Haha! Humanodon, apparently, you've already drunk the Kool-Aid!
I heard from a friend that her writing is actually quite beautiful, but the philosophies that it espouses are flawed and like you mentioned, quite pretentious. Her work is extremely influential in our society. For that reason, I'm looking forward to reading the book. Have you read the Fountainhead before? If not, or even if so are you interested in being a part of the book club?
Yes, I am interested! How does one go about joining? I read 1/2 way through The Fountainhead a couple of years ago, on the advice and incessant prodding of a friend. I tried and tried to pick it up again, but couldn't get past her pretentious attitude. My friend insisted that I needed to get to the second half to really appreciate the book's content - so, if I join this book club, I'll do so. I must say that it is alway a good thing for us to look at life from many angles and Ayn Rand helps us to see a perspective that most of us never consider.
I picked up my copy today. Not exactly a short story is it? I had better get cracking.
Yes, it is! I just can't make myself sit still long enough to slog through it so am on a waiting list for the audio version. Is that cheating?
No, I don't think it's cheating. In fact, it's a damned good idea. I drive maybe 6-10 hours a week and an audio book would be a great way to get through this. Maybe I could supplement with audio and read as well. I've never done a "combined" approach. Could be interesting.
That is exactly what I'm doing! The reader uses an interesting form of intonation that works pretty well and is easy enough to listen to, but actually seems to change the meaning from what I 'thought' some of the characters were intending. For instance, when Mrs. Reardon speaks to her husband, is she snide, sarcastic, condescending, or just ignorant? I'm wading about in the beginning of the latter half at this point. I keep finding myself yelling at Ms Rand, in the same way that I'd yell at a talk show host - haha! We should have some lively discussions when the time comes.....
Lol! Just realized that I'm reading Atlas Shrugged - not the Fountainhead. That explains why I first downloaded The Fountainhead - I was wondering why I did that. Ok, time to switch books. Actually did read The Fountainhead a few years back, it was Atlas Shrugged I couldn't get through. Okay, good, got that straight....
I just laughed pretty hard. You're reading two Ayn Rand books? This from someone that clearly wasn't a big fan to begin with. I'd say that is over compensating, my friend. Are you going to re-read the Fountainhead?
That's okay, have a laugh at my expense. Ugh! My brain is swiss cheese. I do love to research, and as long as I'm going to do this thing, I should do it well. But, not that well! Ha! I've officially switched to The Fountainhead, the reader on this audio is much easier to listen to. Yes, I'll listen to it again - but not simultaneously with the text as I was with the other.
I imagined I was laughing with you, not "at your expense." :) For the longest time I kept seeing those "who is John Galt" bumper stickers and it wasn't until about a year ago that I finally realized it was a reference to Atlas Shrugged. How far in to it did you get?
LOL, yes, yes, you were laughing with me. As I said previously, I tried to read it twice before and had made it about halfway when I quit. This past week, I picked it up at that point. and probably got through a few chapters. So, at this rate of reading a few chapters each year I think I'll finish Rand's treatise by the end of this decade. What did you decide was the best way to swallow your bitter pill? Are you listening to The Fountainhead, reading or both? Ha ha, I'm not being fair, its really not that bad - there is wisdom in every viewpoint.
Damn! I finally finished the beast. Lots to say, but ill save it for the official discussion. I will say that 90% of it was via audio as I had two 12 hour drives to fill. You finish yet?
You don't need to do anything more than read the book and then join the discussion on the predetermined date. Witted has been the one picking the dates for discussion. I believe he mentions the time frame in the original post above. Glad you're on board, ill be interested to see what you think of it.