomplishments. It is a complilation of eighteen short stories set in dystopian plots that serve to dig deeper in human elements such as power, authority, psychology, and much more. These stories are all connected as being the tattoos on an illustrated man's body, who apparently possesses multiple pieces of body art that symbolize tales and stories with different lessons and values. In "The Highway", Bradbury explores how people react to a nuclear war allegedly ending the world. "Marionettes, Inc." puts a wicked twist on a sticky situation in a married couple in which one spouse tries to escape the other spouse, but this time meets a detrimental surprise. "The Man" delves into the human tendency to find religious purpose and comfort in life. All in all, each and every short story in The Illustrated Man explores a new topic in humanity in the most creative, unexpected manner. Undoubtedly, this book is entertaining, eery, and sure to make you think!

As a fan of Ray Bradbury's literature, I definitely enjoyed The Illustrated Man. His short stories are written in such a simple manner but convey so much food for thought that they truly require some consideration and reflection. I love the creativity behind each and every story in this compilation of works, as they are all so different but similar in the fact that they wake you up and lead you to realize certain aspects of human nature. My favorite short story would have to be "The Man", as well as "The City". The best part of this book is that it is written as multiple short stories, the pages fly by fast and before you know it, you have finished explored the tales of The Illustrated Man!

-Reviewed by P.P., grade 11.