Banned Books Week 2020, Fahrenheit 451

"The magic is only in what books say. How they stitched the patches of the universe together into one garment for us. "~Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

Today we are talking about Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Originally published in the fall of 1953, I dare say that this novel is probably the token poster book of banned books week. Why? Well because this book in and of itself is about the banning and censorship of books. The reason as to why this book was challenged, censored, and banned throughout many schools and libraries was because of language, religious concerns, smoking, and violent themes.

I first read this book several years ago, and I know I am in dire need of a reread of it, but I remember that book being heavily, undoubtedly, and utterly, ironic. Banning a book about banning books? Not quite in the same literal sense because they burned books in the story, but similar themes of course. I thought it was a great story about transformation and how we don’t have to stay limited by the beliefs that we’ve been conditioned too. Just because something is taught to you or because something is told to be right, does not always mean that it is. This book was about changing one’s perspective, finding what they truly believe in, and living by that no matter the concerns or consequences. I can see where that can be heavy stuff for some people to read, but if the book calls to you, it calls to you. All in all, I thought it was a great story and I definitely recommend it if you want a dystopian novel that similarly to 1984, touches on subject matter that is not too farfetched from common reality.

Here is one more quote from this beloved novel to end this segment with:

"That's the wonderful thing about man: He never gets so discouraged or disgusted that he gives up doing it all over again, because he knows very well it is important and worth the doing."

Thanks for reading!