Clubs Books

I do not want to tell much of the story, as the unfolding is part of the intrigue. However now that houses are fire proof the purpose of firemen is performing a service by burning books to maintain the happy social order.

Naturally one fireman goes awry after several emotional incidences from someone burning up with the books to a young neighbor with strange ways, which run counter to his carrier. This leads to all kinds of deviant things like reading. What are you doing now?

One big rift between the book and the movie [Fahrenheit 451 (1966) -- Oscar Werner, Julie Christie] is that in the movie the "written word" was completely removed (even from the credits); where as in the book the state was against was literature and not technical writing.

Books are just symbols of ideas that could have been on the screen also. There is deference between training and education. Among other reasons the book was a symbol of one mans superiority over another in a world of equals.

Montag is a fireman, whose main duty is not extinguishing fires, but starting them: he burns books. In Ray Bradbury's vision of the future, social order and peace are maintained through the suppression of thought and through inundating the populace with mindless trivia and frivolous television. This is a variation of Karl Marx's "religion is the opiate of the masses" idea: "absorption in trivia is the opiate of the masses." The fireman, Montag, runs into a problem when a neighbor girl, who loved books and their ideas, disappears. Montag begins to hoard books himself, and his world begins to fall apart as his mind opens up to new but dangerous ideas.

Bradbury has addressed, in many of his short stories, the idea that television, commercialism, and trivia, if allowed to overwhelm reading and thoughtful debate, will lead to a stable but stagnant and mindless society. In "Fahrenheit 451," this theme reaches its full and bleak expression. Montag is a hero who strives against social order in order to restore life to the minds of its people. Ray Bradbury tends to be melancholy in his writing, but no one writes better, and he is unafraid to tackle any subject. "Fahrenheit 451" is named after the ignition temperature of books; it is a masterpiece of speculative fiction and, in a very quiet way, a true horror story.

I taught "Fahrenheit 451" as the example of a dsytopian novel in my Science Fiction class, although it is certainly one of the most atypical of that particular type of narrative discourse. Compared to such heavyweight examples as George Orwell's "1984," Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World," Yevgeny Zamiatin's "We," Ray Bradbury's imaginative meditation on censorship seems like light reading. But the delicious irony of a world in which firemen start fires remains postent and the idea of people memorizing books so they will be preserved for future generations is compelling. Of course, there have been more documented cases of "book burning," albeit in less literal forms, since "Fahrenheit 451" was first published in 1953, so an argument can be made that while all the public debate was over how close we were the Orwellian future envisioned in "1984," it is Bradbury's little parable that may well be more realistic (especially in terms of the effects of television).

The novel is based on a short story, "The Fireman," that Bradbury published in "Galaxy Science Fiction" in 1951 and then expanded into "Fahrenheit 451" two years later. However, those who have studied Bradbury's writings caw trace key elements back to a 1948 story "Pillar of Fire" and the "Usher II" story from his 1950 work "The Martian Chronicles." Beyond that, there is the historical record of the Nazis burning books in 1933. The story is of a future world in which everyone understands that books are for burning, along with the houses in which they were hidden. Guy Montage is a fireman who has been happy in his work for ten years, but suddenly finds himself asking questions when he meets a teenage girl and an old professor.

"Fahrenheit 451" is not only about censorship, but also about the inherent tension in advanced societies between knowledge and ignorance. Reading this novel again I am reminded about Pat Paulsen's editorial on the old "Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" (a series well acquainted with the perils of censorship) about how we might enjoy freedom of speech in this country but we do not enjoy freedom of hearing because "there is always the danger of something being said." Censorship, in practical terms, is the effort of those who do not want others to hear what they find offensive, for whatever reasons, basically because it leads to people thinking thoughts they do not want them to be thinking. Through the rambling diatribes of Captain Beatty, Bradbury makes this point quite clear to his readers.

Even though this is essentially a novella, Bradbury's work retains the charm of a short story. The recurring use of animal imagery throughout the story, the use of the mythic ideas of the salamander and the phoenix, make "Fahrenheit 451" more poetic than any other dystopian work. Even if it is predominantly a one note argument regarding censorship, it is impossible to deny that Bradbury makes a clear and convincing case for his position. Besides, there is something to be said for any work that insures that beyond the point at which water freezes the only other recognizable number on the Fahrenheit scale is the point at which book paper starts to burn.

Big hearted Jim falls in love with Hilda, a Swedish blonde, but he losses her from his life. Jim the hazel eyed, college student, shows what he can do with real life dating. Based on a true story, a life filled with more ladies than he knew what to do with. How a man can get away with murder with the ladies, is a very strong message coming across. No neeed to spoil the ending.

A very funny, witty, and charming love story.

FOR A FICTION ROMANCE NOVEL IT WAS VERY NICE TO READ. IT WAS SO GOOD THAT I WOULDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEM READING IT AGAIN TO EXPERIENCE THE JOY AND LOVE IN THE STORY. IT WAS DOWN TO EARTH, AND THE PEOPLE MAKE YOU THINK IT WAS REALLY HAPPENING. THE COUPLE GO THEIR SEPERATE WAYS, BUT JIM IS SO STRONG AND DETERMINED TO WIN, HILDA, THE SWEDISH BLONDE BACK. HIS FIRST TRUE LOVE WAS ALL HE HAD. WITH THAT IN MIND HE KEEPS THE FAITH IN HIMSELF, THAT HE IS STRONG ENOUGH TO FIGHT HIS WAY BACK TO THE LOVE HE ONCE KNEW.

An overall good story, very enjoyable, an interesting read. I recommend this book.

The lessons learned by the characters in the book apply to all of us, child and adult alike. You'll enjoy it, and maybe never look at your family and friends the same way again.

The "Far-Away Hearts Club" is a delightful, heartwarming, and entertaining read. This book will make you think more about your relationships...its beautiful imagery and descriptive language makes it a compelling and powerful story.

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A critically important contribution to African-American Father-Son relationships from the heart of a Dad who was raised by a single parent mom in inner city Philadelphia. I'd recommend this book to the whole family as well as any son, especially an "at risk" youth. Each of the 20 chapters presents a father-to-son perspective on earthy life issues in clear, concise narratives, with reasonable discretion and frank integrity...

*** Guns *** Gangs *** Drugs *** The Law *** Homosexuality *** Communication *** Problems & Struggles *** Friendship *** Religion *** Mothers *** Health & Fitness *** Hygiene *** Sex *** The Game *** Tenets *** Education *** Ethnic Origin *** Life & Death *** Words to Live By *** F.Y.I./Poetry ***

The "Father to Son" keynote poem will be an award winner. Reginald Bullock has been there, and his personal troubles-to-triumphs guided tour will inspire more successes.

Reggie is a very powerful writer with the ability to communicate to all ages at the same time. His knowledge and background gives him a flexibility that is very unique. Almost like James Bond, only with an urban flavor. I have read many books in my time, and most writers skirt the truth when it comes to some of the subjects Reggie has chosen; however, this book hits the nail square on the head. I would recommend better critics than myself to read the book and write a review. I see big things happening for this man.

Each chapter in the book is a lesson in itself. OPRAH needs to have this guy on TV for the world to learn from. He hits all the problems straight on and pulls no punches. So many teenagers and single parent mothers need to read this book.

I must admit to you that I haven't finished the book yet as I am a slow reader, it takes me about 6 minutes per page and I read each page 4 times. I am considering paying a friend to read it and record it onto tape, but I figure he'll just skip chapters and screw me out of my money. All that aside this is a thought provoking novel that promotes self-reflection in a time that is futuristic, but not too dissimilar with our own. Oh hell, I'm just joshin' ya, I have no friggin clue what the author is talkin' about. That guy is way out there ... in a good way!

I must admit to you that I haven't finished the book yet as I am a slow reader, it takes me about 6 minutes per page and I read each page 4 times. I am considering paying a friend to read it and record it onto tape, but I figure he'll just skip chapters and screw me out of my money. All that aside this is a thought provoking novel that promotes self-reflection in a time that is futuristic, but not too dissimilar with our own. Oh hell, I'm just joshin' ya, I have no friggin clue what the author is talkin' about. That guy is way out there ... in a good way!

I had to read this book for a course of mine in comparative literature, and so wasn't looking forward to reading it. I was so surprised! It was exciting, entertaining, witty... I could go on-- I have since read it again, and kept my copy of it. It's sort of like "Pulp Fiction" meets sci-fi, but darker and at the same time funnier. Even though it's sort of short, it's definitely worth the money.

Feeling Good For Life manages to explain the most current research on the connection between mood and exercise--but without being over the head of a casual reader interested in getting in shape and putting some new focus into the daily routine. Mr. Salazar's passion for the subject is evident...and judging by the illustrations of his exercise techniques that accompany the step-by-step planner, he practices what he preaches! An upbeat and practical first effort.

Feeling Good For Life by psychologist and certified personal trainer Marcos Salazar offers the reader a diet and exercise system for significantly improved health and demonstrably better muscle tone that will substantially help to overcome the darkness of depression and enjoy life to the fullest. Individual chapters address the benefits of incorporating aerobics, weight training, proper nutrition, and much more into one's life. An excellent and thoughtful guide to personal improvement, Feeling Good For Life is recommended reading for anyone seeking to improve their physical and mental well being.

I had never encountered a book before which specifically addresses the relationship between depression and exercise in a clear and fun format- anyone feeling a bit low or anyone looking to figure out exactly why they feel so great when they are exercising regularly should grab a copy of the book! I particularly found the photos in the back depicting the author performing various weight baring exercises to be an excellent template for my own training. (He's pretty damn hot too!)

This story is about a woman by the name of Mrs.Kemmer,and she was about Thirty five years of age. She has a young child around three years of age,and goes by the name Annabel. Mrs.Kemmer had to go on a business trip to Mexico, So she had the five girls by the names of Leslie,Kimberely,Lila,Ellen,and Jessica watch Annabel while she went on the trip to mexico. Mrs.Kemmer left for Mexico and everything was going great until... about nine o' clock p.m. when the girls got a phone call from Mrs. Kemmer she had some horiable news she was stranded in mexico and, the girls had to keep little Annabel a secret,Because her mother and father had just got a divorce and he wanted to have Annabel.Then she found a way home and they all lived happily ever after.

Ellen Riteman,The president of the Unicorns and the other Unicorns babysit this neighbor of theirs when their real babysitter goes off and gets married.Ellen keeps it a secret from her parents.It turns out fine.

There was a lot of excitement. You never knew what was going to happen next

I am a high school English teacher, constantly in search of books my reluctant readers (mostly males) will read. This is one of them! Written in an easygoing style, and with lots of first person accounts (and neat pictures!), this book is very accessible to anyone interested in planes and/or the military. One of the great things about this book is that it teaches history in a much more entertaining fashion - by talking to the people who actually help shape it. I will gladly add MULTIPLE COPIES of this to my shelf at school!

Just finished the book. The authors style makes for an easy read that makes you feel he is talking directly with you. He speaks their language and gives the reader an inside look at the inner circle of the elite group of today's fighter pilots, and those who flew in wars past. Since the author has flown several of the planes he writes about,i.e. the P-51, F-16, the comparison of their flight characteristics puts you into the cockpit. Included are many other behind the scenes flight stories from other pilots, that you won't find in the other books. This one is unique.

Great book. Being a pilot myself, I shy away from anything but first-hand accounts of flying; you never know what you're going to get. This book, written by a fighter pilot, reads like a conversation with the guys who were there. It's obvious that the author knows his stuff and went out of his way to talk to other guys like him. Neat accounts of the tactical reconnaissance mission and flying many of the worlds greatest planes. In the intro, the author says to "belly up to the bar...and enjoy the stories". I sure did. Learned a few things too!

This book will help. It should be required reading for all dog novices, especially older children. It's well written, the action flows along as the reader accompanies Flynn, who was born under an unlucky star, on his adventures. Through human ignorance and heartlessness, the canine protagonist is forced to embark on an odyssey that ultimately leads to a happy ending. - Flynn, of course, is a symbol for many dogs, misunderstood, rejected, and thoughtlessly thrown to an uncertain fate. In the end, he was taken in by a kind and knowledgeable human. Most discarded dogs aren't so lucky.

A book about a dog? Riiight! While this little gem of a read is the story of a dog's view of life, it is really about us. It's about our selfish insensitivities to the other 99% of the creatures we're lucky enough to share the planet with. Would that we all could express the gentle humor that the title character does to comment on the joys, confusions,cruelties, and the smells--Oh, the incredible smells--of his life. Sure, the lessons about how to be a decent dog owner are there, but read this book for the understated fresh view of life. I hope to see more of Shannon Fox soon.

'Flynn' is a fast-paced, inspirational and educational account of the early years of a plucky dog who survives what is today all-too-common and accepted treatment at the hands of humans. Flynn's experiences are woven so as to combine many of today's society's attitudes (the best and worst) toward family pets. Cleverly written in the first-canine point of narrative, with interspersed human dialog, Flynn's story flows suspensefully through ups and downs. While the events described in 'Flynn' offer meaningful reminders for pet owners, and should serve as an awakening for the inexperienced or unacquainted individual, perhaps the book's greatest contribution can be its impact on the young generation - those who are impressionable and frequently learn their attitudes toward animals from ignorant adults. Flynn has come running along just in time to broaden and enlighten the attitudes of those who have only ever known to treat animals as disposable property. The images and characters depicted in 'Flynn' reveal the author's background and demonstrate her qualifications for such a work; Flynn is our gently authoritative instructor, our quirky and adventurous traveller. We learn from his experiences. The well-developed characters of his family, friends, and antagonists serve as poignant learning tools which extend well beyond the final page. The reciprocity and rewards of informed and passionate human-canine communicaton and bonding is, I believe, the dominant theme of this book. It should be required reading in every middle school.

I have read the book, cover to cover several times. It is amazing. Joe writes very well. This is one book everyone should own. Tell your friends.

Hi, I'm another Joe Peacock, author of the Mentally Incontinent website and book, as well as other projects and books. I'm not the guy who wrote this particular book, just for clarity's sake.

I will say that I was a bit suprised when I went to go register my books with Amazon and saw this book already in the system with my name on it, espeically since it's not one of my books. "Joe Peacock" isn't exactly a common name. Because of that, I had to check it out.

Fantastic work, other Joe! The poetry is deep and emotional, and the metaphors used are not kitchy or cliche. You've put together a great body of work here, sir.

Haven't read the book, but I know Joe. Buy the book. Take it home. Read it. Highlight the good parts. Tell your friends.