vs. 
Random House released two lists of their 100 best novels; one from their board of directors and one compiled from reader feedback. Numbers 1 & 2, respectively, on the reader list are Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, both by Ayn Rand. I was surprised when I saw the order, because I think that The Fountainhead trumps Atlas Shrugged any day of the week. When I read it I couldn't put it down, fell in love with Roark, vowed never to be a second-hander, and claimed it to be the best book I have ever come across. When I read Atlas Shrugged I enjoyed it, but I felt like I was reading the same story with different characters and the 50 page monologues weren't nearly as spell-binding the second time around. However, as I mentioned, I read The Fountainhead FIRST, and the more I talk to people and read about Rand preferences it seems that almost everyone prefers the first book they read. So, which one is actually BETTER?
Let's break it down: The Fountainhead was written first, so many say that Atlas takes the initial ideas, such as objectivism - the pursuit of one's own happiness and rational self-interest, but more fully develops the characters and thoughts. So, is it a better novel? More critically acclaimed? Or does the grittier idea flow of The Fountainhead reflect a purer philosophy? Sometimes over-thinking a matter can make the idea more polished, but it loses some of its originality. I think that this is the case with Atlas Shrugged, and some people may agree. However, probably a million more would tell me I'm nuts.
So which is it??
I'd love to hear feedback on this post - and please mention which book you read first!!!
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