1984

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Summary: The best anti-religion book of our time
Review: Orwell's 1984, changed the way I look at life. It has made me leary of all fanatics, particularly relgious fanatics. The society of Oceania closely resembles many ultra-Right wing organizations. They demand total conformity from all of their members. Big Brother parallels the Judeo-Christian God in that he demands total loyalty. The Party cannot lie. If they say that 2+2=5 then it's true, and the individual is forced to conform. One of the scariest concepts in the book is "Ignorance Is Strength." I've spoken to many religious fanatics who believe that ignorance is strength. They would rather believe what they have always believed, than question "so-called" truth. The most valuable lesson that this book taught me is that any authority that cannot be questioned, cannot be trusted!

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Summary: A Classic, It's More Than You Think
Review: George Orwell's "1984", the classic study of total behavioral control, also is a study of Marxist economics. In "1984" a perpetual state of war exists both to enslave productive populations and also to justify total behavioral control over society. Orwell structures his society using Karl Marx's Communist model: 'Proles' (proletariat), large 'Outer Party', and small 'Inner Party'. The Proles are a poor, marginally-educated workforce requiring minimal control -- they are happy with their ale. The Outer Party is the educated workforce that implements routine governmental functions. To enforce their submissive behavior they are spied upon by telescreens, by coworkers, and by family members. Outer Party members are poor but Victory Gin is inexpensive. Well-paid Inner Party members ensure total societal submission to authority using government policies, surveillance, propaganda, trickery and torture. The Inner Party's total behavioral control over others also intimidates potential Inner Party rebels into total submission.

"1984" does not contain mobile computer terminals and computerized databases. It does contain 'telescreens': two-way video/audio devices that permit propaganda broadcasts and also allow video/audio surveillance. The telescreens *cannot* be turned off and blocking them is treasonable. Other societal control programs include 'Thought Police' patrols, alteration of all records, and a language simplification program designed both to hinder 'thoughtcrimes' and also to eliminate the critical questions that well-educated people ask.

George Orwell did not anticipate computers, but he understood Karl Marx's strategem for controlling society using economics, surveillance, propaganda, and the educational system. "1984" reflects this understanding.

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Summary: HE LOVED BIG BROTHER
Review: Those last four words will make you CRINGE! Of course, they mean NOTHING to you if you haven't read the book. This is by far the most depressing book I've read. Stephen King's Stand can eat its heart out. A very frightening portrayal of life without privacy. Microphones in parks, surveillance mechanisms in all restaurants. Betrayal, love, hate, etc. I've read this book once, but I don't think I need to read it again, its effect was that powerful. A friend of mine also found this book depressing. Orwell does an outstanding narrative towards the end which contributes to the cringing part at the very end. I've read this book quite a while ago but its fascinating how much I remember it. This book shouldn't be ignored. Read it once, at once.

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Summary: The last book you'll ever read
Review: Because nothing else will be able to compare. this book is number 3 on mensa's top 12 list and number 1 on mine. George Orwell's predictions of a horrible socialist oppressive future puts our own society in perspective. The only thing greater than this book is the last 4 words which will send chills down your spine. A definate must-read.

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Summary: Still effective in 2001
Review: What is most impressive about 1984 is not the quality of writing or the appeal of the storyline, though both are excellent. What is most impressive about 1984 is that so many of the concepts discussed, either implicitly or explicity are still applicable and relevant in today's modern politics. Doublethink as a concept is not far off from the lies today's politicians ask you to believe as they continue to become embroiled in one controversial moral or ethical crisis after another. One has to wonder, after reading this book, if we are not in fact on our way to catastrophe ourselves in the 21st century. Though the threat is not perhaps militant in nature, it is still real nonetheless in the form of moral decay. This book is emminently comparable to Huxley's Brave New World and if you enjoyed one, you'll enjoy the other.

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Summary: Frightening, yet worth reading
Review: 1984 is a rather grim prediction for the future. The new world that it creates is frightening and surreal. The main character, Winston Smith, does not seem like the usual hero, yet at the same time one can't help liking his small rebellion. However, the total control excersised by the Party is alarming in its reality. Although George Orwell wrote this novel as a prediction for 1984, it is as significant today as it ever was. This book is definately worth reading. The style grabs you, and although the totalitarian society created could be confusing, the novel reads in a way that helps you to slowly understand each aspect of it. I would definately reccomend this book.

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Summary: A Quick Book on Totalitarianism
Review:
1984 is centered around a male worker by the name of Winston Smith. Winston lives in Oceania where Big Brother is everywhere and everything is the opposite os what is appears. The Ministry of Love deals with torture and hate. The Ministry of Plenty starves the citizens of Oceania. The Ministry of Truth creates lies, and the Ministry of Peace is involved with War. All around Oceania there are posters of Big Brother, and the Party's slogans are everywhere.

WAR IS PEACE.

FREEDOM IS SLAVERY.

IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.

This book is a great look at totalitarianism and the views of the world during the 1940s-1950s (WW2). This book requires thought, time, and patience, but it is worth it.

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Summary: Suprising, Intelligent, Frightening
Review: This book represents a possible future that Orwell foresaw as a result of man's struggle for power. It describes an entire world that has been corrupted, and the corruptors as well have made themselves blind to what they are doing. The story is well written and keeps you on edge for its entirety. Althought it leaves much to be figured out by the reader, it is extremely descriptive. Even if you follow the story closely, each new step is a shock, and every discovery will intrigue. The end especially will come as a surprise for those of us who are more used to predictability. A strong 5-star rating. You won't put it down!

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Summary: Brilliant
Review: Orwell is brilliant. In '1984' he examines the effects of a totalitarian soceity. Winston is a deep and multi-dimensional character who we see change as the novel progresses. The depth of Orwell's novel is astounding, and even though the year 1984 didn't turn out the way Orwell had thought, the book is magnificent. Orwell warns us to never become the society that he depicts in '1984'.

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Summary: Ironic Paradox Roller-Coaster Ride
Review: The world of 1984 is one that is completely stained with hate and ironies. Winston Smith, the novels main character, strugles throughout the book to try to discover who he is and how to overcome the power that the Party has over its self-molded society. The Party, which is a perfect example of a complete totalitarianim government, has shaped the world of 1984. The Party has so much control over every aspect of human life,that power including love, sex, and the family enviorment. "The only recognized purpose of marriage was to beget childeren for the service of the Party. Sexual intercourse was to be looked on as a slightly disgusting minor operation, like having an enema."(57) The power that the Party has forces Winston Smith to rebel. He then falls in love with a young women, which is not only a crime, but is completely unheard of. The unlawful act is one that starts the roller-coaster ride that is this novel, and in trun, plays an important role in the theme. Orwell not only appeals to the readers emotions but also plays with ones mind. The themes of government, power, and isolation is what make this novel so fabulous. This novel could be best described as an ironic paradox in every sense of the words. 1984, by George Orwell is a futureistic novel that forces the reader to contemplate the world around them. The novel is so stratigically written that it can appeal to the modern reader. I would reccomend 1984 to anyone who enjoys a well written political satire.