Atlas Shrugged

Atlas Shrugged is a novel by philosophical writer Ayn Rand. And, it is long.

It is a lot like The Fountainhead; a reader of both will find some very familiar characters, but since Atlas Shrugged is about twice as long, there is also a much larger array of characters allowing readers a more in depth look at Rand's philosophy (Objectivism). Atlas Shrugged also ventures slightly into the genre of science fiction. I found these bits a little distasteful, but they are minor in the overall scope of the work.

Personally, I enjoyed this book a lot. I think it is more melodramatic and 1984ish than The Fountainhead, and if put to a test, I would have to say I enjoyed the story of The Fountainhead more than this novel. However, for those wanting to understand objectivism, this is an essential read. I do not, even in the slightest, regret the huge investment of time spent reading it.

I would say that everyone should read this book. But I say that knowing only an intelligent person would be able to look at the 1069 pages and still consider reading it.