What do you think?
Rate this book
Fahrenheit 451
Ray Bradbury’s 1953 novel Fahrenheit 451 is set in a dystopian society that burns books in order to control dangerous ideas and unhappy concepts. The novel tells the story of Guy Montag, a fireman who questions the book-burning policy and undergoes extraordinary suffering and transformation as a result.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2021
104 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
Ray Bradbury
2,570 books25.5k followersRay Douglas Bradbury was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.
Bradbury is best known for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950), The Illustrated Man (1951), and The October Country (1955). Other notable works include the coming of age novel Dandelion Wine (1957), the dark fantasy Something Wicked This Way Comes (1962) and the fictionalized memoir Green Shadows, White Whale (1992). He also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books. Bradbury also wrote poetry which has been published in several collections, such as They Have Not Seen the Stars (2001).
The New York Times called Bradbury "An author whose fanciful imagination, poetic prose, and mature understanding of human character have won him an international reputation" and "the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream".
Bradbury is best known for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950), The Illustrated Man (1951), and The October Country (1955). Other notable works include the coming of age novel Dandelion Wine (1957), the dark fantasy Something Wicked This Way Comes (1962) and the fictionalized memoir Green Shadows, White Whale (1992). He also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books. Bradbury also wrote poetry which has been published in several collections, such as They Have Not Seen the Stars (2001).
The New York Times called Bradbury "An author whose fanciful imagination, poetic prose, and mature understanding of human character have won him an international reputation" and "the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream".
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
February 16, 2026
An excellent, and frighteningly relevant read. I can’t help but think how it pertains to our current time and place. Bradbury himself says, in the afterward, “there is more than one way to destroy a book.” Too true. The practice of censorship, be it in selective editing of the original work or book bans is this other, frightening way. Political groups interested in censorship, such as “Moms for Liberty” deliberately lobby to censor or ban books in schools, and don’t need fire to prevent people from reading. These topics are made controversial because they make people think. They challenge the status quo, and traditionally upheld hierarchy. When thought is controversial, destruction is made inevitable. As Heinrich Heine is often quoted, “Where they burn books they will burn people as well.”
January 16, 2026
so good 😊 recommend
March 23, 2026
There are four essential books that help us make sense of our world in this third decade of the 21st century:
- Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, 1932 novel (my 5-star review). https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- George Orwell’s Animal Farm, 1945 novel.
- George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, 1949 novel (my 5-star review). https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, 1953 novel.
When I realized that I have not written reviews of two of these books, despite having read them twice before, I decided to re-read both of them and to record my impression here. What a couple of decades 1932-1953 must have been!
Fahrenheit 451 is a 1953 dystopian novel by Ray Bradbury depicting a future American society where books are outlawed and "firemen" burn any found. Before starting to read the book on a previous occasion, I came across an enjoyable and informative audiobook, An Introduction to Fahrenheit 451 (National Endowment for the Arts, 2006), which provided me with some of the background material for this review.
Book-burning, be it in the literal sense of the term or in the form of preventing publication or confiscating printed copies, has a long history. Many important religious texts, philosophical treatises, and social commentaries have been banned at one time or another, and quite a few remain banned 2+ decades into the 21st century. Bradbury writes about a futuristic American society in which books have been banned and the remaining copies are incinerated upon discovery. People no longer enjoy nature and they are glued to large TV screens most of the time.
Guy Montag, a firefighter turned book-burner, starts having doubts about his job and his world view, in part because of a free-spirited young girl, Clarisse, who befriends him. A number of disturbing events in Montag's life, including Clarisse getting killed by a speeding car, push him over the edge. Following confrontation with his boss, whom he incinerates, Montag becomes a fugitive and finds a renegade group, "the Book People," who have memorized many great books as a way of preserving them. After a televised chase and an air raid, carried out to destroy Montag and his new friends, the group moves on to search for survivors and rebuild civilization.
Bradbury wrote the first draft of this wonderful book in nine days, after he discovered that in a basement room at the UCLA library, he could rent a typewriter for 10 cents per half-hour. At the time, his home had no space for an office, so that basement room became his office. He went there with a pocketful of dimes and began typing, occasionally going upstairs to collect quotes from library books, returning to the basement to write about them. When asked which book he would choose to memorize if he were one of the Book People in his own fiction, Bradbury said that he’d choose A Christmas Carol.
- Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, 1932 novel (my 5-star review). https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- George Orwell’s Animal Farm, 1945 novel.
- George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, 1949 novel (my 5-star review). https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
- Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, 1953 novel.
When I realized that I have not written reviews of two of these books, despite having read them twice before, I decided to re-read both of them and to record my impression here. What a couple of decades 1932-1953 must have been!
Fahrenheit 451 is a 1953 dystopian novel by Ray Bradbury depicting a future American society where books are outlawed and "firemen" burn any found. Before starting to read the book on a previous occasion, I came across an enjoyable and informative audiobook, An Introduction to Fahrenheit 451 (National Endowment for the Arts, 2006), which provided me with some of the background material for this review.
Book-burning, be it in the literal sense of the term or in the form of preventing publication or confiscating printed copies, has a long history. Many important religious texts, philosophical treatises, and social commentaries have been banned at one time or another, and quite a few remain banned 2+ decades into the 21st century. Bradbury writes about a futuristic American society in which books have been banned and the remaining copies are incinerated upon discovery. People no longer enjoy nature and they are glued to large TV screens most of the time.
Guy Montag, a firefighter turned book-burner, starts having doubts about his job and his world view, in part because of a free-spirited young girl, Clarisse, who befriends him. A number of disturbing events in Montag's life, including Clarisse getting killed by a speeding car, push him over the edge. Following confrontation with his boss, whom he incinerates, Montag becomes a fugitive and finds a renegade group, "the Book People," who have memorized many great books as a way of preserving them. After a televised chase and an air raid, carried out to destroy Montag and his new friends, the group moves on to search for survivors and rebuild civilization.
Bradbury wrote the first draft of this wonderful book in nine days, after he discovered that in a basement room at the UCLA library, he could rent a typewriter for 10 cents per half-hour. At the time, his home had no space for an office, so that basement room became his office. He went there with a pocketful of dimes and began typing, occasionally going upstairs to collect quotes from library books, returning to the basement to write about them. When asked which book he would choose to memorize if he were one of the Book People in his own fiction, Bradbury said that he’d choose A Christmas Carol.
January 12, 2026
The concept of the book is interesting - set in a future where books are illegal and burned. The world in the book is more interesting than the story but there are flashes of interest such as the dinner party that reveals how shallow the people living in the Fahrenheit 451 world are. Despite being disconnected from what is really happening in the world and having access only to undisturbing content, people are deeply unhappy (but pretending to be happy) and don't know why and don't have the tools to explore it. Montag (the Protagonist) is one of those that burns books for a living but discovers his unhappiness and dangerously turns to books for answers.
For me, the author sees books as one such tool. As places where people can take their minds to interesting places, process content and decide for themselves. In essence, being able to do this isn't just about books, its about all the media we consume and also, how we choose to communicate with one other. In the novel, Bradbury describes media (such as TV) as providing superficial information or providng information and taking away the opportunity for the recipient to think by directly providing a conclusion. I think this is more prominent now with social media where short videos, Tweets and comment streams provide for very little in-depth analysis of events and ideas. People often fail to see or even ask questions that unveil the complex connection between events, systems and people. Freedom is not just about safety and security but also about freedom of thought and in a world where we are being told what to think by mainstream media - this book has many sections and quotes that are relevant today.
Overall, I enjoyed the book however, sometimes the book was hard to read with it many over-the-top metaphors. The story is not complex but the ideas are and that's why I think it's a classic.
For me, the author sees books as one such tool. As places where people can take their minds to interesting places, process content and decide for themselves. In essence, being able to do this isn't just about books, its about all the media we consume and also, how we choose to communicate with one other. In the novel, Bradbury describes media (such as TV) as providing superficial information or providng information and taking away the opportunity for the recipient to think by directly providing a conclusion. I think this is more prominent now with social media where short videos, Tweets and comment streams provide for very little in-depth analysis of events and ideas. People often fail to see or even ask questions that unveil the complex connection between events, systems and people. Freedom is not just about safety and security but also about freedom of thought and in a world where we are being told what to think by mainstream media - this book has many sections and quotes that are relevant today.
Overall, I enjoyed the book however, sometimes the book was hard to read with it many over-the-top metaphors. The story is not complex but the ideas are and that's why I think it's a classic.
January 26, 2026
Going through all the “banned” books. Great message in this one
January 6, 2026
The message of the book is important and very pertinent today, I do understand that, but I just cannot like this book. Sorry 😬. The beginning of it was SO strong, it was so interesting and I wanted to learn about the world he had set up, especially with it being so similar to our own. I just think he didn't the execute the ideas he set up well at all. And the ending was well.............I didn't like it.................
January 12, 2026
books were banned because of woke
Read
February 3, 2026Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian novel by Ray Bradbury set in a futuristic society where books are outlawed and “firemen” burn any and all books possible. The story follows Guy Montag, who just so happens to be a fireman. Throughout the novel, Guy Montag starts to feel uneasy about the emptiness of the world and starts questioning the rules he has followed his whole life.
This novel explores themes like censorship and how important access to knowledge is. This story is more so about watching someone slowly wake up and finally realize that a society without knowledge or free thought can't truly be happy. The society in this book sets bans on books to control what people think and feel. By removing books, the government limits knowledge and prevents people from second guessing authority or forming their own independent opinions.
One literary element that influenced my opinion of fahrenheit 451 is imagery. Ray Bradbury’s descriptions make the world he describes empty, uncomfortable, and ignorant. This made me understand how unhealthy society is. Usually, people would say that the people in this novel are disconnected, and the imagery shows it through the way the environment and the way they use technology are described. Overall, the imagery made the book feel more impactful and helped paint a clear visual of how their society is.
Ray Bradbury’s language style and structure help with the message of Fahrenheit 451. He uses a lot of metaphors throughout the novel. Instead of explaining ideas directly and visually, he uses things like fire and books for deeper meanings. The metaphor shows how empty and censored this society is. For example, fire is used to represent destruction as well as control, rather than just something they use to get rid of books. Mostly, Bradbury's language style makes the readers more engaged. The metaphors make readers think deeper about the purpose of the writing rather than what they read at first glance. This helped form the main idea about the importance of knowledge.
I would recommend Fahrenheit 451 to any high school student. It uses strong metaphors and language to help demonstrate the importance of knowledge. His metaphors and imagery help show how destructive and dangerous censorship can be. This makes the message even more powerful and engaging. This book encourages readers to think deeper about what they are reading and to think more about the world around them. Especially because things like censorship of knowledge are still relevant today, making it worth reading.
This novel explores themes like censorship and how important access to knowledge is. This story is more so about watching someone slowly wake up and finally realize that a society without knowledge or free thought can't truly be happy. The society in this book sets bans on books to control what people think and feel. By removing books, the government limits knowledge and prevents people from second guessing authority or forming their own independent opinions.
One literary element that influenced my opinion of fahrenheit 451 is imagery. Ray Bradbury’s descriptions make the world he describes empty, uncomfortable, and ignorant. This made me understand how unhealthy society is. Usually, people would say that the people in this novel are disconnected, and the imagery shows it through the way the environment and the way they use technology are described. Overall, the imagery made the book feel more impactful and helped paint a clear visual of how their society is.
Ray Bradbury’s language style and structure help with the message of Fahrenheit 451. He uses a lot of metaphors throughout the novel. Instead of explaining ideas directly and visually, he uses things like fire and books for deeper meanings. The metaphor shows how empty and censored this society is. For example, fire is used to represent destruction as well as control, rather than just something they use to get rid of books. Mostly, Bradbury's language style makes the readers more engaged. The metaphors make readers think deeper about the purpose of the writing rather than what they read at first glance. This helped form the main idea about the importance of knowledge.
I would recommend Fahrenheit 451 to any high school student. It uses strong metaphors and language to help demonstrate the importance of knowledge. His metaphors and imagery help show how destructive and dangerous censorship can be. This makes the message even more powerful and engaging. This book encourages readers to think deeper about what they are reading and to think more about the world around them. Especially because things like censorship of knowledge are still relevant today, making it worth reading.
March 4, 2026
I really enjoyed this book and found it to be reletivey easy to understand. The themes of censorship, instant gratification, distractions, amongst others were expressed vividly throughout the book, through at times were just dialogue rather than lessons the characters learned through action. This results in the book coming off a bit preachy, I wasn't too bothered by this as it was a short read overall but I do think teaching lessons over the course of a book through plot points is a lot more engaging than having a character directly lecture them to another. This did however allow me to annotate a book for the first time ever, and I think a book like this is good to annotate.
My biggest gripe is with the pacing as it felt like it ended a bit abruptly, though I suspect that this was due to my copy having ending notes from the author which lead me to believe there was more story than there was (the physical pages make the story seem longer than it really was). I felt that the ending was a bit unsatisfactory, their societies are crushed by war leaving Montag and the other men to rebuild with the knowledge of the burned books in their memory. Sure, this may tell the reader than in order to incite change we need to destory oppresive systems from the root, but plot-wise it felt a bit too....easy? I was hoping to see more of the rebuilding beyond just a warning to learn from the past.
Overall, a good book with a lot to say. So many of the lessons in this book can continue to be applied today, especially with AI and how we are being discouraged from thinking as well as the books being banned across the nation. I believe this novel is extremely important and through for many it may live in the shadow of George Orwells 1984, I find it to be a much more enjoyable read than the latter. Extremely important read that you can take a lot from, though the plot can be a bit disjointed at times.
My biggest gripe is with the pacing as it felt like it ended a bit abruptly, though I suspect that this was due to my copy having ending notes from the author which lead me to believe there was more story than there was (the physical pages make the story seem longer than it really was). I felt that the ending was a bit unsatisfactory, their societies are crushed by war leaving Montag and the other men to rebuild with the knowledge of the burned books in their memory. Sure, this may tell the reader than in order to incite change we need to destory oppresive systems from the root, but plot-wise it felt a bit too....easy? I was hoping to see more of the rebuilding beyond just a warning to learn from the past.
Overall, a good book with a lot to say. So many of the lessons in this book can continue to be applied today, especially with AI and how we are being discouraged from thinking as well as the books being banned across the nation. I believe this novel is extremely important and through for many it may live in the shadow of George Orwells 1984, I find it to be a much more enjoyable read than the latter. Extremely important read that you can take a lot from, though the plot can be a bit disjointed at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2026
I was excited when I heard that they did a modern movie version of this book then I heard they left out characters and plots and I'm mad. Why do a movie of a classic book and change it?!! Please don't do a movie if you don't follow the book. This is a definite classic that speaks such truth. People don't read and we are losing not just great art but viable information, ideas, culture, knowledge..,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2024
Une histoire qui résonne encore aujourd'hui, qui rappelle pourquoi les livres, pourquoi le souvenir. Si le style est parfois un peu rebutant (par exemple les appellations de machines qui n'existent pas sans plus de précision, ou certaines descriptions un peu lourdes), le récit est entraînant, et fait prendre conscience de certaines actualités.
March 22, 2026
Everything was in one ear and out the other. I retained NOTHING! Sorry for the the blasphemy of not enjoying classic literature I just was bored 😭
The subject matter of the book was interesting it was more the writing style. Andi listened to the audio book which was done by Penn Badgely. His narration was great and he should do more books but still I couldn’t stay interested.
The subject matter of the book was interesting it was more the writing style. Andi listened to the audio book which was done by Penn Badgely. His narration was great and he should do more books but still I couldn’t stay interested.
February 26, 2026
I really loved the first and second parts of this book. The concept is so interesting and it’s really well written. The third part was meh for me. I was hoping for something more magical I guess. Overall it’s a good book and an easy read.
March 5, 2026
Extremely earnest and unsubtle.
March 13, 2026
4.6⭐️
February 19, 2026
se siente muy actual lamentablemente, anestesia y control disfrazado de felicidad, hoy de “libertad”. la memoria y comunidad como respuesta.
February 12, 2026
pretty good, i see why it’s commonly taught
March 9, 2026
Fahrenheit 451 warms of a future which becomes closer to the present as every day passes. Compared to Orwell's 1984, in my opinion, this book is simply not as well written. That being said, it is still a classic in the dystopian category and I urge anyone to read it who hasn't already.
August 9, 2023
I honestly didn’t really like the book. I have been looking for sim book that brought me as much excitement as 1984 ( George Orwell)
I was recommended this book by a Waterstones worker who told me to read this instead of a brave new world.
I haven’t read a brave new world yet so I can’t really say which one I like it more.
I liked the beginning, the whole situation with the little girl was very interesting and seemed like it was going somewhere very intriguing. But she died, and I don’t really feel like this is explored enough
Idk, I didn’t really like jt, the ending was confusing and bored me.
1984 had such a mind bending ending with an impactful last line
But in this one I was just 😐
I was recommended this book by a Waterstones worker who told me to read this instead of a brave new world.
I haven’t read a brave new world yet so I can’t really say which one I like it more.
I liked the beginning, the whole situation with the little girl was very interesting and seemed like it was going somewhere very intriguing. But she died, and I don’t really feel like this is explored enough
Idk, I didn’t really like jt, the ending was confusing and bored me.
1984 had such a mind bending ending with an impactful last line
But in this one I was just 😐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2023
remember when firemen out out fires instead of starting them?
February 3, 2026
o que torna um clássico em um clássico é sua capacidade de perpetuar-se pelo tempo. assim sendo, digo que fahrenheit 451 deve ter esse título discutido de maneira diferente dos outros de mesma classe. não somente trata-se de uma narrativa fraca nos dias atuais como, no passado, eu ouso duvidar das críticas positivas a respeito dessa história. minhas duas maiores desavenças com o enredo em si se tratam, em primeiro lugar, das escolhas narrativas para desenvolvimento do debate da literatura. obviamente, por se tratar de um contexto no qual os livros eram proibidos e queimados, quando montag, nosso protagonista, arrisca-se a pegar alguns para si e refletir a respeito da utilidade deles não me fugiu ao detalhe o fato de que o primeiro livro a ter seu nome citado e, não somente, também discutido entre personagens, fosse a bíblia. uma escolha pertinente. assim como também a escolha de palavras em diálogos escritos para expor questionamentos e incitar a dúvida no leitor. a briga entre montag e as mulheres, para mim, serviu para reforçar ainda mais o porquê da escolha da bíblia como primeira abordagem pelo autor. suas opiniões conservadoras são bem claras. além disso, também há o motivo pelo qual os livros começaram a ser queimados em primeira instância: as minorias não gostaram. negros, mulheres, gays. ah, sim.
em segundo lugar, há um ódio às mulheres entrelaçado às linhas do livro, intrinsicamente ligado não somente às personagens femininas, como também a muitos dos pensamentos de nosso protagonista. o que é engraçado, considerando que mildred, esposa de montag, é imensamente mais interessante do que ele mesmo. seus ideais, seus pensamentos, seu medo, angústias... millie é fascinante. principalmente no que tange à sua tentativa de suicídio, nunca mais devidamente elaborada ou abordada ao longo da narrativa. há muitas falhas nesse livro, falo sério. quanto ao mundo, quanto aos personagens, quanto aos pensamentos do autor. mas, tudo bem, eu já estava esperando por isso quando fui ler. é um livro de 53, não sou idiota. porém, se fosse apenas isso, seria capaz de entender. o problema, acima de tudo, é que é uma história mau escrita. particularmente, não gostei nada da escrita do ray bradbury. conversas estranhas, cenas estranhas. tentei encarar tudo como uma escolha artística: era para ser estranho, meio nada a ver. porém, apesar dessa ótica se encaixar em alguns aspectos da história, em outros simplesmente não é tolerável. sinto muito, ray, mas algumas cenas que você escreveu são apenas ruins e não há o que salve. e olhe que eu tentei. se serve de consolo, pretendo ler outros livros seus para lhe dar mais uma chance. sempre há espaço para melhora. porém, cá entre nós, suspeito, justo pelo fato de que somente ouvi falar do seu fahrenheit 451, e de mais nenhum outro título, que a resposta seja óbvia.
em segundo lugar, há um ódio às mulheres entrelaçado às linhas do livro, intrinsicamente ligado não somente às personagens femininas, como também a muitos dos pensamentos de nosso protagonista. o que é engraçado, considerando que mildred, esposa de montag, é imensamente mais interessante do que ele mesmo. seus ideais, seus pensamentos, seu medo, angústias... millie é fascinante. principalmente no que tange à sua tentativa de suicídio, nunca mais devidamente elaborada ou abordada ao longo da narrativa. há muitas falhas nesse livro, falo sério. quanto ao mundo, quanto aos personagens, quanto aos pensamentos do autor. mas, tudo bem, eu já estava esperando por isso quando fui ler. é um livro de 53, não sou idiota. porém, se fosse apenas isso, seria capaz de entender. o problema, acima de tudo, é que é uma história mau escrita. particularmente, não gostei nada da escrita do ray bradbury. conversas estranhas, cenas estranhas. tentei encarar tudo como uma escolha artística: era para ser estranho, meio nada a ver. porém, apesar dessa ótica se encaixar em alguns aspectos da história, em outros simplesmente não é tolerável. sinto muito, ray, mas algumas cenas que você escreveu são apenas ruins e não há o que salve. e olhe que eu tentei. se serve de consolo, pretendo ler outros livros seus para lhe dar mais uma chance. sempre há espaço para melhora. porém, cá entre nós, suspeito, justo pelo fato de que somente ouvi falar do seu fahrenheit 451, e de mais nenhum outro título, que a resposta seja óbvia.
January 26, 2026
This was my second time listening to this book, and I enjoyed it tremendously. The simplicity of the story brings it real power and it's a world up there with 1984 and Brave New World that wouldn't feel so scary if it didn't feel so plausible.
What I appreciate about this book is extreme framing of the setting that drives important topics such as facing hard realities and discomfort as a source of living in reality and being alive. It's an angry and dark book, and there are many moments where it feels great to have someone saying the things Montag is spouting off such as "we need to be truly troubled sometimes" (something to that effect). As social media, AI, and the entertainment business only get's bigger, the soothing of the masses continues to be an important alarm.
What I missed the first time I listened to this book over 10 years ago is the subtle way it knowingly OR unknowingly sets up Academic professors as the critical link to saving humanity through their shared passion and diligence of keeping alive the memories of books. I love academia and believe professors and the whole apparatus does still have a role in society that goes beyond merely teaching students how to make money. However, the way it's framed in this story feels a little too much like 'the professors will save us all once all the stupid lemmings of everyone else kill themselves in war'. Though, Montag is no professor - so there's that.
The other thing I missed the first time I read this is how male-centric the entire story is with only 1 female who isn't a complete hypnotized nut. There is no mention of any female thinkers/writers when sharing all the "important" books being preserved. This is likely an unfair reflection on my part in some ways given that our society is in a different place than at the time of writing - but thought it is worth commenting on.
What I appreciate about this book is extreme framing of the setting that drives important topics such as facing hard realities and discomfort as a source of living in reality and being alive. It's an angry and dark book, and there are many moments where it feels great to have someone saying the things Montag is spouting off such as "we need to be truly troubled sometimes" (something to that effect). As social media, AI, and the entertainment business only get's bigger, the soothing of the masses continues to be an important alarm.
What I missed the first time I listened to this book over 10 years ago is the subtle way it knowingly OR unknowingly sets up Academic professors as the critical link to saving humanity through their shared passion and diligence of keeping alive the memories of books. I love academia and believe professors and the whole apparatus does still have a role in society that goes beyond merely teaching students how to make money. However, the way it's framed in this story feels a little too much like 'the professors will save us all once all the stupid lemmings of everyone else kill themselves in war'. Though, Montag is no professor - so there's that.
The other thing I missed the first time I read this is how male-centric the entire story is with only 1 female who isn't a complete hypnotized nut. There is no mention of any female thinkers/writers when sharing all the "important" books being preserved. This is likely an unfair reflection on my part in some ways given that our society is in a different place than at the time of writing - but thought it is worth commenting on.
March 4, 2026
Relevant today!
I can't believe I didn't read this in high school or even later; it's such a familiar title from the 20th century that I can't believe I missed it.
There's just so much in this book that resonates today though the book is now 75 years old.
Right on p. 7 the question being asked is "Are you happy?" I can't believe how many articles and studies today are focused on why Americans are so unhappy. In this book it's something to be hidden "he wore his happiness like a mask."
Well before page 50 "kids killing kids" is mentioned. In my growing up steps away from the Baltimore city line I don't remember hearing of a kid killing another kid. I knew of kids who died or got very close to it, (somebody burned part of his house out with a chemistry set Christmas gift; my brother picked up a purple worming pill that had dropped out of someone's bag from the vet and ate it, another kid fell butt first onto an upturned branch) Awful stuff, but no school shootings. The school was actually our refuge when we got under our desks to duck and cover.
When did it all start is asked and then the Civil War is referenced.
There was talk about the influence of motion pictures, which will in turn come to be our discussion of media influence.
Then there was talk of a small screen and all I could think of was the cell phone.
The prose in this book becomes surprisingly poetic at times. Sun is burning. Time is burning.
It seems to me he's losing his mind near the end. p. 141 "They know they can only hold their audience so long."
The outcasts that take him in at the end I thought at first to be hobos, but then realize they are outcasts from major universities. Intellect, intelligence is feared and to be beaten down. It's a way to control the masses.
I can't believe I didn't read this in high school or even later; it's such a familiar title from the 20th century that I can't believe I missed it.
There's just so much in this book that resonates today though the book is now 75 years old.
Right on p. 7 the question being asked is "Are you happy?" I can't believe how many articles and studies today are focused on why Americans are so unhappy. In this book it's something to be hidden "he wore his happiness like a mask."
Well before page 50 "kids killing kids" is mentioned. In my growing up steps away from the Baltimore city line I don't remember hearing of a kid killing another kid. I knew of kids who died or got very close to it, (somebody burned part of his house out with a chemistry set Christmas gift; my brother picked up a purple worming pill that had dropped out of someone's bag from the vet and ate it, another kid fell butt first onto an upturned branch) Awful stuff, but no school shootings. The school was actually our refuge when we got under our desks to duck and cover.
When did it all start is asked and then the Civil War is referenced.
There was talk about the influence of motion pictures, which will in turn come to be our discussion of media influence.
Then there was talk of a small screen and all I could think of was the cell phone.
The prose in this book becomes surprisingly poetic at times. Sun is burning. Time is burning.
It seems to me he's losing his mind near the end. p. 141 "They know they can only hold their audience so long."
The outcasts that take him in at the end I thought at first to be hobos, but then realize they are outcasts from major universities. Intellect, intelligence is feared and to be beaten down. It's a way to control the masses.
December 31, 2025
Fahrenheit 451 is a novel by Ray Badbury which was originally published October 19th, 1953. The novel is set in a dystopian and futuristic city. In this novel books are completely banned from society and if someone was caught with one "firemen" would come burn them and the house of whoever had them in their possession. The main character throughout the novel is Guy Montag who works as a fireman burning books. After meeting Clarisse, a young girl who makes Montag look at things in the world other than what's directly in front of him. Guy Montag decides he wants to change things and help people like Faber, a former English teacher keep books. Montage rebels against Captain Beatty, Captain of the fire department and works with Faber to conduct a plan to work against the fire department. Montags somewhat unfaithful wife eventually gets worried she'd be punished for the things Montag was up to and turn him into the fire department. My personal favorite part of the book was probably when Mildred turns Montag in and he realizes this was probably the most eventful part of the novel. Overall I think the novel could've had more to it the author didn't provide much of an ending Montag sort of just escapes into the woods and finds people like him. I also feel like we don't get insight into any characters but Montag throughout the novel. I would suggest this book to anyone who's super into books or dystopian novels.
March 24, 2026
I had to read this book for my English class, and unfortunately, I did not finish it. I normally suffer through books I don't like because I hate leaving things unread, but I didn't find it necessary to finish the rest of this book for the projects in my class.
That being said, I understand the purpose and intent of this book, especially since it was created during the Cold War. However, I just find it generally boring and uninteresting. I feel like the pacing is very slow in some parts where there’s not much happening, and then randomly sped up to get some scenes over with. I also feel as though there wasn’t much of a climax. It felt like exposition the entire way through with a very tiny hill in the middle for a climax. I must say though that I got through a good 8/10ths of the book, so I did not read the ending, and therefore don’t know how the closure is.
I also feel that the characters in this book are very 2D and lack humanity. I understand that being a dystopian novel, this probably was intended, but it comes off to me as not very thought-through.
I also think that Montag’s character development feels very unnatural and is basically told what to believe throughout the novel.
Overall, I don’t think the book is horrible, it’s just not my taste. I understand its purpose and theme and can recognize the intention behind it, but I feel like it wasn’t executed well. I went into this book excited and hoping for a good read, but unfortunately, I didn’t find that. I hope you think the book is better than I did.
That being said, I understand the purpose and intent of this book, especially since it was created during the Cold War. However, I just find it generally boring and uninteresting. I feel like the pacing is very slow in some parts where there’s not much happening, and then randomly sped up to get some scenes over with. I also feel as though there wasn’t much of a climax. It felt like exposition the entire way through with a very tiny hill in the middle for a climax. I must say though that I got through a good 8/10ths of the book, so I did not read the ending, and therefore don’t know how the closure is.
I also feel that the characters in this book are very 2D and lack humanity. I understand that being a dystopian novel, this probably was intended, but it comes off to me as not very thought-through.
I also think that Montag’s character development feels very unnatural and is basically told what to believe throughout the novel.
Overall, I don’t think the book is horrible, it’s just not my taste. I understand its purpose and theme and can recognize the intention behind it, but I feel like it wasn’t executed well. I went into this book excited and hoping for a good read, but unfortunately, I didn’t find that. I hope you think the book is better than I did.
January 4, 2026
This book was awfully written by an awful man, first of all, the pacing was some of the worst I've ever seen, the first two parts of buildup were 100 pages of filler. The exact same point could have been made in half the number just as effectively and then the climax was rushed and then it slowed down again too much for the ending which was boring and felt unfinished.
No character had any development other than .
It was also confusing, there were so many metaphors and quotes it felt like a chore to read, the what felt like endless monologs from characters that had little to do with the story other than to move it along.
The ending wasn't even good, .
If I wasn't required to read this I wouldn't have gotten to part two. This should not be the classic that it is, its undeserved.
No character had any development other than .
It was also confusing, there were so many metaphors and quotes it felt like a chore to read, the what felt like endless monologs from characters that had little to do with the story other than to move it along.
The ending wasn't even good, .
If I wasn't required to read this I wouldn't have gotten to part two. This should not be the classic that it is, its undeserved.
January 15, 2026
Fahrenheit 451's main character is a firefighter who burns books that have been forbidden. These books are known to be the source of all negative emotions, like unhappiness. While going on with his daily life, he feels he is feeling unhappy. That is when he starts to question, "Is there a book hidden in his house?" It is quite absurd that a firefighter who burns books is feeling unhappy after all. It might just be due to the presence of a book.
The world of Fahrenheit 451 is intriguing yet tragic. The firefighters who believe they are preventing unhappiness burn books without thinking about multiple aspects. They are manipulated into believing the false. Tag along as Montag begins as he discovers the truth behind books and why they are burnt, and what his course of actions afterward will be.
The world of Fahrenheit 451 is intriguing yet tragic. The firefighters who believe they are preventing unhappiness burn books without thinking about multiple aspects. They are manipulated into believing the false. Tag along as Montag begins as he discovers the truth behind books and why they are burnt, and what his course of actions afterward will be.
March 16, 2026
Fahrenheit 451 follows the story of Guy Montag, a firefighter whose job is not to put out fires but to burn books. As he starts to question the world around him, he slowly realizes how much knowledge and freedom have been lost.
This book definitely conveys an important message. The vivid imagery and symbolism throughout show the consequences of censorship and a culture that prioritizes entertainment over critical thought.
However, the writing style is a bit confusing at times. Additionally, some parts of the story move quickly without fully exploring certain ideas or characters. While the themes are strong, the narrative itself is sometimes hard to stay engaged with.
Overall, while it wasn’t particularly for me, I would still recommend it to everyone simply due to its relatability to the current situation of the world.
This book definitely conveys an important message. The vivid imagery and symbolism throughout show the consequences of censorship and a culture that prioritizes entertainment over critical thought.
However, the writing style is a bit confusing at times. Additionally, some parts of the story move quickly without fully exploring certain ideas or characters. While the themes are strong, the narrative itself is sometimes hard to stay engaged with.
Overall, while it wasn’t particularly for me, I would still recommend it to everyone simply due to its relatability to the current situation of the world.
March 19, 2026
Clàssic molt recomanat. És aparentment curt i de lectura fàcil, però en realitat et convida a imaginar, a construir i, sobretot, et remou per dins. El vaig llegir per primer cop fa dos anys i em va sorprendre com l’autor, fa més de 70 anys, havia capturat amb tanta precisió la nostra realitat. Rellegir-lo ara ha estat encara més impactant: torna a semblar que estava anticipant el futur.
És una lectura ideal pel metro, perquè et desperta una barreja de ràbia, impotència i aquella sensació incòmoda que "everyone wants a village but no one wants to be the villager". He penjat moltes frases que m’han semblat especialment potents.
Se m’ha trencat la tapa, però si algú el vol, el deixo sense problema :)
És una lectura ideal pel metro, perquè et desperta una barreja de ràbia, impotència i aquella sensació incòmoda que "everyone wants a village but no one wants to be the villager". He penjat moltes frases que m’han semblat especialment potents.
Se m’ha trencat la tapa, però si algú el vol, el deixo sense problema :)
February 20, 2026
This was solid! I didn’t get to read this in HS but definitely so glad I got to it now - especially now! This is another dystopian book in a world where truths are manipulated and the knowledge and material that people consume is controlled by the governing power. It’s a story about resistance within the power the we have - a reminder that small acts of rebellion now could lead to real change in the future. Definitely more of a hopeful ending than my other dystopian, government control reads (1984, Animal Farm) so I appreciated the optimism.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews