Joined at the Joints

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager begins questioning social structures, feeling a surge of independent ambition, or struggling with the pressure to conform at the expense of their own talents. This sprawling epic follows industrialist Dagny Taggart as she fights to keep her railroad running while the world's most brilliant minds mysteriously vanish. It is a dense exploration of self-reliance, the ethics of achievement, and the power of individual reason over collective mandate. While the narrative includes elements of mystery and science fiction, its primary focus is a philosophical defense of rational egoism and personal property. For the 15 to 18 year old, it serves as a rigorous intellectual exercise in defining one's own values against societal expectations. Parents should choose this book as a gateway to deep conversations about personal responsibility, the nature of work, and the balance between individual freedom and social duty.