On June 5, 2012 famed science fiction writer Ray Bradbury passed away after a long, undisclosed illness. After the recent death of Maurice Sendak, the literary world continues to grieve over the loss of some great American writers. With a body of work that have and will continue to influence and inspire generations. Bradbury's innovative plot and nuanced writing make him not only one of the most popular genre writers in this country, but one of the best.
Best known for his novel "Fahrenheit 451", Bradbury's work will likely be remembered for his gift of social commentary within a brilliant science fiction story. The novel follows futuristic fireman Guy Montag as he moves away from burning books and toward reading them. Aside from being a riveting story, Bradbury also confronts the dangers of censorship and technology in a society where books and, by extension, free will, are forbidden.
Aside from "Fahrenheit 451," Bradbury leaves behind a great legacy of science fiction, including "The Martian Chronicles", "I Sing the Body Electric", "Something Wicked This Way Comes" and many more. Even those of you who don't think you like science fiction should read Bradbury's work. He focuses less on the science and more on the fiction, which is how the best sci-fi writers do it.
Science fiction fans should check out this week's issue of "The New Yorker." The so-called Science Fiction issue features writing from Bradbury, Junot Diaz, Margaret Atwood, Karen Russell, Jennifer Egan and others.
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