A couple years ago, I started to get into audiobooks. Granted, I can't seem to ever listen to one unless I'm driving. If I'm walking, my mind wanders (although I have mastered the walk-and-read-a-book-while-listening-to-my-iPod routine). If I'm painting, hours slip away and I find I haven't a clue as to what just happened in the book. Either way, while I drive, sure my mind wanders a bit but it's easier to focus on the book. Even when I miss a few sentences (or a chapter) I can usually pull it back together.
Granted, some are much more enjoyable to listen to than others. Some readers are engaging and have the type of voice you can listen to for hours (which is a good thing when a book can be 8-18 hours long). I figured this would be a good way to dive into some of these books I want to read but can't seem to find the time to open them.
Fahrenheit 451 is what I'm currently listening to. I will probably go back and actually read this title one day, because right now I find it so engaging. It's uncomfortable to recognize that such a dystopian future can be realized in such small steps until one hardly realized it's happened.
I'm only about halfway through, but so far this paragraph sticks out to me. I'm drawn to the last line at the end too, for more than one reason.
The books are to remind us what asses and fools we are. They're Caesar's praetorian guard, whispering as the parade roars down the avenue, 'Remember, Caesar, thou art mortal.' Most of us can't rush around, talk to everyone, know all the cities of the world, we haven't time, money or that many friends. The things you're looking for, Montag, are in the world, but the only way the average chap will ever see ninety-nine per cent of them is in a book. Don't ask for guarantees. And don't look to be saved in any one thing, person, machine, or library. Do your own bit of saving, and if you drown, at least die knowing you were headed for shore.I'm thinking that is probably overall good advice for lots of things.
