Tag Archives: Ayn Rand

Atlas Shrugged Read Along (#AtlasRAL) – Part One

Atlas Shrugged Part One

It’s the summer of the chunkster! A group of us decided to read Atlas Shrugged (#AtlasRAL) this summer and we have hit our first milestone which was to complete part one of this ginormous book.

Non-Contradiction: states that something cannot be both true and not true at the same time when dealing with the same context.

First, a few thoughts:

  • Strong characters from one end of the spectrum to the other.
  • Greed is a theme, as is the complete opposite of greed. Apparently, it’s better to build a crappy product that serves many than a superior product that serves only a few.
  • Profit is bad. Profit is good. Depends on who you ask.
  • Human beings are really just animals when you remove their worldly goods.
  • It’s a battle of the mind versus body.
  • When people don’t know the answer to a question, they come back with another question, “Who is John Galt?” It’s mentioned over and over again. I’m anxious for this to be explained.

Atlas Shrugged RAL

Question to ponder:

What’s  going on with the intellectuals in this book? Are they losing their minds?

Initial reactions:

I have to admit, I am intrigued with the book. It’s fascinating to spend time with these people. For me, the part one flew by even though the chapters are on the long side.

If you need a page breakdown of the book, click here for a visual.

For those reading with me, what are your thoughts so far?

Next up, read part two by July 31st.

The Atlas Shrugged Read Along (#AtlasRAL)

Atlas Shrugged RAL

I’ve been on a Mad Men kick. I’ve watched seasons 1-5 in a very short time,  but a strange thing happened while watching. One of the characters mentioned Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and then a season later it was mentioned again.

Don Draper - Mad Men

So far, I think it’s been mentioned a total of three times. Yes, I paid attention.

I read The Fountainhead years ago but never really had the desire to read this one until now. I casually mentioned it on Facebook and someone said they’d like to read it too and then so on and so on. Without really trying, a read along was born!

Here’s a blurb from Goodreads:

Tremendous in its scope, this novel presents an astounding panorama of human life — from the productive genius who becomes a worthless playboy — to the great steel industrialist who does not know that he is working for his own destruction — to the philosopher who becomes a pirate — to the composer who gives up his career on the night of his triumph — to the woman who runs a transcontinental railroad — to the lowest track worker in her Terminal tunnels.

I typically like my read alongs to be a little less formal and fun so I am not asking for mandatory posts or anything like that. The book is nearly 1200 pages long so I would love it if others could join me.

Details:

  • Runs from July 1-Aug 15, 2015
  • Use #AtlasRAL to talk about it on Twitter.
  • I hope to write an update post on my blog after each part (I, II, III) just to see how we are doing.

Suggested Read By Dates:

Part I by July 15 (approx 300 pages)
Part II by July 31 (approx 320 pages)
Part III by August 15 (approx 450 pages)

Are you in? If so, leave me a comment including the following:

  • Your Twitter handle, if you have one.  Mine is @TiBookChatter.
  • Blog URL, if you have one.
  • Or just a note saying you want to join in!