Anthem

Rating:
Summary: I only give this book 5 stars because I can't give it 100
Review: In response to Mr. Topp's remarks I have nothing to say except that he is an idiot who is so stupid that he couldn't recognize genius if he stepped on it. Oh wait... that's what he did in his review. Ayn Rand is the most brilliant writer ever. Her outstanding prose conveys her message so it is as clear as day. While this book may not be as good as AS or The Fountainhead, it certainly deserves 5 stars. I recommend this book to any rational and/or intelligent person who will put Mrs. Rand's ideals to good use.

Rating:
Summary: I would rate Anthem 0 stars if it was possible
Review: Please, send me your money instead. Anthem, a short (thank god) work preaching about the evils of communisim and the "WE" ideal (ayn rand fled the bolshevik revolution in 1917) ranks as one of the worst books i have read. To reinforce the "WE" ideal of scoiety in the book, no personal pronouns are used. Although this does serve a purpose, it makes for nearly impossible reading. Rand has generated a cult following who believe in something called "objectivism," and God help a nation where an objectivist reaches any station of power. Objectivism is supposedly a way to fight back against the ideals and morality of today's society, while promoting the kind of society that this group of brainwashed fanatics prefer. It's not clear what that government is. Read 1984, Brave New World, or any other distopia work. But Anthem is a book to be avoided at all costs. Ayn Rands work follows the same theme in other works, only it is longer and more tedious. Rand is a poor writer, and a blight and an insult to the distopian idea, under which Orwel and Huxley raised their banners.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Book I Have Ever Had the Privlige to read.
Review: This is the most remarkable book I have ever read. I think that is the BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD. NO such book better.

Rating:
Summary: a celebration of individuality
Review: i'll admit that miss rand's writing style isn't the most captivating, in fact, i'd say she isn't very good. but it's the philosophy behind the story that makes it so great. she shows us that even though we need to become one people, we must also remember who we are as an individual. even if this wasn't such a quick read, i'd recommend it to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: Not the best dystopia book!
Review: Read Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World instead. Although short (you don't have to suffer the endless tirades of Atlas Shrugged), I had problems keeping attention through the whole book. Rand has a very boring writing style. Moreover, I have to admit, I had the disturbing, cultic, sheepish following of Rand's "philosophy" in my mind all the time.

Rating:
Summary: This classic dystopia is not too original
Review: I have read many dystopias and this is definately the most standard. There is not much original in the book, and a book that barely reaches the 100-page mark, like this one, is not going to have that many sophisticated ideas. Reading Farenheit 451 or 1984 would be a much wiser decision.

Rating:
Summary: Be a shepard, not a sheep!
Review: I read Rand's Anthem when I was 17 and loved it for its imagery and message. Now at 20 and in college, I am finding the teachings of Anthem to be quite useful in forming my own opinions and refusing to become "like every body else." It is hard in this world not to conform, but read Anthem and you will see what conformity does to a group of people. Being an individualist is probably the most that I am proud of, and if you read Anthem, it will remind all of you that no matter what people tell you, whether the media, teachers, or your friends, individualism is the key to a democratic society and the eliminator of conformity. If you like what Rand has to say, pick up Ralph Waldo Emerson next, he is the quintessential individualist.

Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: WOW! This short novel by Ayn Rand is one of the most powerful novels I have ever read. It ranks up there with Steinbeck (for the characters and feelings) and Orwell (for 1984). I am only 15 and really think a lot of this short novel in the terms, it gave me a better perspective on/and about the word, "I," for which "I" is a very important word. This is So good, I would love to see it done in the theater, not big screen, but with actors and actresses before me. I have now read it twice, and will never forget the message to it---which you must read to find out. Other than that, I do have a stronger sense for myself, just from gaining the knowledge from the word: "I." This short novel should be available for everybody in the high schools to read, and I am working with the school board to see that it shows up on next years novel assignments. A great book, timeless classic, and a powerful read. READ IT!!! IT WON'T TAKE YOU LONG!!!

Rating:
Summary: Very thought-provoking
Review: The main premise of democracy is "All men are created equal". The usual reading of this phrase is that people should all have an equal chance to succeed - what each person makes of that chance is delimited by his/her own gifts and abilities. Right now, there is an alarming trend to make sure all people are equal in the literal sense - often people who are not qualified to do something are pushed up based on some bogus criterion (race, gender, you name it) and people who are qualified despite not having any extra help are pushed down. In "Anthem", Ayn Rand follows this trend to its logical conclusion. The average has become the enforced norm and people with any talents whatsoever are shoved to the bottom of society, lest they accomplish something. It is no wonder Equality 7-2521 and International 4-8818 are friends (something forbidden in and of itself as an expression of individual choice) - they are both talented in one area or another and, though they do not say it out loud, they feel that they have more in common with each other than with all their "brothers". Despite some overly ornate language, this is a wonderful book to read, both as a lesson in what a society should never become and as a work of literature.

Rating:
Summary: worthy.
Review: Anthem shows a truly shocking portrayal of the future. Though the writing was disgustingly formal, showing a regimented society, and it's plot a little dunce, it shows power. Power seems to be the key when labeling a good piece of literature. Truly, though, this book shows how important we cherish our own individuality. Anthem is a book I would recommend, but the reader must be wary of this rusty writing, where Rand doesn't take into effect normal speech patterns, but creates her own language by all of us must abide by, if we are to get any enjoyment out of this book.