Atlas Shrugged.

[Phobophobia]

I bought this book because my brother had suggested it, but would you recommend 'Atlas Shrugged'?

[Hana]

Most defiantly. But I would suggest two things – 1) find a quiet place to absorb sections of the book, 2) and actually think about what you read when you are not reading it. Some people say that this book "rewired" their brains a bit.

[09booklover]

Absolutely! It may seem overwhelming because it's so thick, but it's worth every second spent reading.

Do take Hana's suggestions, though. This is a book to be savored and read thoughtfully.

It really is a great book! Enjoy!

[axisage]

i recently finished "the fountainhead," and i loved it.

that's a good point - how rand can go to work almost rewiring your brain. which makes me wonder: i'm curious about "atlas shrugged." however, "the fountainhead," while an unquestionable work of great literary merit (originally rejected by 12 publishers - isn't it always the case with great things) is also, to my thinking, the fiction vehicle for rand to espouse her philosophy, "objectivism." (i don't mean to imply that "fountainhead" was crafted just so she could get people on board with her personal philosophy, but it certainly has something to do with it.) if "atlas shrugged" is another great epistle to "objectivism," i may just skip it, as there are hundreds of other books in my to-be-read pile. any thoughts? i'd appreciate any feedback. thanks!

[The Mythwriter]

This book has been on my list for ages, and yet I keep delaying. Still, it's worth reading just for the sake of knowing such an awesome classic and being able to have your own opinion about it. Besides, I have yet to meet someone who's read it and will not swear by it. I certainly will read it before I die.

[Doug_Brunell]

Most defiantly. But I would suggest two things – 1) find a quiet place to absorb sections of the book, 2) and actually think about what you read when you are not reading it. Some people say that this book "rewired" their brains a bit.

Very true. While this book did not rewire my brain (Noam Chomsky's works did that), it did get me thinking.

"Atlas Shrugged" is by no means a great story, but it is a great book because of what it inspires. We all know Rand had a love affair with capitalism in its purest form, but her passion can be taken to almost endeavor, and that's what makes this book so important. I've thought about tackling the subject of Rand even more on my book blog, but haven't yet. I think she is an author worth spending time with.

[axisage]

"the fountainhead" was truly engrossing. to me, rand kept reiterating her characters. where some authors, i've found, give a sketch and let your mind do the rest, rand's characters seemed paramount to the story. i remember a phrase: "the imperious line of her arm," describing the beautiful, cold heroine / anti-heroine.

i definitely have to check out atlas shrugged. love the comment here about rand championing "capitalism in its purest form." more than an economic model, she makes is something psychological.

[KAWFEEE!!]

Atlas Shrugged is a must read, even if you've read Fountainhead. Granted, Rand is the ultimate capitalist, but real capitalism is not a bad system. Problem is it's never been tried. Rand's capitalism is nature, which is not always kind. Ever notice how nothing in nature dies of old age, except us? Still, capitalism under Rand's definition would produce a more stable, progressive society if left alone.
However, socialism is a good system too; problem is it's never been tried either. But the best of all systems without a doubt is communism, which has definitely never been tried, or a close facsimile. Maybe when humanity evolves enough communism will work. See ya in about 500,000 years. Until then, nuke 'em.
So what's the problem Ayn? If all these social systems work, What's wrong? People! People don't work. But nature is workin' on it. see ya in about 500,00 yrs, folks, unless we can give nature a hand. Dreaming? Maybe. Imagine ...to be free
KAWFEEE

And THAT's what I eventually got from Rand. Shrug.

[axisage]

Ever notice how nothing in nature dies of old age, except us?

please explain this to me, if you would.

[Doc]

I recently read Atlas Shrugged. Although some of Rands concepts are interesting at some points I felt like I was being beat over the head with stereotypes. It is a hard book to finish for most people, engaging at times yet boring at others. The book has both good points and bad though a bit overrated it is worth the read.

[axisage]

sold.

[axisage]

just a side note: i heard somewhere that rand's "fountainhead" was rejected by twelve major publishers before it took hold.

[textbookonly]

Atlas Shrugged is Ayn Rand's masterpiece. The economy is collapsing because of the strange disappearance of leading producers and industrialists. The theme is the role of the mind in man's existence. It demonstrates a new moral philosophy based on rational self-interest.

In this wonderful work, Rand shows what the world would be like if the real producers, the productive individuals, would stop their work and their production. It is stunning and awesome. Just grap the book and read it.

[Sevin]

Atlas Shrugged is brilliant. It took me a while to get through it, but I enjoyed every page.

And yes, it rewires your brain on all sorts of subjects. Many people today (and in the book) blame capitalism for the problems with the economy, but this book makes you realize that we haven't even had real capitalism for a while.

Great writing, great plot, great all around.

[axisage]

o.k. just ordered it. i feel like it's not even an option now: i HAVE to read it. awesomeness.

sevin, that is the freaking coolest avatar/thumbnail/pic i have ever seen.