Practically everyone in today's world has heard a phrase that originated with this novel: Big Brother is Watching. It is a real shame that while so many have heard that phrase, so very few have actually read the book.Read the novel, and while reading, keep in mind the events, policies and practices of the State in real life, here right now.When he wrote this book, Orwell imagined a horrendous future in which a totalitarian government constantly monitored the movements and communications of its citizens. He imagined a future in which it would be difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish news from propaganda and governmental truth from governmental lies. He postulated a future in which history was re-written to suit the current needs of the State. He foretold of a time when cameras were omnipresent, and privacy was utterly a thing of the past.I challenge anyone to read this book and not come away shocked at how close we are to living.... in 1984.