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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
51 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
Ray Bradbury
2,559 books25.3k 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".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 22, 2026
An excellent, and frighteningly relevant read. I can’t help but think how it pertains to our current timeframe. As the author says in the afterward “there is more than one way to destroy a book”. The practice of censorship, be it in editing or book bans is this other, relevant way. Groups like “Moms for Liberty” that deliberately lobby to censor or ban books in schools is clear example, and don’t need fire to do so. These topics are made controversial because they make people think, and when thought is controversial destruction is inevitable. As Heinrich Heine is often quoted, “Where they burn books they will burn people as well.”
January 16, 2026
so good 😊 recommend
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
July 31, 2023
I read this book in late 2021 or early 2022 for a class assignment. I had heard of the book before so I was so excited to read it. The book was confusing, random, and I felt there was no lesson to be learned or gained from reading it. I felt like as though there was so much potential. "It was a pleasure to burn" was too good of a hook to be wasted like that. Interpretation is my favorite part of reading, but I simply couldn't interpret or understand what the author was trying to say.
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 9, 2026
This book has something to say. Don't read it for the characters (they are minimally developed) or the world-building (you'll have to do the legwork there) or the narrative (I spent the first bit wondering if this was a Beatnik novel because it felt like the narrator was supposed to be drunk, though it did eventually pick up). Read it because it will give you a visceral gratitude that you are ABLE to read it. Its themes feel more relevant than ever.
January 26, 2026
Everything happens quicker, faster, more so. Anything to stop from thinking for themselves for even a moment. From the outside there is both the liberating feeling of knowledge and the bliss of acceptance. Two sides which both appeal. and yet, in the real world, should we succumb to being mindless robots, our lives lose all value. But do we even want that value with the burden that comes with knowledge? (2023)
December 9, 2025
good if you are into white men with fantasies of teens
literally just another copy of the stereotypical 20th century dystopian books. u read one and you have read them all.
language was good sometimes though, like at the end. everything else is just basically do andrioids dream of electric sheep or orwell
literally just another copy of the stereotypical 20th century dystopian books. u read one and you have read them all.
language was good sometimes though, like at the end. everything else is just basically do andrioids dream of electric sheep or orwell
January 25, 2026
this book as banned and I can see why.
the interpretation of the character only speaking the same sentences with no correlation to each other was caught on by me early because the girl that reads was finally making sense! if thats not a good conveying, then idk what is.
also, the characters in this were kinda schizophrenic don't u think? lols.
the interpretation of the character only speaking the same sentences with no correlation to each other was caught on by me early because the girl that reads was finally making sense! if thats not a good conveying, then idk what is.
also, the characters in this were kinda schizophrenic don't u think? lols.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2026
At first, I was a bit skeptical as the beginning of the book felt incoherent. But as I read on, to me, it felt like Montag's mind was slowly breaking away and near the end, the book eventually became coherent. Which, in my opinion, was a nice detail. All in all, I enjoyed the book.
January 26, 2026
I love and hate dystopian books so much. I connect to the many themes of this book but it also makes me dread the future, and fills me with so much anxiety. That last part isn’t really a fault of the book though.
July 4, 2024
Te transporta a un mundo distópico (o no tanto) donde nadie lee porque es ilegal. Todo lo que ocurre alrededor de esta prohibición y como leer se vuelve un acto revolucionario y rebelde es hermoso.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2025
“There must be something in books, something we can’t imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don’t stay for nothing.”
December 20, 2025
Man, I am very dissatisfied after reading this, it’s definition of mediocre. I wish story was actually concluded properly and author didn’t blame minorities in book itself and outside of it.
December 23, 2025
one of the first books that got me into reading!
December 27, 2025
I’ve been sleeping on this book omg!! gonna throw out my phone brb
December 30, 2025
A MUST read, especially for teens!
January 12, 2026
books were banned because of woke
January 15, 2026
La temperatura a la cual el papel de los libros empieza a arder. Un clásico imprescindible.
January 27, 2026
Intressant för min del just den aspekten i hur huvudkaraktären bokstavligen behöver lära sig att kunna tänka.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews