Public reading of 'Fahrenheit 451,' a book about book burning, set for March 18
Amid a nationwide controversy over select books being banned, the Tri-County Unitarian Universalists in Summerfield will host a marathon public reading of the book "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury on Saturday, March 18. While not currently banned in Florida, the book has been the subject of restriction efforts in the past.
“We believe very strongly that it is important that people study what’s going on in the world and learn to think critically about everything,” Cindy Grossman of the TriUU said. “Bradbury believed that strongly when he wrote his book. It may be science fiction, but he was trying to warn people about this kind of censorship and how good it is for humanity to expose themselves to different literature.”
The public reading will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the group's house of worship, 7280 SE 135th St., Summerfield. The public can listen and read along with 28 different people who read passages aloud.
The event should wrap up about 3 p.m. There is no cost to attend and refreshments will be served. There will be a mixture of adult and student readers.
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Bradbury's novel was published in 1953. "Ironic as it may seem given the role that book burning plays in the novel itself, 'Fahrenheit 451' has faced multiple censorship and banning attempts throughout the years, primarily for vulgarity and discussions about drugs," according to a post on The Banned Book Project from Carnegie Mellon University.
Grossman retired after 32 years in higher education, and said this cause is a passion of hers.
“We’re seeing it all over the country,” Grossman said. “We are seeing school districts not being allowed to use certain books. While I understand being age appropriate, we are seeing this even in colleges. We must have exposure to other ideas, even if you disagree with them. That’s what forms critical thinking. I think today’s society has forgotten about that.”
In response to book banning as a way of protecting individuals, Grossman says that can actually hinder an individual’s ability to determine right from wrong.
“In losing the art of reading, we are only dealing with the world in snippets,” she said. “Reading helps us develop empathy for other cultures and situations, realizing we don’t know everything.”
Her personal beliefs also line up with her spiritual beliefs, as she stated that the TriUU believes in “a commitment to principles including the inherent worth and dignity of all and the free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” Book banning and censorship, Grossman said, is directly contradicting that belief.
Grossman will become president of the TriUU board in April and already has other plans to promote reading, including installing a tiny library where people can give and receive books.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Worried about book banning, local faith group plans a public reading
