Dandelion Wine Book Review

Many, many years ago, I had never heard of Ray Bradbury, despite his plethora of enthralling reads. As a much more versed reader, I find it hard to believe there was a time when I lacked such diversity. Much of my time was spent rereading books I'd read countless times before or exploring more classical pieces by Shakespeare and other writers of that time. Needless to say, my brain craved something new; I needed to broaden my metaphor library and expand the length of my recommendation list.

Fortunately, someone with whom I found myself infatuated recommended Ray Bradbury's books. Obviously, I had no option but to dive into the metaphoric tails derived from his thoughts. From the first book of Bradbury's that I read, I was repeatedly demanded to read more. How he expresses the emotions and thoughts throughout his books with endless metaphors and analogies never ceases, leaving my mind with no option but to understand exactly what he meant to portray. Years later, I finally found my way to "Dandelion Wine." Amongst all the books I have read and reread, this is one of my all-time favorites.

"Dandelion Wine" is a beautiful book that follows a young boy named Doug and his little brother Tom through their summer adventures. Despite the initial tone set by my previous sentence, this book was a very moving read. Often, in this nonstop world where time races by in a blur and our lives seem like a song on repeat, forgetfulness is inescapable. In what seems like the blink of an eye, years pass, memories fade, and we forget. "Dandelion Wine" served as my pause button, giving me a brief reminder of the significance of each day.

While following Doug and Tom through their summertime adventures, Ray Bradbury uses these two young boys, mainly Doug, to isolate you as the reader and awaken the deepest part of you. Early in the book, Doug comes to the realization, 'I'm alive, I know I'm alive, I mustn't forget it tonight, tomorrow, or the day after that." In one brief moment in the story, Bradbury uses Doug to remind us of the seemingly childish realization that we have forgotten. We are alive! This substantial yet often forgotten gift, Bradbury, replants in the back of our minds. Each breath and every second is a moment in time when the seeds of our existence are given the option to grow a little closer to the sun or rot.

Following a trail of events that take place through the boys' lives, Bradbury continues to address emotion-inflicting topics such as life, death, happiness, and saying goodbye. Bradbury's use of metaphors, scene setting, character development, and beautifully story telling had me grasping at any free time I had just to finish this book. After devouring the final words on the last page with great sadness, the only thought left in my mind was "thank you."

In the end, this is a book I would recommend to everyone. Whether you are looking for a solid read that will have you begging for more or for a book that will reawaken the deepest part of you and make you question your life, "Dandelion Wine" would be my first recommendation. This beautiful collection of words will remain an imprint on my thoughts, whether a week from now or 50 years in the future. The reminders received from this book are undoubtedly timeless.

As a note to myself and anyone else who is interested, some of my favorite chapters are chapter 13, chapter 21, chapter 34, and chapter 37. I also have a post dedicated to some of my favorite quotes from this book, if you would like to check it out under Blog > Favorite Quotes!

Thank you for reading, and don't forget you are alive; make it count!