If you were born under a flag with less than 50 stars, then this book will speak to you. While it is set in 1920's Illinois, this book resonates perhaps 50 years into the future, and into the past. Alas, I fear that it may resonate very faintly in these "post-modern" times. Still, if your life is rooted in that Golden-Age of small-town, heartland America, you will recognise these scenes, these characters, these feelings. Bradbury is a writer, a poet actually, of the heart and of feelings. Indeed, before I read him I didn't have the understanding or the patience to read poetry. Afterwards I did. He opened me up to subtle things.When I see people critisizing his style as rambling or flowery, I can see that they just don't get it. Perhaps it is true that in the latter days children will be born without souls....By the way, if you ever pass through Green Town, I'll be the one at the end of the drug store counter ordering a dish of lime-vanilla ice