Fahrenheit 451 first section

When I first started reading this book, I was having a hard time keeping up and figuring out what was going on, mostly because everything in this book is different from things now. But, as I got in to it and got used to it I began to like it more and I'm actually looking forward to reading the next section.

The first thing that struck me in this book was Bradbury's use of description and detail when he was describing Clarisse. He says her eyes were "two miraculous bits of violet amber that might capture and hold him intact." I could immediately picture her as he continued describing everything from the light in her eyes to the whiteness of her face. 

When I first started this book I had no idea that the firemen didn't put out fires but that they started them. I especially didn't know that they burned books so I was a little confused and surprised when I realized this, but later on I began to understand their reason for burning books. 

I don't know what it is about Clarisse, but I really liked her character and found myself a little sad when I realized she died, even though I'd only "known her" for a few pages. The fact that she's not afraid to stand out and question things even when that's unacceptable in her society makes me admire her guts to just do what she wants. 

One thing I noticed about this society is the impersonal-ness and how "disposable" people are to each other. When Clarisse died, it was no big deal. Same for the old lady who was burned to death in her own house. Everyone except for Guy seems to have no problem with other people dying. They just don't care and that kind of bothered me. 

I hope that Guy really does to something to change the way things are in his world. I think Clarisse's questioning and when she asked Montag if he was happy really opened his eyes to the fact that he really wasn't. Montag seems like the kind of character who isn't going to just let something go. I think and hope he'll take some action.

So far I've really liked this book and the way that Bradbury writes especially in Beatty's speech. I can't wait to read the rest and see what Montag decides to do!