Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: The Martian Chronicles by RAY BRADBURY ISBN: 0-553-27822-3 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 01 June, 1984 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $7.50 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.17 (247 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Spectacular
Comment: I was originally inspired to read Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles mainly because of the critical acclaim and praise my father said it has received; it isn't very often a science fiction novel is accepted and enjoyed so widely. The most unsettling thing about this novel (or, this collection of short stories) is the fact that there are not any characters or events which Bradbury centers upon. The first chapter, "Ylla," grabs the readers attention very well, though I found myself a bit disappointed when the characters of that chapter did not return. As a whole, however, the overall message and talent bound within the pages of The Martian Chronicles is too important to miss due to something as insignificant as characters. The vast majority of novels out there contain central characters, and many of those very same novels are character-driven. That said, The Martian Chronicles is completely plot-driven. This makes the book not only extremely refreshing, but one need not go through the utter pain of seeing one's favorite character die, because it is very unlikely you would have a favorite character!
My personal favorite features of The Martian Chronicles were the chapters "Usher II," "There Will Come Soft Rains," and "The Green Morning." As is with most Bradbury works, according to my father, the author tips his hat to his favorite authors with excerpts from poems, songs, and even the fabulous parallel to Edgar Allen Poe's The Cask of Amontillado in "Usher II." Bradbury's use of language and description of fantastic settings and creatures was impressive, to say the least. The descriptions of the Martian race were so intricate and unique each time that one could certainly picture the fictitious peoples, as well as their "chemical baths" and "sand ships," the levitating pirate ships with sails of blue mist. The wonderful aspect of science fiction is the new and refreshing imagery introduced, and Bradbury used this to his advantage.
In a nutshell, The Martian Chronicles is not only thought-provoking, but a real fun book to read. The reading level is good for any high school student, and is neither slow nor complicated in the beginning or abrupt at the end.
Rating: 4
Summary: A Haunting Chronicle
Comment: Watch out, this book is not for the faint of heart. It's quite a mouthful for such a short little book.
Bradbury gives an interesting point of view of humanity and its quest to colonize the Red Planet...as well as its failures.
This is a dark and sad story at times, with lightening and hopeful as well. He brings humor to a story reaped with destruction and disappointment.
Within each chapter is its own story. So, it doesn't flow like a regular fiction book, remember, that's the way it's supposed to be. Each chapter stands on its own, you're supposed to think about what he's trying to say in each chapter. DO think about it, it's concept we little Earthlings may have to conceive someday. But with the individual stories, they do come together and connect to each other some how.
If you don't want a humanistic philosophical what if story line, this isn't the book for you, but I recommend it. Everyone should read this kind of material once in a while. Personally, I like reading books that have a point and not just tells a story to tell a story, but with purpose and deliberation of each word and paragraph.
Rating: 5
Summary: Don't look at this as a science fiction book
Comment: In the half century after most of it was written, as Bob Dylan would say, things have changed. Racial relations are different, we know there are not water filled canals on Mars, no Martian dead cities, electronics are digital, rock has become the most popular music, and so on.
This novel is more of a love poem, and finally a eulogy for the human race. I suppose it is science fiction. Doing what the best science fiction does: illuminating our lives in the present with the metaphor of a future time. It contains one of my favorite Bradbury short stories I read a long time ago in junior high - "There Will Come Soft Rains". A story of an automated house trying to futilely provide for its deceased human inhabitants.
A moving and beautiful work. I only hope we have learned from its teachings.
 |
Title: The Illustrated Man by RAY BRADBURY ISBN: 055327449X Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 01 November, 1983 List Price(USD): $7.50 |
 |
Title: Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury ISBN: 0380729407 Publisher: Eos Pub. Date: 01 March, 1998 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
 |
Title: Dandelion Wine by RAY BRADBURY ISBN: 0553277537 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 01 March, 1985 List Price(USD): $7.50 |
 |
Title: Bradbury Stories : 100 of His Most Celebrated Tales by Ray Bradbury ISBN: 006054242X Publisher: William Morrow Pub. Date: 05 August, 2003 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
 |
Title: The October Country by Ray Bradbury ISBN: 034532448X Publisher: Del Rey Pub. Date: 12 April, 1985 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
