Atlas Shrugged

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It's a hit!

The first book I ever read to lend a strong emotional reaction. A timely read, to say the least, and it came across as especially poignant given th... (show more)

The first book I ever read to lend a strong emotional reaction. A timely read, to say the least, and it came across as especially poignant given the current climate. Although a tough read sometimes ( a 50 page monologue can be difficult to get through ) it was worth the Months that I slaved over it. I thought it was extremely well-written and an Important read for a generation quickly moving towards Rands feared result. It strengthened my already passionate feelings against the Owe and Want type. (and anybody who feels a sense of Entitlement to the Mind and Ability of others)
I would recommend this book to anybody who is still a free thinker, to anybody who doesn't believe in theft, to anybody who understands the concept of Independence. I would recommend this book to people who want to mind this own business, where the economy and society is concerned.
An amazing and incredibly worthwhile read. (show less)

 

 

by Facebook User

No, it's a flop!

A shorter 'Atlas Shrugged' would be much more effective at convincing readers of the merits of her objectivist philosophy. In the beginning we are... (show more)

A shorter 'Atlas Shrugged' would be much more effective at convincing readers of the merits of her objectivist philosophy. In the beginning we are taken by the positive energy and drive of the main characters Dagny, Rearden and Francisco, but Rand's interminable railing against the depraved quasi-socialist masses swiftly grows tiresome. The equation of physical and moral beauty is trite and unbelievable, and the deification of the capitalists for their 'sacrifice to themselves' allows little room for the reader to identify with them. Dagny's obsession with John Galt and their eventual relationship, with the approval and encouragement of her former lover Rearden, is terribly cold and unappealing.

Her message against chronic laziness and the expectation that others should provide for you are admirable. However, we are left with the nagging doubt that while she understands true socialism is contrary to human nature and so doomed to failure, it is portions of our nature, namely fraternal affection and concern for community success, which allow the philosophy a berth in many peoples thoughts. (show less)

 

 

by Ian Richardson

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  This is the kind of book that will change the way you look at the world. I'm so glad I read this. It's worth the investment of time.

   

   

  by Facebook User on Feb 29, 2008 at 04:39AM

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  There are a handful of significant problems with this book: some of the key plot points were laughably childish (An anti-IRS pirate? A secret city of millionaire geniuses selling milk and bread? Lulz plz); the characters never grow or change;
  the entire book is preachy and contrived for political ends. But I think the most crucial problem is this: there are essentially two characters in the book; I call them SuperMan and StrawMan. SuperMan, people like Reardan, Dagny, and D'Anconia, does ev... (show more)

  There are a handful of significant problems with this book: some of the key plot points were laughably childish (An anti-IRS pirate? A secret city of millionaire geniuses selling milk and bread? Lulz plz); the characters never grow or change;
  the entire book is preachy and contrived for political ends. But I think the most crucial problem is this: there are essentially two characters in the book; I call them SuperMan and StrawMan. SuperMan, people like Reardan, Dagny, and D'Anconia, does everything perfectly. He works diligently; he is brilliant; he is athletic and attractive; he evens cooks hamburgers better than you. StrawMan, people like Taggert, Balph Eubank, and Orren Boyle, does everything poorly. He is immoral and incompetant; he says rediculous, illogical things ("the successful owe an apology to those that failed", etc); he leads a live obviously full of self-loathing, self-deception, and self-destruction. Every single word in the book is meant to show the triumph of SuperMan over StrawMan, if not materially at least morally. In every plot, every sub plot, every conversation, every flash back, you are bombarded with one point: worship SuperMan, despise StrawMan. Which, I suppose, is all well and good for a fairy tale; but for your 'magnum opus', it'd be nice to have something other than 1200 pages of 1-dimensional moralizing.

  If you want to save yourself hours and hours of reading, I can sum this book up for you in 13 words: be nice to the rich, or they'll take their toys and go home. (show less)

   

  by Vance Berisford on Jan 21, 2008 at 07:01PM

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