Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is set in a future dystopian society; the world is a miserable, unfeeling place.  The lives of its people revolve around thimble Seashell radios, their parlor walls, and going so fast that they have no time to appreciate life. The novel follows Guy Montag who is a fireman. Instead of putting out fires, the law requires firemen to burn any books they find and the houses in which they are found. Each day, Montag blindly follows his chief's orders and goes home to his wife, who cares more about her television “family” on the parlor walls, than him. However, his new neighbor Clarisse, introduces the idea of a world with books and where people think for themselves. He embarks on a journey to reveal the true meaning of life and transform his perspective. Fahrenheit 451’s message proves to be especially relevant today in the world of iPhones and social media.

Written by Shannon Nelson, Book Review Editor