BOOK REVIEW: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

I have been trying to figure out why I waited so long to read this classic novel. Furthermore, why wasn't I pushed to read it as a teenager, or college student?

Perhaps it was fate that I wait until 2016 to read this book (the last day of the year, even!), because it explains the world and politics of the era.

The zeitgeist of the election cycle had me in an abysmal mood; there has been so much hatred and violence. However, this book has invigorated my willingness to stand up to the bullies of the world.

Imagine living like Guy Montag, in a world where books are banned, and dull television shows are the medium of choice. There are no opinions, only basic prattle, which is controlled by media.

To me, that is hell, as it soon becomes to Montag after he meets Clarisse, who has opened his eyes to the real world. One does not experience life without having felt the earth, been hurt by others, or felt (and lost?!) love.

Imagine having your home burned down because you dared to own a book, dare to read and have a mind of your own?

Montag's struggle with the thought of culture creating the same person/thoughts/feelings felt familiar to me, and it's because of how I have felt after the 2016 presidential election.

In the past, Montag did not speak up for others, or question why the government burned books. After his awakening, he tries to make a difference and illuminate the minds of others. This has called me into action to speak about the atrocities of others.

WHAT I LIKED: The premise was great, and made me think about the notion of fake news. What would happen if Americans would fact check the information they read instead of turning it into entertainment? Furthermore, books teach us about history so we can avoid the travesties of the past. Perhaps, Americans should be reading more by historians and experts rather than following the advice of all the entertainers in the world who have less academic knowledge.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: Not much. Some parts of the book were hart to follow--the language is not as clear as many contemporary books of today. However, that lends itself credibility, because we have to think about the message and how much we want change rather than be told we have to change.

Message received.

RATED: 5 Stars

NOTE: This review is also posted on Goodreads. Additionally, I bought and paid for the book on my own, and did not receive any compensation for this review.