# File lib/big_record/model.rb, line 687
    def read_attribute(attr_name)
      attr_name = attr_name.to_s
      if !(value = @attributes[attr_name]).nil?
        if column = column_for_attribute(attr_name)
          write_attribute(attr_name, column.type_cast(value))
        else
          value
        end
      else
        nil
      end
    end