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lorraine19's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This book is a classic for a reason. Prior to reading this book, I had only heard it was about book sensorship but I think that neglects so much of this story. Yes it's about sensorship, but it is also about war, technology, human connection, and what it means to be human. Feel like that makes this book even more important.
That being said, just talking about the actual reading experience, I was a little disappointed. It feels like a big opportunity was missed by starting at the point where the main character has a change of heart instead of establishing his character before the change. It made it difficult to connect or feel anything for him. I know lots of emotions are taken out because of the environment, but even the characters that were fighting felt flat and didn't elicit the emotions I was expecting.
Overall, one I think is important and a must read for its lessons and societal impact. But not as captivating as it could have been just as a story.
That being said, just talking about the actual reading experience, I was a little disappointed. It feels like a big opportunity was missed by starting at the point where the main character has a change of heart instead of establishing his character before the change. It made it difficult to connect or feel anything for him. I know lots of emotions are taken out because of the environment, but even the characters that were fighting felt flat and didn't elicit the emotions I was expecting.
Overall, one I think is important and a must read for its lessons and societal impact. But not as captivating as it could have been just as a story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Police brutality, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cursing, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Blood, Alcohol, and War
elisabeth888's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Although this book was published over 70 years ago, its critiques continue to remain relevant to modern society. Within Fahrenheit 451, Bradbury critiques the dystopian society in which Montag lives. It is a totalitarian regime which uses anti-intelletualism, excessive violence, and the destruction of media to promote a dominate, misleading narrative.
The media that people are allowed to consume is surface-level and empty, prioritizing sensationalism rather than having a larger meaning. People, like Montag's wife, are addicted to watching screens with programs that contain no real substance and are often grisly. This feels like a prediction for modern-day algorithms which are employed to keep people addicted to media consumption.
I found Montag's character development to be very interesting to read throughout the novel. I wish we could have had more backstory for each character within the novel, especially for Clarrise and Beatty. I found these secondary characters to make great speeches throughout the novel and would have liked to hear more from them. Otherwise, I found Fahrenheit 451 to be a good read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child death, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit, Car accident, and Abortion
misty_kb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Suicide attempt
Minor: War
izzykai's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
If you like dystopians, 1984, or books about books it's definitely worth reading. And it's 190 pages, read it! 👍🏻
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Suicide attempt, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and War
ashleyserena's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Just… damn. This was a hard chew, but so important and relevant to society, even today. Especially today. I found myself holding my breath often, especially during Captain Beatty’s speech in Montag’s home, and the professor’s speech when Montag first visits his home. So many incredible quotes that’ll stay with me from this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and War
elfboy486's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is an amazing novel. Reading it for the first time, I am astounded at how prescient Bradbury was to the possible future of the world. With the number of book bans happening in the US right now and the numbing effect of constant screens screaming at us, the future depicted in this novel seems far too close for comfort.
I hate the idea of someone telling me what I can or cannot read. I have read books simply because someone in authority told me I shouldn't read it. Usually, those books were awful, and I regretted wasting my time, but that is not the point; I, and I alone, will decide what I will read.
I carry this over into my recommendations. I never tell someone to read or not read something. I say I would (or would not) recommend it. I liked it or I didn't like it for this and that reasons. Then, I let them decide.
This book I would highly recommend. It is a wonderfully thought-provoking story. There is a deeper philosophy in the story at which the author hints but doesn't explicitly state. Putting that philosophy into words/thoughts is the main exercise that I enjoyed.
I have fears of something like this coming to pass in the world. I like to think. I find it enjoyable and relaxing. The world depicted in this book, and often the world that I see around me now, is a world which has invested in a scheme to get people to stop thinking. Listen to the seashell radio. Interact with the characters on the video wall(s). Have fun. You don't need to think or have original ideas to have fun. Since this book espouses a different view of the world than ours, we find it distressing. It needs to go away. Obviously, that is best for society, because my view is best for society. We can't allow anything to exist that might be found offensive by someone.
I hate the idea of someone telling me what I can or cannot read. I have read books simply because someone in authority told me I shouldn't read it. Usually, those books were awful, and I regretted wasting my time, but that is not the point; I, and I alone, will decide what I will read.
I carry this over into my recommendations. I never tell someone to read or not read something. I say I would (or would not) recommend it. I liked it or I didn't like it for this and that reasons. Then, I let them decide.
This book I would highly recommend. It is a wonderfully thought-provoking story. There is a deeper philosophy in the story at which the author hints but doesn't explicitly state. Putting that philosophy into words/thoughts is the main exercise that I enjoyed.
I have fears of something like this coming to pass in the world. I like to think. I find it enjoyable and relaxing. The world depicted in this book, and often the world that I see around me now, is a world which has invested in a scheme to get people to stop thinking. Listen to the seashell radio. Interact with the characters on the video wall(s). Have fun. You don't need to think or have original ideas to have fun. Since this book espouses a different view of the world than ours, we find it distressing. It needs to go away. Obviously, that is best for society, because my view is best for society. We can't allow anything to exist that might be found offensive by someone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: War
Book Burningsunflower7skull's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
i thought it was okay. it was confusing for me but i liked the concept!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Genocide, Gaslighting, and War
squishy_bee's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
It's a very quotable book, but I do find it lacks nuance sometimes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Self harm, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Suicide, Violence, Car accident, Murder, and War
Minor: Child death
ellaticonstellation's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Murder, Toxic friendship, and War
matonnhermann's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicide, Suicide attempt, and War
Minor: Murder