Rating: 
Summary: reinsertion of art, beauty into the tech focused scifi realm
Review: The world of modern sci-fi seems to be dominated by scientific accuracy and technological worship. In The Martian Chronicles Bradbury sacrifices some of that excruciating technical detail in favor of more emotional and beauty based sci-fi. Bradbury's vivid protrayals of the Martian landscape and it's effects on the Terran settlers provide a brilliant experience, leaving one with a feeling of satisfation. In an age where the term "Science Fiction" is quickly becoming synonimous with "action", The Martian Chronicles is a breath of fresh air and a revisitation of the way sci-fi was meant to be.
Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating Social Experiment
Review: This book is about the founding of Mars as a US territory, and the effects of the mass emigration on the continental countryside as well as the politics of civilizing a new area. This is exactly the year when the events of the novel were projected to take place, and what is most fascinating is how differently history actually turned out than Bradbury imagined. Published in 1950, Bradbury never foresaw the civil rights movement and the integration of all races in this country. Instead, while still muttering "yessirs" and deferring to the white man, every single black citizen of the US flees to Mars to be free. Women are also frozen in time in his depiction of the future, with the more subtle issues of discrimination and reproductive freedom completely ignored. It just goes to show you what a dramatic effect political organization and protest can really bring. But let me step off my soapbox to finally say that this is definitely a classic work of science fiction to wrap your mind around.
Rating:
Summary: Not Sci-Fi
Review: A wonderfully enthralling series of tales that relate in spirit only, The Martian Chronicles has been unfairly lumped in with Sci-Fi since it's initial release. Yes, it takes place (mostly) on mars, features rocketships and aliens and strange technology, but it is not at all a science fiction novel.No, this book is a novel about people. It's a novel about humanity, told through the eyes of the innocent, the alien, the lost, and the dying. It is a series of stories interelated by several themes. Do not expect an epic plot or a lovable manin character, because you will not find either here...instead, you will simply get a sometimes moving, sometimes thought provoking, and sometimes sad tale that will fill your vision for some time. Very recomended.
Rating:
Summary: BELIEVABLE AND SPOOKY
Review: This book defies reality and imagination, and yet it is so believable that i found myself shivering in my shoes. Seldom do you read a book by such an innovative storyteller, and such a great thinker. The way Bradbury captures you and pulls you into the story is phenomenal. I am mystified and still thinking. This book has set my imagination rolling...READ IT!!!
Rating: 
Summary: When ineptness had an even more inept audience
Review: The praise on this typewriter drek is hard to fathom. To damn it with faint praise myself, it is a darn good try from a collegeless Mechanics Illustrated fan born right after WWI. It shows no knowledge of science itself; could Bradbury explain the rocket equation, for instance? Written right after the a-bomb was dropped on the world's consciousness, and the mainly white GIs returned home to start the Baby Boom, what it does show is a thinly disguised attempt at political satire, using "Mars" as a stage prop. The cartoonish satirization of humanity, 50 years later, seems silly. Yes, Ray, there were changes in society, and the year 2005 doesn't look like the year the world will burn, sorry. If it does, there won't be any people on Mars trying to jump on rockets and get fried either. You did much better at satire in F451. In TMC, though, why did you end the last chapter with the "new Noah of Mars" solemnly burning all of Earth's books? Next thing you know, they'll be burning people up on Mars :) The quaint descriptions of Bradbury's smalltown life would have done better in a 'real' novel, say, about a lawyer named Finch fighting racial prejudice :) In sum, don't read this unless somebody really gives you a reason, because it's hoplessly obsolete.
Rating:
Summary: The best sci-fi book ever written.
Review: First, let me say that I am not a big science-fiction fan. I read this book in fifth grade(1982-83) because I remembered that it was an NBC miniseries in the late seventies, and I never got to watch it. I am glad I read the book first. It is very surreal; for added effect, play nothing but Pink Floyd instrumentals when reading this. It will captivate your imagination. I must re-read this book, for I can not pin down anything specific right now. Still, I know that this is for everyone, not just sci=fi lovers.
Rating:
Summary: It's something to get into.
Review: It was hard for me to get into, but once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. All of the small stories of life on Mars are really cool.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best Bradbury has produced.
Review: It took me two tries to get this book, after the second time the full impact had hit me. Once this book becomes understood, it can be recognized as nothing other than a masterpiece of science fiction.
Rating:
Summary: I couldn't stop thinking about it for three whole days
Review: I first read this book in fifth grade. I think at that point, I basically got it, but I don't think I fully grasped all the nuances (I suppose I probably still don't grasp all the nuances of this book). I reread it recently, and by the time I was finished, I couldn't believe it. It is so beautifully written, and the end was so amazing, that I actually cried. I never cry at movies or books. I couldn't stop thinking about the book for three days. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to read an amazing commentary on human nature, and the destruction that it brings.
Rating:
Summary: Ray Bradbury is PURE classic!
Review: Bradbury has become, to me, a living legend in science fiction. In high school, I gained much respect for his knack for storytelling. Now, I've come to respect him for the lessons he teaches thru his works. This book definitely teaches us as humans to look in the mirror and see that we are each responsible for the future of ourselves and of Earth itself. It shows how humans can take things for granted and overlook the beauty of their surroundings. I was honored to meet Mr. Bradbury at the LA Book Festival and found him to be a nice person even though I was speechless. I will definitely be reading more of his works in the future, but this book so far is one of my all-time favorites!
|
