Ayn Rand - We the Living Books

Pros: The story of what can try the human spirit, and those who pass the test
Cons: Simplicity of style may mask depth of character study

This, Ayn Rand's first full-length novel, is also her most accessible, most autobiographical, and (I say this without condescension) most conventional, in terms of character development,plot, and dialogue. Kira is a young woman, whose life is about ...

Pros: Well written, absorbing story
Cons: Characters may seem a "bit" too idealistic

When I read a novel, I look to immerse myself in it. I look to get lost in the different worlds created by the author, make the characters as familiar as my friends, the scenes and places described my own. A novel that does not impart this sense of, for...

Pros: Dramatic, thoughtful and engaging characters
Cons: Very depressing at times

To me, Ayn Rand's books could be compared or paralleled to the works of Shakespeare. For instance, Shakespeare's most defining work that encapsulated what we know Shakespeare as today, "Hamlet". The Ayn Rand version of this spectrum would be...

Pros: excellent characters, fascinating historical perspective
Cons: sad sad sad (bring tissues)

An excellent starter for those unfamiliar with Rand's writing, and a pleasant trip home for those who are avid Rand fans.

We the Living is shorter and less labor intensive-philosophically- than Atlas Shrugged and Fountainhead. I was not...

Pros: Inspirational female character
Cons: none

I read this book 10 years ago and it's been my favorite ever since. I just read it again to make sure my memory hadn't clouded and yep, same reaction again. Ayn Rand's libertarian views are refreshing and inspiring. I usually give the Fountainhead to...

Pros: inspiring fiction from well known themes
Cons: doesn't go out of its way for the sympathy vote, but gets it anyway

This novel proves that movies like "Titannic" don't have to be made. It is entirely possible to take a well worn plot theme, say, the ubiquitous love triangle and do something highly engrossing and cleverly satisfying with it, that is...

Pros: accurate, intense, emotional
Cons: none

For those of you who are not traditional Ayn Rand readers, you should really experience We the Living. Her traditional philosophical style is not quite as intense in this book as in her others. I generally can not read her books without getting lost in...