1984, by George Orwell

    For my summer reading book I chose 1984, by George Orwell. The story takes place in an oppressive, totalitarian future world in the country of Oceania. Readers follow Winston Smith, a member of the Outer Party, a sub-group of the the Party itself, as he begins to rebel against what is deemed acceptable. Winston’s actions, along with his love affair with Julia, lead to his capture by the party and eventual torture and brainwashing at the climax of the story. 1984 is a grim, pessimistic view of the future that Orwell put forth in fear of totalitarian rule.
    I chose to read 1984 after receiving the suggestion to read it from my father. I learned the premise of the book and decided that it was an ideal book to read for my summer reading. It deals with a society that is much like our own but applies an oppressive regime upon it and creates a grim atmosphere of control and uniformity. Then it introduces a character that dares to be different and wishes to rebel against and contradict that which the Party desires and commands. This sets up the perfect character for the reader to rally behind and connect with. These characteristics are very similar to two of my favorite books, Brave New World and Fahrenheit 451. So with these characteristics paralleling books that already greatly appeal to me, 1984 was set up to be very compatible with me.
    1984 features great story telling throughout the novel. Winston is a character that is deeply emotional, easy to connect to, and easy to support. His character is that of the rebel. This alone is enough to demand an instant liking from the reader, as people naturally want to associate with and support someone who dares to defy the norm. When Winston is subjected to torture and brainwashing by O’Brien, excellent story telling is very evident, specifically in the character department. In this scene Winston’s greatest fear, something eluded to many times throughout the story, is forced upon him with the hopes of it being enough to fully change him. In the end it is enough, and O’Brien succeeds in forcing Winston to betray his lover, Julia, in order to save himself. Winston is reintegrated into society with no feelings left for Julia and complete belief and support of Big Brother and the Party. The book does not end happily, but rather with the up-riser being crushed by the ever powerful, oppressive Big Brother. This was in order to show the world that in a totalitarian rule the people who do not conform to the established norm will be beaten into place and forced into conformity. Through Winston’s ordeal, a clear message of warning and fear is portrayed through a compelling story. This fusion is evidence of truly great story telling.
    1984 is a great example of good story telling. It is a politically focused book that aimed to expose the horrors of totalitarian rule would have upon the world, all while utilizing well thought out characters and plot. Emotion runs rampant through the pages and a deep connection is established with the protagonist, Winston. With this as a base for the novel it succeeds greatly in becoming a truly great story. It has been a great pleasure to read 1984 for my summer reading book.

5 books

1. Fahrenheit 451. This book just appeals to me for some reason. It's a sci-fi book that deals with a nearly apocalyptic society much like ours and the trials of a man who dares to be different. the concept and plot just get me.

2.Lonesome Dove. this western was originally one of my moms favorite books and when i gave it a try it soon became one of my favorite books as well. the characters are so well constructed that i truly almost feel that i know them like a friend. the book being so long  feels like you're on the journey with the characters as you read through the

3. Brave New World. This book instantly grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go until i was done with the book. the futuristic society created by Huxley fascinated me as i read about a future world designed by an author in the 1930's

4. Prey. futuristic concepts seem to be a reoccuring theme in my favorite books ... Prey features a fictional, but soon to be real, application of nano-technology that goes awry. i also enjoyed another book by Chrichton, the Great Train Robbery.

5. World War Z. Zombie book. the fictional accounts of the zombie apocalypse create a vivid picture of a grim future that will (hopefully) never come about. the writing style was unique in that it features an array of accounts from different people all around the globe.

Excellence

"He saw himself in her eyes, suspended in two shining drops of bright water, himself dark and tiny, in fine detail, the lines about his mouth, everything there, as if her eyes were two miraculous bits of violet amber that might capture and hold him intact. Her face, turned to him now, was fragile milk crystal with a soft and constant light in it. It was not the hysterical light of electricity but - what? But the strangely comfortable and rare and gently flattering light of the candle. One time, as a child, in a power failure, his mother had found and lit a last candle and there had been a brief hour of rediscovery, of such illumination that space lost its vast dimensions and drew comfortably around them, and they, mother and son, alone, transformed, hoping that the power might not come on again too soon ..."
- Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

Simply put, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is one of my favorite books. In this passage I believe that Bradbury paints a wonderful description of a memory, full of emotion. As Montag looks into Clarisse's eyes, the reader is given a description, greatly utilizing imagery, that is something beyond telling a memory. In the passage, the reader is given the opportunity to experience a short glimpse into the childhood of the protagonist and experience a place of privacy, intimacy, and emotion. With this one passage Montag is given characteristics that make him feel like more than just a character, but more of a being with experiences and the feelings that go with them. In doing this he creates a character that grows with the book and one that the reader can truly make a connection with. In doing this, Bradbury has written what I believe is truly good storytelling.