Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Atlas Shrugged
Book Review: A Must Read
Summary: 5 Stars
Perhaps the nay-sayers are afraid that Ayn Rand was trying to brain wash them. Or, could it be that anyone who even slightly steers away from the norm is a heretic and should not be allowed to publish their thoughts? How closed minded could anyone be?
ATLAS SHRUGGED is a story that is nothing short of brilliant. Is it a long read? Yes. Does Ms. Rand have her philosophy/ views and does she fervently believe in them? Of course. Is it wrong to write about them? No. Unless something has changed, we are all allowed the freedom of choices and beliefs as well as the benefit to talk about them. What ATLAS SHRUGGED discusses may not be for everybody but that must not take away from the amazing story that is introduced to the readers. Nor should it deride the genius of the plotting or the exhausting depth of imagination that went into creating the characters introduced here.
Years after reading the novel, images, sentences, words and thoughts will flood back to you: The new type of motor; A couple who disobey the accepted rules and eat when they are hungry, sleep when they are tired; The concert pianist who vanishes after his apex concert; The story of the railroad line and its meanings to all involved with it. Captivating imagery told to us by a true professional who believed in every word she wrote. Furthermore, history has told us that Ayn Rand never deferred to the whims of others. She knew her mind and, long before liberation was mentioned, stood up for her beliefs as well as herself. This steel casing of determination is indoctrinated into her vivid characters as they face the daily challenges as they practice their beliefs.
Of course no one can force a person to believe something and I do not think that Ayn Rand is trying to do that here as much as she is explaining her values. Ms. Rand's dedication to her way of life is presented to us in a well formatted way. The characters are intricately drawn and the situations, as they are introduced, never lower themselves to the soap opera level.
From John Galt to the hidden valley, ATLAS SHRUGGED is a literate carpet that asks the readers to at least try to understand what the author accepts as logic. Rather than blunt preaching, Ayn Rand wove her personal viewpoint into a story that is captivating. This novel can be taken as a blueprint for altruism (even Reverend Normal Vincent Peale discussed the art of selfishness at some points in one's life) as well as a frank argument on what happens when a radical set of thoughts is unleashed onto the public. By putting it into a tale about Dagny Taggert and John Galt, Ms. Rand has taken us away from text book logic and given us her ideas of how her beliefs would work in modern society.
All I can say is, don't get hung up on trying to accept the author's creed if it upsets you that much. Respect her and her rights to establish her own views. While you are at it, enjoy the practical, entertaining and down-right fascinating way she tells the story. BRAVO!
Book Review: A Must Read
Summary: 5 Stars
The lessons in this book have yet to be learned. Wesley Mouch and his cronies have real life counterparts in Washington on both sides of the aisle.Book Review: A Must Read
Summary: 5 Stars
After the Bible, this is the most important book you should read. I bought this book as a gift to send to two friends and have done so before.
With the current economic crisis it takes on a new meaning.
Book Review: A Must Read
Summary: 5 Stars
You need not agree with everything in this book or Ayn Rand's philosophy on Objectivism to enjoy this book (though it does help). I don't entirely agree with what she has written and found many flaws, but who wouldn't have flaws with the scope that this book covers. It took her many years to write it, and you begin to understand while you read this epic-in-proportion book.
What I did like most was the stark contrast of the Looters (those who feed off of the intellectual initiatives of others... basically freeloaders and those in government) and the heroes of this story (the few who are willing to think and bring home their own bacon). The characters are interesting no matter which point of view they are being shown in.
The worst thing of this book is its length. Some of the dialog can be a little long-winded. One speech given over the radio was 60 pages long!!! I felt like half of this book could have been edited out and nobody would have missed a thing. So if you are going to read this book then be prepared for a lot of unnecessary conversations.
I have been hearing for years that this is a book that must be picked up and I finally found the time to do it. Don't get me wrong, I could put it down (and did for a few long breaks in time) but I have no regrets in reading this through finally. It not only made me think but I've discussed some of the storyline with my wife and we've had some very interesting discussions based on the ideas presented in this book. I would add this to the "Must Read No Matter Who You Are" list.
Book Review: A Must-Read for all movers and shakers of the world
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is incredible. The beginning is a little slow - the first 50 pages or so - and it is intimidating to start since it looks huge, but it is well worth the effort! Once you get into it, you won't be able to put it down.
The biggest idea from the book is a question about John Galt. I won't spoil it for you, but just imagine if the main people in the world, those who are coming up with the ideas that shake the world, suddenly started disappearing. What causes them to leave is the basis of the book.
If you read no other book for the rest of your life, read this one. It will transform (or confirm) the way you think about what is happening RIGHT NOW in our government and in this country. But just know, this is not a hard-core political book. Rather, it is a page-turner with a backdrop of ideas. Ayn Rand is a fantastic story-teller!