Rating: 
Summary: society and I
Review: The Fountainhead is no simple book; it discusses society in some of the deepest and most unique ways I have ever read. What starts out as an eloquent yet simple tale about Howard Roark the striving architect becomes a struggle to maintain man's individualism. The true hero of this novel is egotism, while selflessness, as surprising as it might seem, is the evil. This is easily one of the greatest, most profound, books I have ever read. By the end of this book you will be thinking really deeply about your personal ideals and societies. Sure, it is not short but it is definitely worth the length!
Rating:
Summary: A Timeless Classic
Review: This is undoubtedly the place to begin with Ayn Rand. The Fountainhead is a true testament to the human spirit and the sublimity of human reason. I made the error of reading Atlas Shrugged first - don't do that. The Fountainhead grabs one from the beginning and Rand's style never lets you go. I can see how another reviewer was somewhat bored with Rand's (via her characters) sermons, however the wisdom professed is worth the lecture. Although some view Rand's philosophy as sometimes outdated, I have to disagree. Although Rand was writing during the Cold War and against the evil empire U.S.S.R., the world is yet full of similar sentiment to give relevance to her works. There are no flaws to the work, in my opinion. Approach this piece with intellectual honesty and respect for Rand's background, ability, passion, and intellect - you won't be disappointed. A timeless classic.
Rating: 
Summary: Caveat Emptor
Review: Wow. Where to start with a book of this size, scope, and complexity?Well, first, Ayn Rand is not a goddess. The sheer number of quasi-disciples ranting on this website (and others) about how she changed their lives are not only frightening, they're missing the point. Of course, their blind adherence to her philosophy will allow them to brand me a "second-hander" or something of the sort and write off my comments as frightened or jealous. Go Googling for "Ayn Rand cult" sometime, and you'll see just how far the tentacles of this beast can stretch. With that said, this is actually a very enjoyable book. Not often can I find myself pulled ahead from page to page by the writing style of a Harlequin Romance series novelist, while simultaneously being forced to pause and ponder some of the complex motivations of her characters or the ideas they (sometimes unconvincingly) exchanged during lengthy monologues. Rand has some very original ideas (or at least cobbles together an original synthesis of these ideas from other philosophies/ers). Her ideas on individuality, while carried here to an extreme, could stand to be applied in moderation to a culture that seems to now be run by masses of simpering Keatings who refuse to accept responsibility. The character of Gail Wynand is, to me, the most interesting in the whole book. Though all of the characters, at various times, make decisions that seem strange based on complex motives dealing with unusual ideas of pleasure, pain, and need, Wynand does this almost constantly. He grants the people power over him by convincing himself he owns them; he befriends Roark, tries to save him, and then abandons him after Roark saves himself; the list goes on and on. Despite the woodenness and archetypicality of most of the other characters, in Wynand Rand managed to create someone genuine and believable. And for those claiming that Roark rapes Dominique, to my recollection she does not fight back. That would make it rape. Sex can be violent, and often is, without the actual act of rape taking place. Considering how messed-up Dominique's ideas of power and pleasure are, she might just be a textbook masochist, in which case causing her sexual pain would be the highest pleasure Howard could give her. Now for the caveats:
First, this novel displays an astounding naivete about human nature and socioeconomic theory. Especially in the wake of corporate accountability scandals, is there anyone left who actually believes that the Roarks of the world will triumph over those who are willing to sleaze around and take whatever they can whenever they can from whomever they can? The current climate in America is a strange one: Tooheys abound, but they are in Roarkian positions in society. Rand's assumptions about the nature of power and of the masses have proven not to be quite as accurate as they first seem. I would also recommend finding out a bit about Rand's life before either slamming or idolizing this book, or any of her others. For instance, knowing that her family's store was taken over by the state in Russia, forcing her family into poverty when she was still a child, can help put into perspective her near-hysterical insistence that collectivism can never work, EVER, IN ANY FORM!!!(etc...). And knowing a bit about her circle of devotees and their practices, such as a modified process of expulsion and banishment for members that Rand disagreed with, can show what the world would be like populated with megalomaniacs like Roark, or Rand herself. Overall, this is a very thought-provoking, enjoyable read, to be read by anyone frustrated with the vapidity and self-conscious posturing of most modern novels. Just don't get sucked one way or the other by the raging controversies and you'll come out of it enriched and (possibly) more understanding of the mindset of anyone you know who may seem to behave like Roark at times. And to those who whine that Roark's ending speech is too long, pick up Atlas Shrugged. If memory serves, John Galt's ending speech is at least four times as long.
Rating:
Summary: A Bible
Review: also the Koran, the New Testament and the Bhagavad Gita in one book
Rating: 
Summary: Good Novel with a Fatal Flaw
Review: It makes no sense to attempt to separate the story of The Fountainhead from it's philosophy, because they are one in the same. I read the first page of this book while bored at a yard sale, and was immediately hooked. Rand's character introductions are excellent, and immediately give picture to the character. This is especially important because for the most part, her characters each represent a personality type consistent with a particular aspect of her philosopy. What I believe unique about this book is the singular challenge Rand had in crafting a novel that can stand on it's own as a story (it can), while each page advances the specific set of philosophical, political and economic positions that are the true reason the book was written. I imagine that other writers have sat down to write "the novel" deep within them, with major philosophical themes providing dramatic tension. Other writers, wanting to advance their own complex philosophy, would simply write a non-fiction book presenting themselves as gurus of this "new" way of thinking (whole sections of bookstores are full of such books). Rand's courage to attempt to write a great novel that is in fact a primer for Objectivism, and her skill in doing so is what makes The Fountainhead the achievement it is. Now, why only three stars? A couple of reasons. First, although her story arcs are superior, her paragraph by paragraph writing is often heavy handed, and beats her points to death. Secondly, the length and scope of some of the philosophical speeches given by her characters, particularly in the last quarter of the book, are simply not believable. Employing other writing techniques could have achieved this more believably. It's as if Rand hasn't trusted her own characters to carry the point she put them in the book to illustrate. The speeches do however, make their points crystal clear, especially Toohey's speech about collectivism. It's just that you don't believe Toohey would have made that speech, to that person, in that setting. I said at the beginning that it makes no sense to separate the story from the philosophy, and though I know I am now criticizing the philosophy and not the writing, here goes. If I read this correctly, Rand's "ideal man" is entirely self focused, does nothing he doesn't want to do regardless of anyone else's need, does everything he wants to do regardless of how it might effect others, places himself above the rule of law, commits several felonies, watches virtually everyone around him self destruct and leaves the novel entirely self satisfied. Rand calls this the "ideal man". Others might read the same book and identify Roark as a sociopath, just a very talented one who also possesses many admirable qualities. By the way, on a factual point, the idea of Roark being acquitted after admitting the deed in open court is ludicrous.
Wasn't it Shakespeare who told us "To thine own self be true"? The notion of being your own man, and standing on principle is as old as philosophy itself, but Rand has given it entirely fresh treatment and perspective. One last note- my wife was reading "Atlas Shrugged" at the same time I was reading "The Fountainhead". It took until I was nearly finished to notice that there are no children in the book. None of the main characters are raising the next generation of ideal men. I asked my wife about "Atlas Shrugged", and she said the same. I wonder if this isn't the fatal flaw of Objectivism- can you be true to Objectivism and be a good parent? Or raise a family? Or preserve a marriage where "the two shall become one"? Her two major novels show that her characters can't, and a glimpse around you might show that the "me" generation isn't doing such a good job either.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing.
Review: I just finished this book yesterday, but I didn't want it to end. I've also read _Atlas Shrugged_ and was amazed by Miss Rand's ability to spin a tale. The characters are ficticious, but you feel as if they live next door. You laugh with them, cry with them, get angry when they make silly decisions. Say what you want about Miss Rand's Objectivist theories, this story provokes the reader to think about questions that go relatively unasked in this society. Why do we feel the need to hold others back to make ourselves look better? Why do we have empty feelings of accomplishment? Why aren't we happy? To push yourself emotionally, intellectually, to understand the drive of mankind, one should read this book. If you just want a great story, READ THIS BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: A Challenge to Modern Thinking
Review: The Fountainhead is at once a profound, daring novel, and a thrilling, plot-driven page-turner. Ayn Rand was an original writer. It's because of this that if you don't find yourself disagreeing with the content of Ayn Rand's writing, you'll almost certainly disagree with her methods. If you love most modern fiction, you may dismiss Rand as a hack, or as didactic. In fact, she's neither, but comparing her to modern fiction makes her seem that way, because she wrote stories which she meant to be understood by the reader. She never muddied her waters to make them appear deep. Most people today, though, seeking depth, look for mud. Ayn Rand doesn't give it to them so they call her shallow. Ayn Rand dares to present, in dramatic form, her theory of human nature, and of the essential issues which ultimately determine our success and happiness in life. This is just not done in modern fiction. Modern fiction is generally more modest in scope than most things Ayn Rand ever wrote. Ayn Rand presents characters which embody important essential principles of human character (the intransigent individualist, the self-tortured worshipper, the intellectual power-luster, the material power-luster, the obsequious social climber). In other words, extraordinary characters. This, also, is just not done in modern fiction. Modern fiction avoids presenting characters which are too unfamiliar to the average reader. Instead, it presents characters which don't highlight any essential principles -- average people. It tells a story you can be comfortable with, rather than really contemplate. Ayn Rand's self-confidence as a writer is bracing. It may scare you. It's certainly scared plenty of people enough to tell all their friends to avoid Ayn Rand like the plague. Are you curious about what they're trying to hide you from? Accept the challenge of The Fountainhead. Then form your own opinion of it.
Rating:
Summary: Most Beautiful Thing Ever Penned
Review: Before Rand's controversial political views became widely known, The New York Times praised this novel for its power and beauty. They did not say enough. This book is beyond good or true or beautiful ... it is holy.
Rating:
Summary: Top of the list
Review: Unbelievable, superb! The author depicts characters which not only intrigue but depict the extremes in society. I do not believe that Ayn Rand was an extremist; it is through her extremist characters in the novel that Rand describes objectivism, the goal towards ego and capitalism, as not 'evil'. It is man's desire to achieve a goal using all instruments at his/her disposal which promotes improvements or degradation to society as a whole. Toohey as a character was resolute in his goal for power and it was this determinedness which allowed him to obtain his strength and manipulate people. Ayn relates the methods used to stifle the soul of man and kill the spirit. Howard Roark strives for a 'quality' in architecture which many attempt to destroy (even unknowingly). Roark's glory is achieved in the doing and the finality of the work. The achievement when completing his works alters the architectural and imaginative ideas of others. I highly recommend this novel to all the philosophically minded readers. Whether or not you agree with the author, the ideas will have you thinking.
Rating: 
Summary: Hated it!
Review: I think this is one of those books you either love or hate. I hated it. The characters were, simply put, miserable and pathetic. I am glad I know no such person in real life
| 
