It is finally time to discuss the book. Let's begin . . .
Montag turns to books to rescue him; instead they help demolish his life -- he loses his wife, job and home; he kills a man and is forced to be a nomad. Does he gain any benefits from books? What is Ray Bradbury trying to say? Maybe we would all be better off if we just burned our books. What do you think?
A very poignant scene in Fahrenheit 451 occurs when Guy Montag realizes how valuable he and his displaced companions are because of their ability to recall certain works of literature. These men no longer represented themselves as independent beings, but rather themselves as a literary work.
The Literate Nerd Society was asked what book they would be able to recall most completely if a situation like the one portrayed in Fahrenheit 451 were to occur. The Literate Nerds, like many of you, were able to choose the book they would represent with little hesitation. Feel free to tell us which book you would be.
In just 2 weeks scheduled discussions on Fahrenheit 451 will begin. Have you had a chance to read the book? If not, stop by any public library in the county (or the college library) to borrow a copy of Fahrenheit 451.
The first discussion will be held on Tuesday, February 13 at the White Mountain Library. This discussion will include a viewing of the 1966 movie Fahrenheit 451 with a discussion of the book and movie to follow. Events begin at 5:30 p.m. with pizza.
Other Scheduled Events
Tuesday, February 20, Movie (Fahrenheit 451), Pizza, & Discussion
5:30 p.m. at the White Mountain Library
Thursday, February 22, Book Discussion
7:00 p.m. at the Sweetwater County Library (in Green River)
Tuesday, February 27, "A Burning Discussion" Panel
7:00 p.m. at WWCC, Rm 1302
Wednesday, February 28, Book Discussion
12:00 noon at WWCC, Hay Library
Wednesday, February 28, Book Discussion
7:00 p.m. at the Farson Library
Monday, March 5, Book Discussion
7:00 p.m. at the Rock Springs Library
In addition, we will soon be posting questions on this blog to be discussed online. Keep checking back!
Just who is Ray Bradbury? Find out by visiting the author's official website at www.raybradbury.com
The Literate Nerd Society staged a book burning on January 10, 2007. In this podcast Aaron Volner, a member of LNS, expounds on the very complex emotions he experienced after the book burning. Those of you who have read Fahrenheit 451 may notice some startling similarities between Aaron's emotions and those of 451 protagonist, Guy Montag.
1. It's a great story that quickly captures your interest.
2. The issues in Fahrenheit 451 are as real today as when they were written over 50 years ago, maybe even more so.
3. Be in "the know." Your friends and neighbors are currently reading Fahrenheit 451. Your friends and neighbors will be discussing Fahrenheit 451 in February. Don't be left in the dark. Be ready to join in the conversation by reading the book.
4. At 190 pages it is a quick read. You could read it in a weekend, especially now that your favorite football team is out of the playoffs.
5. As Dr. Seuss said: "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." Fahrenheit 451 is guaranteed to take you places. If you don't believe us, read the book and see.
Remember, copies of the book can be picked up at any public library in the county and at the college library. They can also be purchased from local bookstores.
