All caught up!

Lindsey, I do not want reading to be any pressure, you have plenty of stuff going on to keep anyone busy. Since I commute back and forth to school, it is much easier for me to fit this into my schedule. I will follow your lead, just let me know what your life will allow.

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I really liked the story about the 20th Century Motor Company and the failed social experiment. At face value it seemed like a noble idea that the owners of the company had, giving the company and leadership to the employees. The workers would work to their best abilities and those in need would get the help they need. But it is clear to see why this system would fall apart as it did. Why would you show any ability if doing so meant you had to work harder than your neighbors who could get everything for free by riding on your coattails. This story foreshadowed the ultimate fate of the country.

I also thought that it was interesting that the story of Robin Hood was shown to be the embodiment of everything that Rand was against - taking from the rich to give to the poor. I think it depends on how the rich actually became that way, I do not begrudge anyone who has earned their money honestly but knowing that there are many rich swindlers out there does make me feel that it is justified to take from them.

I am concerned about the health care reform bill that is being passed for the U.S. Is it going to be a situation of those who make more are once again going to be taxed at an even higher level? One concern is that the highest earners are going to start hiding their earnings even more than they already are and the middle class will get hit the hardest again. Our children are already going to have a more difficult time having the same or better quality of life than we have had so far. The tax burden is going to be crippling! I know there aren't any painless solutions.

Just a couple of comments on Dagny and John -

Dagny -
Yes, she did get around but I think that she treated sex as a pleasurable, fulfilling experience; unlike the way others viewed it as a vile, shameful and common act. Dagny also appreciated music, achievement, and wisdom on a higher level; she considered these things sacred and to be celebrated. I yearn to be as composed and self confident as she is but personable as well.

John Galt -
You were quick to figure out that he was the one who invented the motor, very perceptive! Although he was the philosopher and the brains behind the curtain, I really wanted Dagny to end up with either Hank Reardan or Francisco. I didn't fall in love with Galt, I'm not quite sure why.

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I am looking forward to reading The Fountainhead, I found it at a used bookstore and got it for Christmas. Bleak House is downloaded to my I-pod and I'm ready to go whenever you are, I have others to read (listen to) until you give me the go ahead. Thanks!

Three Months Later...

My heart sunk as I saw the date of your last post. Promise: I have not given up! With the school workload, job, motherhood, etc... it has been increasingly difficult to post, but the good news is:

I FINISHED THE BOOK!!

The reason I liked this book so much is because of Dagny. What a strong woman (granted she seems to have slept with just about every major male figure in the story), she was the only one that didn't give up. I can't figure out if her relationship with John Galt is a good thing or bad thing. I wonder if his love for her is based on his need to be in charge of all the great minds. Nonetheless, Dagny is the vision of intelligence and wit. I like her character and aside from her constant bed-hopping, I like the way she handled life.

Lillian is the exact opposite of Dagny. You are right she is very cold-hearted. No, she didn't love Hank only herself. Her actions were deceitful.

Not sorry to read that James Taggert finally got what was coming to him. I feel bad about his wife. He was a rotten man who thought only of himself and when he realized how he evil he really was I was slightly shocked. I thought for sure he would continue his slimy trail through life without feeling any remorse what-so-ever.

Francisco is an interesting character. Working in the mills for Rearden showed that he really did care even though as a reader I was beginning to wonder. He wanted Rearden to leave and he wanted to be his friend. Francisco's solution to the looters was unique, instead of disappearing he played the sabotage game.

That's all for now, I want to give you a chance to post in reply... Thanks again for waiting for me!!!