My impression of the book? OK. I don't know that I would read it again. While there are aspects of it that are compelling, I found that my irritation level at several of the characters did not allow me to sit and read this for long periods of time as I do other books. I would reach a point where I just wanted to reach into the book and slap a few characters silly, so I would place my bookmark and go back to Trigonometry.
I've been reading on the internet rumors of this being considered for a movie. My reaction? OH. MY. GOD. It would have to be about a 30 hour mini-series to include all aspects of the book that play as key points of the story. It would drag on and on and on and on.
My original purpose for reading this book was to write and submit an essay to try and win a college scholarship. I wonder how they would react to the message of "It had a great tune but I couldn't dance to it"? I'm envisioning an opening sentence which reads something like:
"While Ayn Rand may be considered one of the most influential thinkers, her portrayal of the United States through this book is narrow and completely disregards the political history and premise upon which this country was built."
Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate the book. I just found the United States she presented completely omitted the cornerstone on which we were built. This view of the country could only have been imagined by someone who grew up in one of several European countries or Soviet states. I think this book would give readers a general idea of how the Soviets destroyed the country and it's people. For that it is a good read.
One thing I found amusing was that Ms. Rand felt the need to prostitute the main female character to all the strong male characters around her. It seems the concept of a woman who can stand on her own, without the need to feel subservient to a man, is inconceivable in the world she created with Atlas Shrugged.
I did get a chuckle from the parallel between the Microsoft Anti-Trust issues of today, in comparison with the whole "Anti-Dog-Eat-Dog" subject in the book. I don't think the folks at Microsoft would chuckle though.
With the above in my mind, I'm thinking that the folks at the foundation will not care much for my initial opinion. I will definitely need to change that approach to the essay!