After a successful run with “Moby Dick” last spring, the organizers of Bristol BookFest have announced their featured selection for 2025, Ray Bradbury’s award-winning dystopian novel, “Fahrenheit 451.”

They are planning three months of book-related and historical/cultural/social activities, with a program culminates April 4 and 5, 2025, with a full agenda of discussions and expert-led lectures.

BookFest organizers selected “Fahrenheit 451: in part because it has never gone out of print in 71 years. The committee hopes readers of all ages will join this winter for a community-wide discussion of Bradbury’s best-known novel.

“If you read it in school, you may discover a different book this time,” said Bristol BookFest Co-Chairman Steve Calvert. “Great literature is like that: interesting when you’re young, better in mid-life, most rewarding in retirement.”

For “Moby Dick,” the Rogers Free Library jumped in with both feet and provided a long list of activities related to the novel, including whaling, the environment, and Bristol. Looking forward, the library enthusiastically endorsed “Fahrenheit 451” and its focus on book-banning/burning, an issue the library is currently very involved with.

“We especially think this book can engage the youth of Bristol,” said library Director Eileen Dyer. “We are looking at ways to involve the high school teachers and students.”

BookFest Co-Chair Renee Soto, who teaches at Roger Williams University, is doing the same with students there.

Both BookFest organizers and the library are urging residents in Bristol and nearby to read “Fahrenheit 451” this winter, preparing for the big lecture-discussion weekend and ancillary programs. Ink Fish Books in Warren will offer the book with a 10% discount if BBF is mentioned. For more on BookFest 2025, visit: bristolbookfest.com.