Rating: 
Summary: The Greatest Novel Ever Written
Review: After taking a look at some of the most recent customer reviews, I realized that I must write a review on this novel refuting what some of those beasts have been saying about this novel. There are so many wonderful things about this novel that I am not quite certain where to begin in describing them.I was already somewhat experienced with Rand's works before reading this novel, having read The Fountainhead (which was my favorite novel before reading Atlas Shrugged), Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal, and The Virtue of Selfishness. I had a decent understanding of Objectivism before having read Atlas Shrugged, but this novel helped me blossom as an Objectivist. One of the most common criticisms against the novel I have seen is that the characters are too unreal, which could not be more wrong. For the heroes, I offer myself as a living example that people like that do exist. As for the villians, I ask that you compare Wesley Mouch, Mr. Thompson, James Taggart and the like to some of our political leaders today. Those who make claims that the characters are unreal are too weak to admit the truth to themselves: that the characters are all too real, and that the present world is undergoing a subconscious version of the strike in the novel (which will hopefully become a conscious strike someday soon). Some also argue that the novel only shows the two extremes and that there is no representation of those in between. To those critics, I ask that they look at the "Wet Nurse" and Cherryl Brooks, who both represent ordinary people. I love the sharp bite of Rand's diction (who needs profanity when you have some of the delightfully brilliant criticisms she wrote of the villians?) and the remarkable descriptions. At first, the length of John Galt's speech may seem intimidating, but once I got into it, something amazing happened--the whole thing started to click into place--I suddenly understood what was one of my biggest disagreements at first with Rand, the whole atheist thing (at that point I labeled myself agnostic), but as I was reading the speech, I suddenly understood why I should be an atheist. All religions are demanding that man practice a moral standard which man cannot practice--and remain alive. Another common misconception about the novel is that the sex scene between Dagny Taggart and John Galt is a rape. Galt did not rape Dagny, despite what many might say. Dagny wanted Galt to come after her: as she was walking down the railroad tunnel, she kept thinking to herself "You will follow me," as if it was a command for Galt. She just got a little overwhelmed and bit Galt when he started in on her (which ironically enough, Dominique Francon also did to Howard Roark in The Fountainhead), but she did want it. In brief, this is a remarkable novel that you cannot help loving if you actually do understand what she is saying (I think those who write nasty reviews don't really understand the meanings and implications of Rand's brand of rational egoism and lassiez-faire capitalism). Even if you are not big on philosophy, you can still enjoy Atlas Shrugged. The plot is quite captivating, and you will find that you can't put this book down (the one problem with this novel: you don't want to put it down, but because of its length, you must put it down sometime).
Rating:
Summary: Heavy-going but great and inspiring
Review: There are not many female philosophers, and certainly few women so relentlessly supportive of human freedom as Ayn Rand. This novel is an interesting vehicle for her philosophy, but sometimes, her extreme viewpoint makes the behavior of her characters seem a little silly. For example, in order to illustrate her views, Rand peoples her novel with, on the one hand, a tiny and elite band of highly principled and uncompromising capitalists, and on the other hand, large numbers of spineless, mindless "looters" who only know how to be parasites. I fear that many modern, politically-confused readers will reject both these stereotypes, and therefore not accept Rand's uncompromising doctrine. This is a pity, because Rand has a valuable lesson - we should not compromise over principles. Rand's heroes have sex rather infrequently for such apparently powerful, egoistical and presumably potent individuals, but this is compensated by the fierce nature of their sexual interactions, which seem to be fuelled by almost uncontrollable lust. Yet the author repeatedly reaffirms that sex should only take place between individuals as a natural expression of their mutual approval of the values of each other's minds. Most readers are likely to prefer our modern view of sex, as the work of 'selfish genes,' especially on the part of promiscuous males, who, irrespective of political orientation or social rank, seem usually happy to serve females on the basis of physical characteristics. The books is too long at 1074 pages, and the small type used (under 9 points, I think) will doubtless encourage many readers to skip. I read the whole lot, though, and think it is a kind of imperfect masterpiece. The novel contains an image of the horror of collectivism and socialism which is rather out-dated compared to modern libertarian writings. However, the book's description of honorable people actually living their lives by principle, is unusual and extremely valuable. Perhaps most valuable of all, Ms Rand incessantly spells out the connection between political phenomena, the underlying human behavior and the principles that motivate her characters, in minute detail. Anybody who reads this book can hardly avoid being swayed towards the central lesson that human lives should be motivated by a consistent and productive purpose, as is the case with her hero-capitalists. In this, Ayn Rand was a great and inspiring teacher.
Rating:
Summary: A Breakthrough
Review: Atlas Shrugged is simply the most well-written book of all time. The author spend about 14 years on writing this book, and it surely paid off. It was first published in 1957 and it has been translated into numerous languages and is one of the most influential books in American history. How come that you rarely see it being talked about in the media? How come that many Americans have never even heard about it or its author?
Because it tells the truth!
The book consists of strong and well-defined characters and the plot is flawless. The main parts of the plot are the proper and improper role of government, the source of American wealth and production and the individuals who represent the good and evil in the world and specifically in American society. You get to know good and evil in business as government like never before.
Any person with an interest in politics, freedom, individualism and reason ought to read this book. You will not be disappointed. Another book I recommend is Paul Omeziri's Descent into Illusion, really just as good.
Rating: 
Summary: The Overrated Culmination of the Fallible American Ideology
Review: I will start by making a single concession: the suspense is engaging. Now, on to my diatribe. First, propagandizing may be conducted much more effectively without the redundancy that is inevitable in a thousand-page volume. Secondly, the philosophy of objectivism is simply a justification of the American tendency to throw away that UNICEF envelope. The weakness of the philosophy is glaringly obvious in her failings as a writer. Only two characters exist, the egoist and the fool. The sign of a truly great author is the ability to present compelling antagonists. Any characters exhibiting the semblance of social conscience are portrayed as weak, aimless, idle conspirators toward the demise of civilization. They are stock, unimaginative and unconvincing. Ayn Rand does not seem to appreciate that there is existence beyond the extremes of utterly selfish industrial capitalism and anarchy or a socialism in which the individual must submit to the oppressive and chaotic whim of a slave-driving totalitarian state. Thank you Ayn Rand for inadvertently revealing the diseased state of American ethics. I feel enlightened and disgusted as I bear witness to the horrible consequences (to which objectivists remain ignorant) of radical material individualism. Reactionary is a euphemism.
Rating: 
Summary: Between the Lines
Review: This is the worst book I have ever read, not because the writing is poor, but because the viewpoints expressed are thinly vieled arguments for classism and social darwinism. Don't beleive me? Try this sentence:"I will treat you as I would treat a bum... I will beat you"(I was going to quote the page, but I forgot that I threw out the book)
This book is based loosely; very very loosely, on the depression of the 1920's. Her book claims that this event was caused primarily by government inerference with business. While these hardworking businessmen are full of hope and foresight, the rest of the world falls by their wayside. Their is nothing wrong with expressing your viewpoint, and thoughtful revealing the problems with your own ideals before brining them to audiences; however this is not apparent in Ayn Raynd. Unlike Orwellian works, or "Brave new World", her villains never have an argument, and cannot support their ideas. They are mindless quibles who nervously about, running from hereos. As such, her words come out like gospel beause she allows nothing to challenge them. To mind spring other names of people who fought against challenges to their ideals: Joseph McCarthy, Joseph Stalin, and Adolf Hitler.
I feel bad for Ayn Rand, and for the horrors she must have witnessed in Communist Russia. However, the problems we faced (and still face) in America come from more corporate scandal then from governmental vampirism, although that is present as well. Look at today's headlines, read up on the 1920's where corporations lied about business products, and kept workers in poor dangerous working conditions because it turned a profit. Example: sausage producing factories were so dangerous, that workers occassionally fill into the vats while they were running, and were immediately ground up and sold...
Rating: 
Summary: Phenomenal book but a bit repetitive
Review: Ayn Rand is a classic. Her theme on the importance of rewarding the individual for effort rather than need is emphasized to the nth degree here.
This does not say this is not a great book, but it does get preachy at times. The story is of a socialistic world, one where the meek are inheriting the earth.. Those who've done nothing to deserve it but by virtue of their weakness are having it handed to them. They are bleeding the "mover and shakers" dry. Dagny Taggert is one of those "mover and shakers" and is striving to run her family's railroad while her weak older brother Jim, is hanging on as president in name only. The world is falling apart and a saying that suggests no blame or hope is "Who is John Galt?" As time goes on Dagny uses this phrase to throw success in the face of the losers. Eventually, she finds out the true meaning of this saying and it changes her perspective, literally.
Unfortunately, things have a way of being self perpetuating and a bad thing gets worse. Not to worry though, Ayn Rand has an odd way of making it all work out. I thought some of the changes in allegiances were odd and too easily changed, but given this novel is written more "iconically", the individual character has less importance than what they represent. When you read the book this will make more sense. It is clear Ayn Rand hold great respect for capitalism and recognizes the socialistic system of her mother country held no promise. Throughout this novel Ayn Rand spouts on her theory of "Objectism", a bit too much at times, which is why this book got a 4 instead of a 5. However, the story is good, the characters are well developed and it is a good read. It is a long book but well worth the effort.
Rating:
Summary: A revelation...for those capable of seeing
Review: It is no surprise that the ideologically blind will have a problem with this amazing and groundbreaking work, but those who read this with an open mind will find themselves entering a new world of freedom and ideas. The experience will be unsettling for some. If you have been raised to believe that life is all about sacrifice, that seeking happiness and fulfillment for oneself is a sin, that it is not selfish of others to expect to take all that you have to give (especially if you produce more, earn more and deserve more) while they see it as irredeemably selfish of YOU to expect to keep anything you work for, earn or deserve, then this book is not for you. This book taught me to say NO to others, something I had never been able to do before. It is liberating, especially for women who are taught to be relentlessly giving while getting nothing for their efforts lest they be "selfish". This book is NOT about not giving credit to those who labor, it is in every way about the glorification of the working man, the thinking man, the productive man of all types, whether he be a factory worker or a captain of industry. This book celebrates ingenuity and productivity. It is against the idea that those who produce less and deserve less and take more are somehow entitled to the labor, the effort, the income and all the resources of those who produce the income, the product and the ideas. The story centers around a man and his companions who are all great men of ideals, musicians, industrial kings, inventors. And one day, they disappear, drop out of society. In other words, they go on strike. What happens when the world's greatest minds decide to drop out? This book is not for egalitarians. All men may be created equal, but they differ greatly in the sequel and you'll have a lot of thinking to do about that after reading this inspiring work. Decide for yourself what kind of human you want to be. The one that drops out and is not missed, or the one that drops out and stops the gears of the world? When a man makes himself a man of value, he is a man of value to the world. And that's the message.
Rating:
Summary: Still True
Review: What Ayn Rynd saw back then is still true today. The observations embodied in this novel on how the 80% of society will (in this case, through oppressive governmental parasites) beat down the truly innovative, hard working, entreprenurial, productive people, are right on target. Let this story be a warning to all those irresponsible factions of society who always want someone else to take care of THEIR wants.
Rating:
Summary: Poor Ayn
Review: She had more in common with the "witch doctors" she condemned so vehemently than she had brain enough to realize. A deeply troubled woman, surrounding herself with the smug or gullible -- or maybe the smugly gullible. Isn't it odd that she attracted so many professors and lawyers -- the true parasites of our culture? I've yet to meet a man or woman that could build a building, raise a family, or do anything else useful that had the time to devote to something so silly and shallow as Rand's sophomoric "philosophy." Still, I would suggest that you read it -- unless you're an adolescent, and still too excitable, as some of the other reviewers seem to be -- if you can find a copy in your library, just so you'll dispense with it. This is the kind of stuff that has been spouted (along with its complement, deep-fried socialism) by barely be-whiskered political science or philosophy majors since mid-century.
Rating:
Summary: I don't think so.
Review: It is no wonder why Ayn Rand is anti-education.
Her worst enemies are those who possess the ability to think for themselves and not blindly follow her every word.
It is also no mystery why many of the positive reviews regarding this book were submitted by teenagers. Keep dreamin', Rand!
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