Atlas Shrugged (1957)

An exhaustive, mechanical glorification of selfishness that the author purports to be wholly original while owing everything to Emersonian self-reliance (Rand does credit Aristotle for his logic, even though that system—namely the syllogism—was debunked some time ago). Still, there’s some merit, which I plan to address from my reading notes (at some point). The 60-page monologue from a pivotal character sets forth Rand’s philosophy at the end of the book, but I am going to check out her [b:Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology|154141|Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology|Ayn Rand|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1347315544s/154141.jpg|1711521] soon. ( )

A monolithic text on libertarian-ism written as a dystopian novel set in the 1950s. It's written from an idealist perspective where the author sets up her characters to be able to live by these ideals in a very black and white way. Personally, I think life is far more grey-scale than this and she fails to explain how such a society cares for those who cannot care for themselves. On the positive side she does raise some interesting points and does succeed in describing how corruption and social welfare idealism can be counter productive. I think the book would have been significantly more meaningful if it was less long winded. ( )

This is Ayn Rand's epic. Within it, she preaches. A lot. Entire chapters are dedicated to telling you why Objectivism is awesome.

There's a plot in there somewhere and even a crack at Robin Hood (which was hilarious) but in reality, this is a philosophy book. The characters are being driven and molded around a philosophic statement, and are therefore uninteresting and one-dimensional.

As a novel, it fails. However, If you want to learn about Objectivism this wouldn't a bad place to start. ( )

I have finally finished this book, finally, and I feel like I've just finished a hundred mile marathon and have just crossed the finish line - except that instead of running into a cheering crowd and the sounds of cheers and congratulations, I've fallen face down into a giant puddle of mud while a crowd of businessmen stand over me and chide me for being so god damn altruistic.

Who is John Galt? Answer: a total ass. And, regrettably, hot.

(Warning: Review contains much worse curse words after this point. Just letting you know.)

This was the worst fucking book I have ever read. And yes, I did read Twilight. A thousand pages about selfish rich people who believe they are so goddamn gifted that the 'robbers' of the world don't deserve their talents? Sorry, too busy gagging to care. Waah, think about the poor widdle billionaires! Let's not even discuss their precious Atlantis. Doesn't help that this book is plain boring. What little action there is is swaddled in ten feet of philosophical nonsense and men in suits standing around waxing lyrical about their feeeeeeelings about business. Also, beyond the main core of characters, I can't really say that Rand develops the secondary cast beyond the pale stereotypes expected of them so she can advance her story.

Also, she fucking kills off an entire train full of people - just before describing each passenger as selfish bastards so they must have deserved their horrific fiery fate. Oh.

The only reason this book even gets one star is Dagny goddamn Taggart, HBIC of trains. And the fact that she isn't afraid to bone every good looking dude in this book. I totally ship Dagny/John/Francisco/Hank . . . and Dagny/trains. You mad, fandom? Didn't think so. Honestly, I'm looking forward to the Atlas Shrugged fanfiction; it certainly can't be any worse than the source material.

PS: Dearest Katie, when you read this review, I want you to know YOU OWE ME ONE. ( )

I just puked in my mouth a little. ( )