i’ve read it countless times and still find something new and powerful

Atlas Shrugged is an epic novel that highlights the struggle between society's producers and its bullies, looters, moochers and mystics that try to force their views on others. Wikipedia has this to say: "In the world of Atlas Shrugged, society stagnates when independent productive achievers began to be socially demonized and even punished for their accomplishments, even though society had been far more healthy and prosperous by allowing, encouraging and rewarding self-reliance and individual achievement."

A study by the Library of Congress found Atlas Shrugged to be the second most influential book in the US, behind only the Bible.

I'm on my third reading and cannot recommend it highly enough!

This is hands down one of my most favorite books ever. It's inspiring not only in philosophy, but it's a helluva story! (via esh)

You have to read this just so you can know what the fanatics are talking about when they refer to it as gospel.

Don't expect to find good 21st century fictional writing. Do expect to find odd/old views on what the male-female relationship should be.

Though I agree with many of the libertarian principles put forth in this book, it is a bit tough to get repeatedly hit over the head with them while they are being yelled in my face and shoved down my throat.

But read it anyway just so you can understand "Who is John Galt?"

I read "Atlas Shrugged" the summer before going to business school. It probably changed my view of the world at the right time.

Regardless of your political and economic views and whether or not you agree with Ayn Rand's conservative (in the true sense of the term) views, it is an amazing read. Ayn Rand creates characters that are true to themselves like no other author I have found. You want to be her great characters and dread meeting the ones who fail themselves and others. Unfortunately, in life I have met more of the latter. Of course, I know some people who are Rand-like and hold them in high regard.

I have heard that "Atlas Shrugged" is not the same the second time around. When I am done with the stack of books next to my bed (maybe in 10 years?) I'll have to see for myself.