I am having a difficult time reconciling my thoughts and feelings about Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged. I should start by saying that I love this book. I was told once by someone I respect that I couldn’t consider myself well-read without having committed to Rand’s 1100+ page magnum opus. I possessed what turned out to be a faulty preconceived notion of Rand and her agenda. It isn’t the writing, which is not beautiful like Marquez, or poetic like Stegner that keeps the reader traveling. Rand’s mission is transparent. But put her philosophical beliefs aside, and you might be surprised by how much you like these characters and their story. However, can I consider myself well-read if that’s all I did is read the book? It took Rand two years to write Galt’s speech and our book group didn’t even discuss it. It is my opinion that we failed to rise to the challenge. What about the looters and moochers? Sanction of the victim? The John Galt Movement? Weren’t we moved by the strength of Dagny in an era when women were invisible? Whether we loved it or hated it, the book has an eerie relevance to our history currently being made. The Wall Street bailout! The role of our government. The need for social programs. Evicting slippery politicians. The right to create our own future.
Atlas Shrugged is the kind of book that gets people talking. Whether you are sitting in the airport or your doctor’s office reading this book, strangers will approach you to share the conversation. Some consider it a litmus test of sorts (the way we think of A Prayer for Owen Meany). So where did we go wrong? Was it the extended time needed to finish the book? Is our group one that doesn’t want to get too serious? Challenged? Would we rather get together to chat about life, etc. and not limit the discussion to books? We value each other as women and friends…do we need the books? Should we keep the epic stories off the list? How do we get back the opportunity to discuss a book that has changed the way people view their role and contribution in society? Philosophy aside…am I a producer or a looter? Where do I find my own balance among the extremes Rand presented?
