Atlas Shrugged â€� Reader Q&A

Questions About Atlas Shrugged

by Ayn Rand

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Answered Questions (33)

In terms of Ayn Rand's fiction, does it make more sense to start with Anthem or The Fountainhead?

Leo Walsh "Anthem" is at least half-way decent pulp science fiction novel. It is derivative of many distopias, notably "We" by Zamyatin, but it's not terrible. â€¦m´Ç°ù±ð"Anthem" is at least half-way decent pulp science fiction novel. It is derivative of many distopias, notably "We" by Zamyatin, but it's not terrible. Say about three-stars.

"Atlas Shrugged," on the other hand, is rapidly becoming a one-star read as I plod though it. The "heroes" don't act heroically. Instead, imagine Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark abandoning regular people, and holing up in a gated community. Then exhuming Marie Antoinette, where they can scoff at the common people, and chant "Let them eat cake."

And it strains my ability to suspend my disbelief. I often find myself laughing, saying "People don't act that way." Example. One of the "good guys" [according to Rand's intentions, not my assessment] disrupts a wedding, preaches for like twenty pages (maybe fifteen or twenty minutes straight), insulting the groom and his guests and doesn't get slugged.... You get the point.(less)

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why Dagny felt so intense urge to have that bracelet? Why Hank was mad about whole incident? I can't understand what writer wants to convey with whole scene... Page no. 149-150 (50th anniversary edition) Anyone Help please.

TyLean Dagny saw the bracelet as more than Rearden Metal, it was the manifestation of Hank Rearden's achievement - which very few people appreciate. It's morâ€¦m´Ç°ù±ðDagny saw the bracelet as more than Rearden Metal, it was the manifestation of Hank Rearden's achievement - which very few people appreciate. It's more than a valuable metal.... it was made by a man who she respects completely for his ability. Lillian Rearden, on the other hand, sees the bracelet as nothing but a trinket to show off that she - and no one else - is Mrs. Rearden. Lillian is a looter, and Dagny sees Lillian as undeserving of the bracelet. In Dagny's eyes, it is morally wrong for Lillian to wear such a bracelet.

As for Hank's reaction.... I believe it has more to do with his own denial than anything Dagny or Lillian have done. Hank - at this point in the book - is still struggling with how his obligations, his responsibilities and his morals are at odds with one another.(less)

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Should I flog myself for starting this book?

Leatrice Berman While it is daunting, it may be the best book you will ever read.

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So Should I read Atlas Shrugged, knowing I hate what Ayn Rand stands for and preached? My question is if reading it will give me any insight I need or if it is just a waist of time and unnecessary self harm? Have others who have the same view on her politics as I not regretted spending their time reading the book?

Conchita I believe that people who don't like what the author stands for are the ones who will get most out of this book.â€¦m´Ç°ù±ðI believe that people who don't like what the author stands for are the ones who will get most out of this book.(less)

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Can anyone recommend a good audio book version of this?

Jeff Listen to Blackstone Audio's version, narrated by Scott Brick. It is 63 hours long, partly because he keeps a slow-ish pace, but mostly because it is â€¦m´Ç°ù±ðListen to Blackstone Audio's version, narrated by Scott Brick. It is 63 hours long, partly because he keeps a slow-ish pace, but mostly because it is just a super long book. His voice is stern but emphatic and just perfect for the harsh philosophy this book will throw at you. I just finished it today, it took me several months and I listened to two other books during my long quest but I was very satisfied. Don't be afraid to go back and re-listen to some good parts because Rand's language is dense but incredibly rich. Also, don't be afraid to zone out when she is going on the 5th rant about the same thing. I love it, I hate it, I highly recommend!

You can find the audiobook on Audible.com or for free from your local library if you get the free Overdrive app for your phone or tablet!(less)

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