Classics for Beginners discussion

Steven has volunteered to discuss this very exciting and still relevant book. It is not very long, but is powerful. I hope there is a vigorous discussion of the book.

Every book lovers nightmare!

I read this in 2016 and thinking back this book has many warning about popular culture and superficiality which in the age of Trump are becoming only too real.

What was a shame is that it was so short. I would have loved to know more about the characters.

This is one of those books that I have heard of forever, and never read... until now. I really liked the idea behind the story. It is so easy to see how something like this would start-- cross out a word, a sentence or two here and there, ban a book or two-- by the time everybody has had their say and destroyed what they don't like or don't agree with, there is nothing left for anyone. The thing I find so frightening about this book is the fact that, like The Handmaid's Tale by Atwood, these changes happen very fast-- not over lifetimes or decades-- things change in months, or maybe a few years at most. The characters in both books can remember how it was "before".

I have roughly 7,000 books in my house. The idea of having my home destroyed because of my beloved books makes me feel ill.

My edition of Fahrenheit 451 has roughly 100 pages at the end of the book that have Bradbury talking about how Fahrenheit came to be; there are a number of book reviews from the time of the book's release; and there are some journal entries by the director (Francois Truffaut) of the film made from the book. I was fascinated at the part of his journal where he talked about how "The subjects of films influence the crews that make them... right from the start of Fahrenheit 451 everybody on the unit has begun to read. There are often hundreds of books on the set; each member of the unit chooses one, and sometimes you can hear nothing but the sound of turning pages." It is funny how often we don't appreciate what we have until the possibility of losing it is brought to our attention.

I am currently reading it and am enjoying it so much that I could kick myself for not doing it before. I especially like the way you can feel the natural coldness of the formatted population.
I would like to add that I read at least one book chosen each month but never comment for the simple reason that I don’t see what I could add to all your interesting point of views. I will however correct that.

You are not alone in this. If people have already said what you feel about a book, it is difficult to see what else to day.

However, I agree with your view about the population in this book and I can remember being especially shocked by the wife. The way she felt no compunction at accusing her husband knowing what that meant for him. Shocking, but there are so many examples where this has happened, for instance in the DDR (East Germany), Korea, etc.

"You are not alone in this. If people have already said what you feel about a book, it is difficult to see what else to day."

Unfortunately, over the past year there have been threads opened when no one discussed anything. It has been very discouraging, so I am leaving threads open for discussions, but otherwise, we are not nominating/voting on any new books. Thanks for the discussion on this book.

Gisela wrote: "
However, I agree with your view about the population in this book and I..."

Her reaction didn’t shock me as much as his when he decided to show her his books. I mean they didn’t really strike me as being a real couple.

Dinou wrote: "Gisela wrote: "
However, I agree with your view about the population in this book and I..."

Her reaction didn’t shock me as much as his when he decided to show her his books. I mean they didn’t r..."

True, but I guess it also shows the deterioration of the society, if your spouse hands you in like that.

☯Emily wrote: ""You are not alone in this. If people have already said what you feel about a book, it is difficult to see what else to day."

Unfortunately, over the past year there have been threads opened when ..."
I am sorry about that Emily, because I appreciate all your efforts on behalf of the group. I sometimes find it difficult to find the times for the books which we have voted for. I try and contribute when I have something to say, but often just haven't got the time. I am sure that is the case for many in the group.

It is even more difficult when a person nominates a book and volunteers to help the discussion and you never hear from them again!

☯Emily wrote: "It is even more difficult when a person nominates a book and volunteers to help the discussion and you never hear from them again!"

That's indeed not right. Hope and don't think I have ever done that, but if I have, sorry. I now try only to vote if I actually want to read any of the books on offer, as otherwise that is misleading as to how many people might join as well.

Gisela, I don't believe you have done that either. I am not directing any of the groups' problems at you, but just trying to explain some of the many issues this group has had that has led to the current state of affairs.

☯Emily wrote: "Gisela, I don't believe you have done that either. I am not directing any of the groups' problems at you, but just trying to explain some of the many issues this group has had that has led to the c..."

No don't worry I understand. Have a nice weekend. :)