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Many of the so-called "classics" that I was forced to read in High School English left me with a strong desire to poke my eyes out with toothpicks. Farenheit 451 was one of the exceptions. I currently have an enviable book collection that would certainly land me a stiff prison sentence in the world of Farenheit 451-if I didn't die defending my books.

Bradbury's book has proven to be somewhat prophetic. First, televisions can now be hung on walls, and it is just a matter of time before "surround sound" evolves into "surround view." TV may not be interactive, but the Internet fulfills that part of the prophecy. Second, while books are far from banned in our "modern" society, they are too often disregarded in favor of television and other forms of electronic entertainment. The American public buys millions upon millions of books each year, yet how many (Harry Potter excepted) do we actually read?

The closing scenes of Farenheit 451 remind me of the true value of great literature. It defines our culture, our society, our past and our future. I believe books are the closest thing to time travel we will ever achieve. To travel to the past, pick up a book written a few years, decades or centuries ago. To travel to the future, write a book and leave a legacy!

Learn more about this author, Gerry Baird - www.findyourpassion.com.
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