The Martian Chronicles

Rating:
Summary: Amazing, thought provoking
Review: A perfectly crafted collection of interwoven stories. A social commentary made up of flawless story telling that makes us look into ourselves and just say "woah." And it's not just for science fiction fans- I'm definitely not one. I'm just a huge Bradbury fan.

Rating:
Summary: The Martian Chronicles
Review: Bradbury has a very interesting approach to sci-fi. He seems to to place all his stories within the reachable, not completely detatched from real life or the future. (like, ironically, most futuristic sci-fi works are)

I'd definately recommend this book even to those who are normally uninteresting in sci-fi. It is short and if you end up not liking it you won't have wasted much time.

Rating:
Summary: Not science fiction... But does that make it bad?
Review: Certainly not. Admittedly there are a few bland points but one must get over the fact that it really _isn't_ a science fiction book. By all means that does not make it bad. Sure, it's off a category or so but that's beside the point. To judge we must judge by quality and meaning, not simply a genre miscalculation.

The Martian Chronicles portrays human behavior, ideas, and even fears. There are bland chapters and there are really exciting chapters. It's the feeling in the book that counts. Most books that involve other planets focus on technology, war, or a conflict that is external to the inner most thoughts and feelings of human beings. Bradbury changes that with his unique style in The Martian Chronicles. It doesn't ruin literature with modern literary devices that are overused or overanalyzed, yet applies them when appropriate - without disturbing the quality of the book.

Unfortunately it's rather rigid. From discussion with others about the book, you either like it or you dislike it. There isn't a middle ground for The Martian Chronicles. It's worth a read so if possible rent it at your local library. I ended up buying a copy because I find some of the stories rather interesting. Try to make sure to obtain the book that has all the chapters - since I recall in a few versions there is a lack of a certain chapter.

Final rating: 3.5 - It's a nice read but isn't a MUST have. The bland chapters are in bad places - it sometimes makes it seem like the book is dragging on instead of progressing smoothly. Overall, I can find enjoyment with little qualms.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing... Works Your Mind!
Review: Clever, intriguing, and suprising! This is truly the work of a genius. It really opens up your mind and makes you want to sit down and write a science fiction masterpiece of your own! It's books like this that make me love reading the works of genius authors such as Bradbury!

If you pass up this book, you're passing up days of amazing reading. This book is, without a doubt, worth all of your time!


Rating:
Summary: Ray Bradbury is phenomenal...as always!
Review: Even under the guise of a sci-fi book, this book, as other reviewers have pointed out along with the editorials, it is a comment on humanity it the human condition. Even to the point of Man bringing his fears and strong desires to Mars and, after "conquering" the Martians, becoming "Martians" himself. A great work, just like the other sci-fi works I own and love, both new and old: "Stranger in a Strange Land", "Puppet Masters", "Foundation", "2001", "2010", "Rendezvous with Rama", "Ringworld", all the "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" books, as well as books as new to the genre as "Advent of the Corps" and others.

Rating:
Summary: Bradbury is My Favorite Martian
Review: In the 1940's a little-known writer penned a look at life, technology, and culture in the distant future of 2002. Bradbury has assembled a collection of generally unrelated vignettes that explore Earth more than Mars.

Some are outrageously hilarious, such as the tale of the first explorers who are greeted with total indifference by housewives more concerned with baking and cleaning, and minor politicians immersed in righting old wrongs. Finally they are locked up with the other space travellers.

A key theme seems to be the lack of space planning. People randomly decide to emmigrate, or leave their homes under duress. Upon arrival on Mars, they have no idea how to build the society, beyond bringing some of their familiar Earth items, such as luggage shops and hot dog stands.

The most interesting line followed by several vignettes is the ultimate journey for technology. Robots outlive their designers and computer programs continue to initiate automated devices to fry bacon and make martinis long after the home is deserted.

Bradbury also deals with the response of the Martians to the invasion. Many are killed by disease as occurred in the colonies in the 17th century. Others fight back with telepathic weapons, conjuring up images of 1920's Ohio, complete with doting grandparents, lemonaide, and trolleys, to disarm the explorers. Less easily comprehended is that many continue to thrive in a parallel world where they are not visible to their rivals.

This is a good read, everyone needs a chance to reflect on our human journey of exploration and implementation of technology. For those like me, who don't care for science fiction, there is not much of it here, despite the title.


Rating:
Summary: An exceptional must-read
Review: This is a chilling good read and a great introduction to Ray Bradbury. Although the book is divided into short stories, they all piece together to make a complete -- and completely gripping -- whole story. Even people who don't like science fiction or aren't familiar with Bradbury's other stories should love this book.

Rating:
Summary: A Haunting Chronicle
Review: 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:
Summary: Hauntingly excellent
Review: Whenever I hear the word "Mars", Ray Bradbury's description of the red planet comes to my mind. The desolate plains of an alien world, abandoned not so long ago by an alien culture, is extremely beatiful and will haunt your dreams. The sadness with which Bradbury describes the twilight of the martian race, the colonization and desecration of Mars by the earthlings, and the subsequent death of humankind by its own hand remain with the reader forever. You can almost feel the cool martian breeze blowing through your hair as it sweeps the sand from the dead martian seas, and you feel for the martians as you watch their beautiful cities abandoned, their glory gone.Even if you don't like science fiction, read this book, it's more than worth it