Atlas Shrugged
Well, it only took about 3 1/2 weeks, but 1069 pages, and almost 700,000 words later I finished the book.
It really surprised me how much her philosophy ‘objectivism’ appealed to my ‘inner man.’ The book was an interesting plot about the decline of the industrial age not because of natural courses, or the end of the world or anything like that, but because all the great minds of the world knew the immense value of themselves and what they were able to create and they weren’t going to let the scum of the earth take advantage of them any more.
Ayn Rand has an amazing ability to describe her characters. I could really see them in my mind, but further than that, she was amazing at conveying thoughts and emotions simply though describing the look on someone’s face. It was captivating.
There was one theme that I found most convicting. The theme was about having the freedom to have values and work infinitely to bring those values to the center of my life. I have the ability to do, create, work and think and my energy in all of these areas should be exaggerating the things I value in my life. So I really started thinking about what I value as a man, a believer, a husband, an employee, etc.
There is so much content in this book, I feel like I need to read it all over again (I hope I do someday.) I think Kris got a little weirded out here and there – every once in a while, I would have to stop where I was at and just sit and digest the things I just read. It was hard to grasp everything all at once and this really helped me re-live it and take it in.
Well, I HIGHLY recommend the book. It’s a long read, but very interesting and can really put a dent into your current social attitude. If you’ve read it and want to talk about it, I would love to. …especially those of you who are into LOST. 
Special thanks to Cassie for recommending this book! Next on my list is ‘The Tempest’ – by William Shakespeare (thanks Claire) and ‘Prayer’ – by Philip Yancey (thanks Jessica)
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