Our First FReeper Book Club: Atlas Shrugged

A Publius Essay | 15 January 2009 | Publius

[Publius]

The first time I read John Galt's three hour radio address, it gave me a headache.

The second time I skipped it, then went back to it, taking it apart line by line.

The last time I read it, I just skimmed it.

Do you want to join, or do you want to skip this effort?

[MarkL]

This morning on my way to work, I saw an SUV with a bumper sticker that said, “Who is John Galt?”

Mark

[Tanniker Smith]

ahhh .... Book Club Ping...

[CSM]

Wooo Hooo! Thanks.

[devistate one four]

Mega ditto’s!

[Constitutions Grandchild]

The only book I have re-read multiple times. The only thing that breaks my heart is that Ms. Rand was an atheist. I would have found her company engaging forever. Fountainhead was good, but not Atlas Shrugged. We The Living was so horribly sad, I couldn’t take it.

[Bluebird Singing]

Please sign me up. Thanks

[AmericanGirlRising]

I’ll check out Fontova on Che Guevara.

Proud owner of Liberal Fascism. Thought he could have been stronger with his closing case than basically “we’re all fascists.” That close made an apology for liberal behavior. On a funny note, I was reading that book next to Congressman John Lewis at the airport. I made sure he saw the cover. There was no doubt he knew what I was reading when I saw the look on his face. Goldberg could’ve devoted an entire chapter to the liberal fascist antics of John Lewis.

[Publius]

Are you in?

[Carlucci]

Reading the novel for the first time ever right now. Please sign me up.

[Billthedrill]

Hey, sign me up for the ping list at least. Can't promise I'll re-re-re-read the thing chapter by chapter but I'd love to hear the comments.

The reason for the ideological hostility to the work is that Rand caricatured liberal platitudes and postures brilliantly - arguably the most potent thing about the book. Say what you will about it as a novel, and I've plenty to say and not all of it complimentary, her villains are drawn so perfectly it's almost painful to read them and a newspaper too close together.

And yes, a Streets Of Fire set would be perfect. An underrated flick, IMHO.

[Publius]

Are you in?

[bk1000]

I think one reason technology was stifled was the theme of the book. The government had made innovation impractical. Utilities were poorly maintained largely due to bureaucracy. There was a 'national crisis' that was never really explained.

FYI: Fountainhead was made into a movie years ago. Very similar story but in Atlas Rand's philosophy is more refined and the characters are a lot better. If ever there was a must-read, Atlas Shrugged is it.

[GeronL]

The film would become liberal crap

[Publius]

Are you in?

[MrB]

After Liberal Fascism,

read Hayek’s “Road to Serfdom”.

It wasn’t written about the USA, but about Britain, pre-WWII, and their embracing of “central planning”. The concepts are, indeed, prescient.

[shove_it]

Don’t leave us hanging. What did you do to the bully?

I’m thinking about signing up.

[GeronL]

we are in the preface when someone should be establishing a Galts Gulch .... so whats taking so long?

[RaceBannon]

next selection:
http://www.rooseveltmyth.com/book/hbzfrm.htm

[I see my hands]

Great reply. Ping me please :)