A couple of weeks ago I took out ‘the Martian Chronicles’ from our local library.  I first read them years ago, along with Fahrenheit 451.  I read both too quickly back then, and enjoyed the Martian Chronicles much more the second time,  especially There Will Come Soft Rains.  I was surprised to hear that Bradbury was still alive – but saddened to hear of his death.

Margaret Atwood only came to my attention a couple of years ago when my wife forced me to read the Blind Assassin – which I loved. Yesterday’s guardian contains a fascinating piece by Atwood reflecting on the impact Bradbury had on her own writing, and on Bradbury’s approach to his vocation and his career.  I heartily recommend a read.