For those who read Fountainhead, this book should be somewhere in your radar sooner than later. I’ve been one of those who had the book for over 3 years and each time I thought of it, the size of the book was enough to move over to another one...until I actually started reading it.
Atlas Shrugged is one of the most thought provoking books that I have come across. The characters are very well portrayed and while there are many of these strong characters, you would find you subconsciously have set your heart on two or three. The storyline about a few characters finding their ingenuity challenged by those that thrive on their own inability to do something novel and on the weaknesses of the masses who fail to raise their voice to what they think is right, if they think at all.
My favorites were ofcourse Hank Rearden followed by Francisco D’Anconia (mysterious and arrogant, and yet simple and one of those with the depth of knowing all). Hank has been described as a character who knows what he wants to do and he has little knowledge or interest in anything else. He is the best at what he does - Rearden Metal.
Some of the dialogues are wonderful and at those times, you are compelled to put down your book and digest the message that was conveyed. One of those that immediately comes to mind is the exchange between Dagny and Hank when she stands besides him and they are viewing the first load of Rearden Steel. That and then there are the marathon renditions by Franscisco - my favorite is where he says that the greatest contribution of America to the world was the industry that had been a result of people’s mind and ability to think; rather than any religious or social necessity.
It is amazing how a well written book can make you feel like you could relate to the characters, even if they are losers like Wesley Mouch or James Taggarts. I would recommend the book strongly to those who do not flip through pages and who love philosophy; this is a new one!