Fahrenheight 451 by Ray Bradbury

Set in a dystopian future, Fahrenheight 451 explores the purpose of reading and literary society as a whole. Guy Montag, is a fireman whose job consists of setting fires ablaze. He spends most of his day at the fire station gambling with his coworkers and believing in the propaganda spewed by the government and his superiors. Guy goes home to his wife Mildred, who, because books were outlawed, spends her days watching television and pretending, with virtual realities, about her family.

Guy's entire life is turned upside down when, walking home, he meets one of his neighbors, a small girl who appreciates things that he never noticed before. After spending some time with her, he begins to question why books are forbidden and their value to the individual. The spark has been ignited and once he has started, Guy can not turn back. What will he do now?

This book will change your world-view and cause you to ask questions such as: What is the purpose of reading? and How do books allow us to question our reality?
- Chris, Grade 8, CSCL