Read most of it, but too painful to get through the capitalist sermons

If you like Fountainhead, you're pretty much guarenteed to love this one as well. Feminists will probably particularly enjoy;)

If you think this book is about capitalism, then you're right. If you think Rand promotes capitalism, then you're wrong. All of her antagonists are capitalists and all of her protagonists are libertarians--plain and simple. These books put on display the difference between the reality and the ideal of capitalism just as most of the dystopian genre display the difference between the ideal and the reality of communism. Of course, a true libertarian functions best in an ideal capitalist economy, so the books promote capitalism slightly, but not in the form of greedy money-hungry second-handers like our current economy is criticized for. These books are hopeful and inspirational, because they instill the belief in the reader that if he or she works passionately for his or herself--not for greed or for any cause, but for the love of oneself and what one is capable of--then nothing else truly matters. This is capitalism at its best: libertarian capitalism and laissez-faire. If everybody worked on those premises, then greed would not define the economy. Capital is that which has value, hence capitalism is defined by what we place value in! If we place our greatest care and value in reason, ingenuity, and the achievements of man as individuals, then a healthfully balanced market will follow. At least, that's how I read it. In any case, the villains in these novels are consistently the people who are considered villains by socialists in society today, so I find it ironic to read comments raging against Rand's capitalism.

I love these books. I love love loved reading them, but I can understand why some people are put off by the length. There are several places where they break the rules of what makes a good novel by diving into long soliloquized treatises. I mean, it literally takes more than 3 hours to read the radio lecture bit. Couldn't Rand have just written that as a separate essay and paraphrased it in the book? I found that a bit distracting. In spite of that, I think these books are beautifully crafted and masterfully convey the vices of society.

If you are looking for a shorter way to hear a similar message, I think there are several books out there that touch on those topics. For example, I think The Stepford Wives (somewhere around 100 pages long) has a great depiction of the negatives of zombification of the producers and makers of the world.


What strikes me most, when reading other people's reviews of Rand is the lack of any mention of the love scenes! I think The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged may be some of the most beautiful love stories with the most meaningful and descriptive love scenes in literature. Having read a variety of books, from Jane Austen to E L James, I think it's safe to say that these love-making scenes are more tasteful, communicative, and passionate than most others I have read. The self-sacrificing nature of their love is both progressive and inspirational. It reflects their natures perfectly and reaffirms my belief in soul mates and love at first sight. In the lives of characters who constantly strive for perfection, why not achieve it in the emotional realm as well as the physical and social?

I read both of these books years ago, and I do remember liking them very much. Am aiming to do a re-read one of these days!

I have read both books. It was such a good book. It had me thinking about my goals in life, the reasons that I take the stand that I do, whether or not I have passion (romantically and for life). I used to read The Fountainhead at least once a year so I could re-evaluate my life choices. Atlas Shrugged made me think about society in general and how messed up we are. On a petty note, I really didn't like who the main female character ended up with. Rand has good ideas and themes that are worth reading. I just hate how she gives the characters these long speeches, two or more pages. It detracted me from the message that the character was trying to convey but it was still worth the read.

This book really makes you think and reevaluate your outlook.

The Fountainhead was my first love! Atlas Shrugged right behind....

Like it or not, approve or not, agree or not, she understands why we are where we are. This from a Russian refugee who chose to name herself after her typewriter.

amazing.......

life changing

Formed the foundation of my political philosophy. Love both.

At apoint in my life, Ayn Rand was very influential. This book was life changing for me in high school.