I came away that the author was saying that giving to other people was some sort of weakness, not a strength
I think you misunderstood her philosophy in that regard. She had no problem whatsoever with giving to others as long as it wasn't at your own expense. She objected to altruism which insists you sacrifice yourself for others. I doubt seriously that she would object to Bill Gates for instance giving his money away since he isn't impoverishing himself for others although I'm dead certain she would take issue with the projects his foundation undertakes.
"I came away that the author was saying that giving to other people was some sort of weakness, not a strength"
No. If giving to someone promotes your (rational) values, then you are acting to promote your own life. That is rational. That is what Rand advocated.