Rating: 
Summary: Capitalism Works
Review: We've seen the perils of both communism and socialism, and what dismal failures they are; yet we keep trying them as economic systems. Ayn Rand weaves a compelling story about this, take heed and enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: Emphatic, but ultimately ponderous
Review: Ayn Rand certainly had a dream- one of complete self-reliance, both of individuals and of societies, and of lives lived through nothing but reason. For that, we can place her books on the same shelf as that of Marx and other idealists who envisioned an utopia on earth and whom have gathered reverent disciples to genuflect at the feet of the master. The remarks on Atlas Shrugged and her other writings reflect both the devotion (from her fellow travelers) and extreme dislike (from opponents).
One can easily find simple arguments for and against her simplistic ideology- the utter failure to understand natural human attachments like that of children for parents and vice versa, the appealing refusal of individual responsibility for others (in Rand's world, no one is ill or suffers from mental disease) and the rejection of irrational belief and emotional tie, whether it be religion, nation, ethnicity and so on. (She fails to carry this through to the economic growth cult or its ally, that of technological determinism. So she is a believer.)
I wish I could write that this book has virtues beyond her ideological pretensions. Its enthusiasts believe so. But alas. Atlas Shrugged is but a mouthpiece for her peculiar set of beliefs; it is artless, incredibly repetitive and ponderous. Her arrogant refusal to accept editorial guidance is painfully obvious; no competent editor would have allowed such a bloated book. By the famous John Galt speech toward the end, I was limping badly. The characters are simple people with poor memories, little capacity for emotion (beyond resentment toward others for getting in their way) and great ambition. I was reminded of certain politicians. But they do work hard and resent any interference in their enterprises. Fortunately for them, they don't have a spouse or children at home, elderly parents or other obligations. If they did, they'd be more interesting people, but Rand's ideology would collapse upon itself.
Nevertheless, it is worth one's time to read one of Rand's novels in order to gain an understanding of why her fans love her so. And she has had influential admirers, including Alan Greenspan. Just don't expect a particularly well thought-out philosophy or a finely crafted novel.
Rating: 
Summary: Objectivist Propaganda
Review: Atlas Shrugged is a 1000+ page book largely devoted to convincing the reader that Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism elevates humans to the highest level of existance.The major flaw of this book is that it takes place in a fairy-tale world that purposely ignores any real-world dynamics (and personal emotions) which would reflect poorly on her ideas. Said another way, her ideas are not tested fairly in this book. It is a systematic propagation of her ideas using 1-dimensional characters to support her viewpoint. This is the definition of propaganda. I give it 3 stars because I do believe it is an important work if nothing else but for the discussions it evokes. However, I feel this could have been a much more compelling novel had Ayn Rand defended her philosophy against a more intelligent set of arguments, rather than hitting the reader over the head repeatedly with concocted situations that shows why capitalism and trickle-down economics are superior to socialistic ideas. I would have enjoyed seeing her ideas more fully challenged.
Rating:
Summary: It made me realize how stupid the world is
Review: First, let me explain something about Ayn Rand. All of the "intellectuals" out there dismiss her philosophy as banal, mindless drivel. Ayn Rand never believed so-called classic philosophy was worth reading at all, so that is the pot calling the kettle black. She has proven herself over and over because she is a Top-Selling writer of profound staggering genius. If you are a pinko Commie liberal who has a PhD in Philosophy and read the mundane, senseless propaganda of those intelligence peddlers like Kant and Hegel, then you are not smart enough to read this. If I had the words to describe how great this is I would but I can't so I won't. Just read it for yourself and decide. If you don't like it, it means you are an ... and not worthy to wear her sandals or wash her feet. Oh yeah, one more thing, if you don't like it then it means you are a loser! HA!
Rating:
Summary: Why Should One Read Atlas Shrugged?
Review: I would strongly recommend this book, especially to teenagers and young adults. This audience will not be as intimidated by its philosophical theme. Artistically, this is a masterpiece in my opinion. Ayn Rand's descriptive powers and fluency with metaphors are something I have yet found to be matched by another writer. This book possesses tremendous integration through its nearly one thousand pages, yielding an intense, compelling mystery. I didn't find Atlas Shrugged to be a vehicle for the author's philosophy, Objectivism, but that philosophical and artistic elements blended together in fashioning a very romantic work of art.
Despite the age of this novel, readers should find that it speaks directly to important issues we now face, and that humanity shall always face: the freedom of the individual versus control by government; the choice of a standard of values to define one's morality; and reason versus mysticism. The answers Ayn Rand provides to these questions are original and beautifully woven into the fiction. At several points in Atlas Shrugged, philosophy is spoken of at length, usually in dramatic monologues. Most readers will probably scan through these and return quickly to the plot. To those who are interested in philosophy, getting your mind around these speeches is very rewarding. They represent the soul of this novel and allow it to enter your life as more than an inspiring portrait of the ideal.
Modern culture is fairly cheap and emaciated. Its artwork reflects this. Books are churned out rapidly by popular authors and paintings and sculptures are often grotesque and unintelligible. To say that Atlas Shrugged will be refreshing is an understatement. There is a reason this book, written over fifty years ago, has the sales rank and prevalence it does: it's the pinnacle achievement of a great author, the product of ten years of her life. It's not surprising that fans read Atlas Shrugged repeatedly, for it provides a wonderful escape from the often unspectacular greyness surrounding them. Personally, I've only read it once as the details remain vivid and alive in my mind.
Rating:
Summary: All-Time Classic
Review: Simply the best-told story and most enjoyable read I've ever had. It was also the most profound learning experience of my life. This book is philosophical fiction at the highest level. Those who call it "propaganda" know that it is no more so than the novels of Victor Hugo or Fyodor Dostoevsky, and these same critics usually love Dickens--whose propaganda was far heavier-handed. The legions of this books fans will say that it changed their lives forever. The enmies of Rand (whose many controversial views made her many a bitter foe) don't want this book to be read (but can't sound like they want it suppressed.) For example, isn't it fascinating which reviews are "featured" here?
Rating: 
Summary: Good book
Review: Definitely propaganda, but very entertaining, and a good boost for old-fashioned, American self-reliance.
Rating:
Summary: You'll love or you'll hate it
Review: You'll hate it if you can't understand a society in which the lazy and unproductive may not act as parasites to the productive and hard working. You'll hate it if you misinterpret Ayn Rand's philosophy, if you were confused by John Galt's speech, and if you capitulate under the weight of an immoral society. You'll hate it if you can't comprehend the supremacy of existence. You'll hate it if you're bent on the socialist philosophy, one that is unrealistic as a economic system. You'll love it if you're a rational self-reliant being!
Rating:
Summary: don't disparage a terrific novel!
Review: I have one more thing to add: what other novel would you judge entirely on the basis of how realistic the characters or plot are? Metamorphosis? Animal Farm? War of the Worlds?
Rating:
Summary: you don't understand do you?
Review: ok, so apparently you guys aren't getting it. YOU DON'T HAVE TO AGREE WITH AYN RAND'S PHILOSOPHY TO LIKE ATLAS SHRUGGED. Unfortanetly, many of you don't seem to understand this. ...First of all, millions of people will not die of starvation, mainly because most humans actually have it in them to get a job. I will admit, many parasites that were content feeding off of the labor of others may go hungry for a while...but i'm sure they'd eventually realize they must work to survive on their own. ... Atlas Shrugged is a literary achievement of the twentieth century. The well-devoloped characters, the suspense, the twists and turns in the plot, the epiphany of realizing the true meaning of the title display the genius of Ayn Rand.
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