Currently reading Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged. I’m interested in feedback from others on this book.
Since I’m tackling the Unabridged version, it may take me a little while to get through it, but I’d welcome comments/discussion – anytime.
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A little about the book and Ayn Rand:
With this acclaimed work and its immortal query, “Who is John Galt?”, Ayn Rand found the perfect artistic form to express her vision of existence. Atlas Shrugged made Rand not only one of the most popular novelists of the century, but one of its most influential thinkers.
Atlas Shrugged is the astounding story of a man who said that he would stop the motor of the world–and did. Tremendous in scope, breathtaking in its suspense, Atlas Shrugged stretches the boundaries further than any book you have ever read. It is a mystery, not about the murder of a man’s body, but about the murder–and rebirth–of man’s spirit.
* Atlas Shrugged is the “second most influential book for Americans today” after the Bible, according to a joint survey conducted by the Library of Congress and the Book of the Month Club
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December 16, 2008 at 5:32 am
Greg Matthews
As you’re reading, pay particular attention to the character of Eddie Willers. I find him to be one of Rand’s most intriguing (in all of her books). And he’s the reason that I first found myself being pulled away from Rand’s objectivist philosophy.
And its a little frightening how much like some of the government characters (Tinky Hollway; Kip Chalmers et al) Rod Blagojevich resembles . . .
December 16, 2008 at 6:57 am
angeloakley
Thanks Greg, will do. I am impressed by the depth of knowledge in which Rand breaths into the story. She so clearly unveils each character in a way that I have been able to relate to them all in some way shape or form. When it comes to government, big business, and the human psyche, I find many theories and much of reality to be indeed frightening. While mankind is capable of so much greatness, we struggle in the rise to it.
I’m curious as to my own interpretation of the book upon completion, as many have differed in their interpretation of her theories: Some called the book advocating socialism, others capitalism, and you mention Rand’s objectivist philosophy. I’ll let you know – when I’m done.
December 19, 2008 at 9:06 pm
greattriumvirate
Atlas Shrugged is my favorite book and I am also a major Ayn Rand fan. The characters are so great. I don’t want to ruin it for you since I’m assuming you haven’t finished but make sure you actually finish it, so many people are discouraged by the length. Objectivism is an amazing philosophy an her novels explain parts of it in an interesting way. this blog would probably interest you. http://objectivistblogger.wordpress.com/