Ayn Rand (1905 – 1982) was a Russian-born American novelist, philosopher, playwright, and screenwriter. She is known for her futuristic novels and for developing a philosophical system she called Objectivism. She was an outspoken advocate for minimalist government which, she believed, would lead to greater freedom, productivity, and wealth.
Today’s top pick, Anthem, is Rand’s dystopian fiction novella, written in 1937 and first published in 1938 in England. It takes place at an unspecified future date when mankind has entered another dark age characterized by irrationality, collectivism, and socialistic thinking and economics. Technological advancements are carefully planned (when they are allowed to occur at all) and the concept of individuality has been eliminated — the use of the word “I,” for example, is punishable by death. The book is a clear predecessor to Rand’s later masterpieces, The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged.
The Kindle edition offered today was published by Seedbox Classics and normally costs a dollar. It includes an illustration gallery.
Although literary critics discounted Rand’s fiction and academia largely rejected her philosophy, she continues to be a strong influence among libertarians and American conservatives.
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Anthem [Illustrated]
Science Fiction > Politics & Social Sciences
Author: Ayn Rand
![Anthem [Illustrated]](https://i0.wp.com/ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41PLjpUuf7L.jpg?w=640)
Rand examines a frightening future in which individuals have no name, no independence, and no values. Equality 7-2521 lives in the dark ages of the future where all decisions are made by committee, all people live in collectives, and all traces of individualism have been wiped out. Despite such a restrictive environment, the spark of individual thought and freedom still burns in him–a passion which he has been taught to call sinful.
In a purely egalitarian world, Equality 7-2521 dares to stand apart from the herd–to think and choose for himself, to discover electricity, and to love the woman of his choice. Now he has been marked for death for committing the ultimate sin. In a world where the great “we” reign supreme, he has rediscovered the lost and holy word–“I.”
The Daisy Chain (An Aliso Creek Novella)
Romance > Contemporary
Author: Heather B. Moore
Can true love strike twice in a lifetime?
Liz, Gemma, Arie, Jess, and Drew have been best friends since creating “the Five” at Aliso Creek High School. But that was over ten years ago, and each is still trying to find that perfect someone… if perfect is even possible.
Actually, Jess Giles has found her perfect match, but since Charlie is several years older than she, they never have a moment of harmony from his adult kids who protest the marriage. When Charlie dies in a tragic accident, his kids add insult to injury and sue Jess for her share of the inheritance.
Gingerbread Man
Romantic Suspense
Author: Maggie Shayne
Since the day her baby sister was taken, Holly’s mind hasn’t been the same. PTSD, panic attacks, nightmares and blocked memories have plagued her ever since. And now they’ve returned.
Hard-edged Detective Vince O’Malley’s most recent case penetrated even his protective shell. Ordered to take time off to recover, he can’t let go, and on his own, follows the clues to Holly’s small upstate NY town.
His presence stirs ghosts from the past, shadows of a little girl lost, the suspicions of some tight-lipped locals with secrets to hide, and more than that inside Holly’s fragile mind and untouched heart.
Her Favorite Temptation
Romance > Contemporary
Author: Sarah Mayberry
Leah Mathews has always been the good sister, the favored one who could do no wrong. But as her thirtieth birthday looms, she’s ready to step out of her parents’ shadow and make changes in her life. Shes even more inspired by the sexy musician who moves in next door and his seize-the-day attitude. And tempted to take comfort in his arms…
Will Jones is facing the prospect of losing the career he loves—and possibly his life—to a sudden illness. When he meets Leah, he feels a powerful connection to her, and flirting with a smart, beautiful woman seems like the perfect way to spend the weeks before his risky operation.
But as their relationship heats up, Leah still doesn’t know the truth about Will’s situation. Will their bond be strong enough to face the challenges yet to come?
Lonely Souls
Teen & Young Adult > Love & Romance
Author: Karice Bolton
Devastated by the loss of her mother, Triss throws herself into uncovering clues surrounding her mother’s disappearance. When the Witch Avenue Coven turns their backs on Triss, she realizes she’s caught in a world that is ruled by Lonely Souls. But who is controlling them?
Recognizing the herbal lore she grew up learning will do little to fight against the underworld, she is relieved when her best friend from childhood, Logan, returns to help her find answers. When they begin uncovering secrets from her family’s past, she learns her mother might not have been the only target.
But as Triss falls deeply for Logan, she discovers her family isn’t the only one with secrets and his may be deadly.
I Bring the Fire Part I : Wolves
Fantasy > Myths & Legends > Norse & Viking
Author: C. Gockel
In the middle of America, on Route 44, Amy Lewis has a plan — to get to her grandma’s house in time for dinner. Galaxies away Loki is waking up in a prison cell, strangely without a hangover, and with no idea what he’s done wrong — this time anyway. But he does know Thor is hiding something, Odin is up to something wicked, and there seems to be something he’s forgotten…
A very nice midwestern girl and a jaded, still very mischievous Loki must join forces to outwit gods, elves, magic sniffing cats, and nosy neighbors. If Loki can remember exactly what he’s forgotten and Amy can convince him not to be too distracted by Earthly gadgets, her boobs, or three day benders, they just might pull it off…
Lord of Devil Isle
Historical Romance
Author: Connie Mason, Mia Marlowe
Is Eve Upshall jumping from the frying pan into the fire when she lets a half-naked stranger pull her from the stormy sea? Captain Nicholas Scott is a rogue who takes advantage of every situation, whether it’s salvaging priceless loot or seducing a proper lady. And he makes it very clear he plans to take advantage of his new find in the most delicious way possible.
Eve’s whole future depends on everyone believing she is the soul of propriety. But with Nick refusing to transport her to her prospective bridegroom, and the balmy Bermuda nights whispering of unimaginable pleasures, how can any woman resist the lure of the … Lord of Devil Isle.
If We Dare to Dream
Romantic Suspense
Author: Collette Scott
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Meet the Evans family: A family torn apart by war and misfortune meets a family held together by the bonds of love.
Two families entwine after one fateful night changes their lives forever. Andrew Sheehan, former elite soldier, returns home from war and is suddenly accused of murder. Only Jamie Evans can prove his innocence.
What would you do?
A single meeting, the memory of one night, holds the key to a murder. If Jamie is correct, she gives a hero back his life. If she is wrong, she risks freeing a murderer from prison. Trusting her instincts, Jamie puts her life on hold and strives to free Andrew despite her family’s misgivings. Determined to do what is right, she vows to help him get his life back on track.
When God Breaks Your Heart
Christian Living > Spiritual Growth
Author: Ed Underwood
Why is God letting this happen to me?
If you have never asked this question, you someday will.
There is perhaps no greater challenge to our faith than personal suffering. For pastor Ed Underwood this challenge came in the form of chronic leukemia. Though he prayed for and believed in God’s healing, as the days slipped by and his pain became unbearable, Ed’s heart was broken by a simple realization: The God who could do anything was not helping him. Yet a revelation from God’s Word changed his heart and life forever.
In this poignant journey from tragedy to hope, Ed takes a fresh look at the story of Lazarus and his sisters—a story that explores suffering through the eyes of our Lord and His people. You’ll find comfort during difficulty, be inspired to ask for the impossible, and discover a God whose heart breaks with yours.
The Penal Colony
Genre Fiction > Action & Adventure
Author: Richard Herley
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The future. The British government now runs island prison colonies to take dangerous offenders from its overcrowded mainland jails.
Among all these colonies, Sert, 25 miles off the north Cornish coast, has the worst reputation. There are no warders. Satellite technology is used to keep the convicts under watch. New arrivals are dumped by helicopter and must learn to survive as best they can. To Sert, one afternoon in July, is brought Anthony John Routledge, sentenced for a sex-murder he did not commit. Routledge knows he is here for ever. And he knows he must quickly forget the rules of civilized life. But not all the islanders are savages. Under the charismatic leadership of one man a community has evolved. A community with harsh and unyielding rules, peopled by resourceful men for whom the hopeless dream of escape may not be so hopeless after all …
Perfect for You
Romance > Contemporary
Author: Kate Perry
Freya Godwin’s creativity has gone MIA.
With Freya just hired to redesign the top adult website company in the country, her muse couldn’t have chosen a worse time to disappear. Determined to get her sexy back, Freya puts an ad online, hoping to find the right man to inspire her.
Unfortunately, all roads point back to her upstairs neighbor Greg Cavanaugh. He’s everything she doesn’t want: a playboy and scumbag lawyer. Except if he’s so wrong for her, why does his touch feel like magic? And why does being with him make her believe anything is possible?
Abby: Mail Order Bride
Historical Romance > Westerns
Author: Verna Clay
Brant Samson has fallen on hard times with the death of his beloved wife a year earlier from lung fever. Left with three children, he’s desperate to find a mother for them. Ten year old Jenny does her best to care for two year old Ty, and fourteen year old Luke works the ranch with his father, losing himself in dime novels to ease the pain of his mother’s death. Brant’s options are limited since eligible women seldom pass through Two Rivers, much less settle in the small Texas town. In desperation, he places a classified advertisement for a mail order bride. Marrying a woman he’ll come to know through a newspaper ad scares the bejesus out of him, but at this point, he’s out of options.
… See the rest of today’s Editor’s Picks here on page 2