Anthem

Rating:
Summary: Struggle for the Self
Review: The story of a government with absolute control over the people is captured in numerous books. The unique twist portrayed in "Anthem" is the loss of the sense of self. Though a very short read without a plot in the usual sense, it is a read that makes a person think.

"Equality 7-2521" is the main character, guilty of crimes against his brothers. The word "I" and the sense of self are abolished, being replaced by the word we as a symbol of the collective good. The individual is of no importance, the "we" is all that matters. Equality 7-2521 has possessed thoughts that are unique to himself, which is a crime in this world. These thoughts stay largely hidden until the day he discovers and underground tunnel which seems to have been a subway in an earlier era. This leads him to further thought and the discovery of lightbulbs or capturing the power of the sky as he calls it. Thinking the discovery and its mastery would gain him immunity for his crimes, he takes his discovery to the Council of Scholars. The Scholars reject his invention and suggest he should receive the worst punishments possible. Equality 7-2521 escapes with his invention into the Uncharted Forest. He is followed by a woman he labels "The Golden One". Together they find a cabin and discover more of the Unmentionable Times. They vow to start a new civilization with the sense of self importance and other ideas of enlightened times. In effect, the hero of the story seeks to the dark ages described in the story as a conclusion.

When I reached the end of the story, I found there was so much more I wanted to know. Although we never learn what becomes of Equality 7-2521, I found myself wishing for a sequel to the book describing his revolution. But perhaps this part of the story is best left to develop in my own mind as unlike most of the people described in this world created by Ayn Rand, I can think independently and have thoughts of my own.

Rating:
Summary: unbelievable
Review: this book changed my life. Rand's soft yet harsh representation of the future world hit me where it hurts. i makes you realize the true importance of the word 'I' and what it means to others as well as yourself. this morose portrayal of world without 'I' will get in your head and will refuse to leave. i read this book in one sitting and it was the single most enlightening sitting of my life. a quick read, this book will grab you and at the end you will feel yourself grabbing back. Equality 7-2521 is representative of almost all of us, wondering is we think what the others think, but never having the initiative to discover exactly what it is we are thinking. the only recomendation i have about this book is to read it in one sitting. it will change your life forever.

Rating:
Summary: Very Thought Provoking-Great Story
Review: This book is a very good starter for those who wish to get their feet wet with Ayn Rand. I don't agree with all of her beliefs, but she was a woman ahead of her time. I love the way Rand uses her characters to illustrate her philosophy, whether you agree with it or not, it is hard not to respect her storytelling abilities. Besides Atlas Shrugged, of all the novels by Rand that I have read, I found this the most entertaining and surprising. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: A classic multi-tiered parable.
Review: This story is amazing for its many levels. There is the literal and then there is the philosophical. Although this book is only 100 pages long--it takes one sitting to read--you will find yourself thinking of it far longer.