Fahrenheit 451 is a classic written by Ray Bradbury. While there are some uses of harsh language, and some difficult scenes are in the book, a mature reader (I'm not going to suggest a grade or age because each person matures at a different rate) will accept that they offer context to the story as a whole–even if they are personally offense. I didn't read it till I was 25, and I'm not sure I would have appreciated it before then.

In this dystopian future, books are actively sought after to be destroyed. The only source of information, entertainment, and venue for learning is in radio and TV broadcasts which are preapproved for consumption and essentially brainwash society into thinking that their way is the only acceptable way. The story follows Guy Montag whose job it is to seek out and burn book. He has a rather "normal" life until a couple of events shake his world.

After his wife attempts suicide and a woman decides to be burnt alive with her books, Montag begins to wonder what is so special about books. Why would somebody die for them, or break the law by reading them? He would discover this and more by cracking the cover to a book he saved from the flame.

The story continues with some violence, an insightful monologue about why books became banned in the first place, a chase, a plot to overthrow the system, and a dim hope that there can be a better future.

The main themes the book is concerned with are censorship and the ability to make decisions based on the information provided–i.e. controlling people by controlling the data that they use to make their decisions.

I'd recommend reading this book, A Brave New World, 1984, the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, and the Bible and then watch the news. Ask yourself how far off a dystopian future really is, and what can still be done to avoid it.

P.S. Fahrenheit 451 was named after the temperature that paper combusts (when not directly ignited). However, the range of temperature actually varies based on many factors including composition, type, thickness, etc.

Yes, this book is for more mature readers due to the amount of cussing and a couple more scary scenes. With that in mind, for the right person who could stomach reading such things, I'd highly recommend.

It's amazing how this was written in the 50's yet couldn't describe our society as it is now any better. For example, the fictional public is growing more and more selfish, dumbed-down, murderous, without purpose, and so...dehumanized. Because of these attitudes and society's general "touchiness", one mustn't offend. Therefore, books that actually take a stand, inspire one to think and examine one's self, or would be considered controversial are all outlawed. Because of this, the fictional society is in a philisophical dark ages. Everyone is oblivious to their surroundings; no one knows anything of worth. Instead, all the public is involved in is their technology and tv's (when one takes away books, what else is there left?).

The story revolves around one main character who is trying to break out of this "norm" and find a meaning to life. His journey doesn't just start out with books, but the Bible....and one girl. To me, I found that inspiring. The Bible and the difference in our lives by living in the middle of God's Light brings a change. My life and the light inside of me makes a difference and people notice it. How might our Light bring somebody out of their dark "norm" and show them Jesus? That's just what I gained from the book and why I'd recommend it.

Spring. 2023. My HS class balked at The Tempest so the alternative was Fahrenheit 451. The group is mixed grades and only one female student. Some are church-oriented and others have no religious background from home. It's my 5th year at this with Middle School and High School classes.

I find parts of the language objectionable, as do the church-goers in the class. We skip those epithets and cringe when the other students read them aloud.

The subject matter has been quite surprising to the students. They remark often about the 70 or so years since this was composed, usually with "How did Bradbury know about this?" with wide-eyed wonder. The class has had many discussions on books, book banning, book burning and their own reading habits.

Ours is a small Christian School in north central Florida. Our community is within an hour of Orlando's theme parks and attractions. Some of the students have been to many of these and some to none.

This reading has given them all a different perspective on the world in which they will soon be in charge.

My recommendation is to read any and everything and allow the students to talk in class about the words, the concepts and their reaction and ideas. I've found that many of them are not permitted to express an opinion st home that varies with that of their caregivers. As educators we are assigned the responsibility of leading them to choose a pathway. i prefer to believe if we give them information and allow them to discuss it in a safe place their choices and decisions will produce a better world.

I was reviewing this book to be taught in our school by listening to it in audio format and found myself having to turn the volume down really low because of the amount of bad language in it. Not only that but there are also some dark scenes in the book such as his wife trying to commit suicide and the murder of his boss by lighting him on fire. Although this book is an unbelievable description of where we are today, I do not believe that it is suitable to be taught in a Christian school.