Ayn Rand

I've read all 4 of her official books multiple times, and I typically tell people to read The Fountainhead first.

As to these two options... it's tough to say. It depends on what you're looking for. Because Anthem is 1,000 pages less than Atlas Shrugged, the depth of both books varies quite a bit. Atlas Shrugged is better book, in my opinion (being the 2nd best book ever, losing barely to The Fountainhead)---but Anthem is a very, very good read as well.

Get both.

The Communist Manifesto.

I liked Anathem by Neal Stephenson.

Epignosis wrote: Pablo, I cast the first vote. It was in favor of Anthem. The reasoning is twofold: 1) Anthem takes an hour or two, while Atlas Shrugged takes about ten days. 2) Anthem is a concise version of Rand's view, while Atlas Shrugged is long as f**k. THAT SAID.... If you WANT something good and long to read, go for the big book.  However, Rand writes really crappy sex scenes, so there.  Hope this helps buddy.

Thanks

So, what you mean is, Anthem is a brief "version" of Atlas Shrugged ? Or something like that ?

I guess I should say that Anthem is Sci-Fi, whereas Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead are more or less realistic fiction (the latter more so than the former).

The Quiet One wrote: Epignosis wrote: The Quiet One wrote: Epignosis wrote: Pablo, I cast the first vote. It was in favor of Anthem. The reasoning is twofold: 1) Anthem takes an hour or two, while Atlas Shrugged takes about ten days. 2) Anthem is a concise version of Rand's view, while Atlas Shrugged is long as f**k. THAT SAID.... If you WANT something good and long to read, go for the big book.  However, Rand writes really crappy sex scenes, so there.  Hope this helps buddy. Thanks So, what you mean is, Anthem is a brief "version" of Atlas Shrugged ? Or something like that ? "Anthem" is a "basic version." Truth is, none of Rand's novels do a good job succinctly explaining her philosophy (The Fountainhead comes the closest).  She was honestly not a good writer in terms of literature. If you want the WHOLE deal, get Atlas Shrugged.  Then read The Fountainhead.  2000 pages later you will be a master of her philosophy (especially since 75 page or so of Atlas Shrugged is one man's speech). She's not a good writer, then ? I Forget about her philosophy, is Anthem or Atlas Shrugged fun or entertaining to read, like say 1984, Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World ?

Basically, no.

Great mind.

sh*tty writer.

KoS wrote: She is a very "blocky" writer. She is one of those writers who can take up pages trying to describe something. It's like an engineer trying to write a novel; very technical and no passion.

Excellent description.

For a woman who desired economy in government, she had no economy of words.


Edited by Epignosis - September 26 2009 at 22:37

I tried Atlas once and admit I couldn't finish it.  Didn't have that kind of patience in my 20s.  I could try again now but I don't care to. 

And I'll tell you this Pablo...

Want a magnificent work of fiction with meaning?

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving.

If you don't have that book and can't get it easily, PM me your address, and I'll buy and mail you a copy of it.

It's a bit long (and has some diversions on American politics of the 1980s), but the last four pages made me quit writing for MONTHS).

Finnforest wrote: I tried Atlas once and admit I couldn't finish it.  Didn't have that kind of patience in my 20s.  I could try again now but I don't care to.