We the Living

This book would be a wonderful eye opener for our younger generation, it provides an in depth look at life under a communist state, which is much like a socialist state but the brutality was more pronounced under communism. The idea that the individual should be subservient to society is part and parcel of both communism and socialism. My country is now observing what can only be described as creeping socialism. The far left political elite are doing their best to undermine the basis of the american spirit and the role of the individual. We the living is a grim reminder of what life could become if Americans remain quiet and do not protect their rights under our Constitutional Republic.

whenever this was written, 40, 50, 60 years ago,Ayn Rand painted a very scary picture of the future that seems to have been rather prophetic. I hated reading her biography and learning that she was such a bitch. Brilliant and excellently written but still a bitch.

Every American must read this book to fully understand the true nature of Communism. Ayn's book is a semi-autobiography, and while at times she is a bit crass, this is true to life Communism at its most authentic.

very interesting story, the language was a little difficult for me to follow at times, and there were at times too much descriptive areas. also, I found about 5 typos and grammatical errors throughout the book which bothered me some, but overall the story was very intriguing.

This book was an absolute pleasure to read. The author is a genius. I couldn't put it down. She does an excellent job of showing what the individual with self-esteem and self-confidence can bear in an oppressive environment.

This story presented a picture of a period in time that most people can't even believe happened. The story was so well laid out that I felt I was right there with them. To me, that's the mark of great writing.

As soon as I finished reading "The Fountainhead" I knew I would have to read more books written by Ayn Rand. "We the Living" is and amazing book. Rand uses words like a painter uses colors. A bleak, historically-accurate landscape unfolded and pulled me in. This book is a great companion to Orwell's "1984" and it's scarey because the historical aspects of it are true and many of those things are starting to happen again much like "1984" is starting to happen. I highly recommend this book.

Although not a biography, this novel spells out what it is like to live in a totalitarian state like Soviet Russia. It is a lesson on what happens to the human spirit (and the economy) when humans no longer own any property and are not free to choose anything not sanctioned by the government.

The first few pages talk about a government that takes over banking and businesses and takes over more and more and more. It talks about the government getting students involved in volunteering for the government. One of the government projects is telling on people who don't agree with their new policies.

It was hard for me to distinguish between history in Russia so long ago and today under Obama's government. I was frightened and still am.

Rand ran from this horrific place to America where she never thought this was possible. She would be glad she is no longer around to see it happening here also. History is repeating itself now - different time, different place, same scenario.

I have been researching what happens to the people when the government breaks down and the economy collapses.

This was recommended to me and it is an excellent resource.

Of course the writing is excellent and not quire as "preachy" as some of her stuff.

It is an excellent story in its own right but it is a very important resource as to what happens to the people when the government breaks down and the economy collapses.

This book was written many years ago, after the Revolution that made Russia a Communist nation. The author knows the results of that revolution because she lived there. In light of the current political climate here in the United States, it would be such a good thing if every thinking citizen would take the time to read this book, and consider most seriously their choices in the coming elections. Be warned: It is not an easy book to read.

This book was put together very well and was easy to understand what was happening in Russia and the characters who were in the book. If you want to know what the Russian people went through when socialism took over this is a good book to read. Could happen in America if we are not careful.

A historical novel written by someone who lived through the time depicted. Very entertaining but poignant at the same time. The parallels of today's US compared with Russia pre-revolution are striking. Scary even. We are going down the same path.

The characters acted more like real people and so I feel as though the book offered more insight into how a nerd might live. Way more like Makers by Cory Doctorow than like Atlas Shrugged. Comforting book I have recommended to others in difficult times.

Ayn Rand passionately details her experience living in a communist country. One feels her pain and that of each of her characters. Having travelled to Russia just after Glasnost I believe that Rand accurately captured and describes life during that era. G-d bless America!

This classic story by Ayn Rand should be required reading in all secondary schools @ 7th grade level. It's a story of how the individual spirit in all of us strives to come out regardless of the forces mustered against individualism in favor of collectivism.

Before the Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged Rand wrote this. She described it as the closest she would venture in an autobiographical work.
Well written, of course, and a glimpse of Stalinist Russia. It can happen here!

This should be required reading for all High School children. History, politics, philosophy, romance and a chilling reminder of the importance of self in an ever-evolving society that holds true today.