Rating:  Summary: Amazing, but some advice...... Review: Be skeptical about this one. It's a great book; But try to be a filter and not a sponge. You'll enjoy it, so try it!
Rating:  Summary: You think you know good? This is bloody mind boggling. Review: I have read plenty of books. Most will make you think, but few will make you want to strive for excelence. Few will give you a picture of absolute integrity. Few have ANY integrity. Few uphold morals as an unexpurged, and unemotional, essence that man should strive for. And the few that do, don't do it as well. There seems to be a rise and climax with each piece of dialog that issues forth from these characters, and while being swept up in the beautifuly written story you soon realize that man cannot achieve his happines from other people. Only he can supply it to himself, and only then will he be truly happy with those he loves. This is head and shoulders above anything I have ever read, and I have read a lot.
Rating:  Summary: The worst book I've ever read Review: Clumsy prose, laughable characterizations, ludicrous dialogue and offensive philosophical underpinnings--truly the most irritating, poorly written book I've ever (almost) finished reading.
Rating:  Summary: outstanding and thought-provoking Review: as a seventeen year-old about to begin college in the fall, i am still searching for a philosophy and outlook on life to call my own. my older sister had recommended this book to me, without telling me what to expect at all. i was pleasantly surprised. this book has so many layers, so many different lessons and ideas that i think i could only absorb them all with a second reading. rand's philosophy was shocking to me now, i can only imagine how it went over with the hard-headed, one-dimensial critics of her day. but she speaks the truth, the naked truth, not sugar-coated, but blunt, to the point, and in such a way that the reader is unable to argue with some of her assertions. this book has made me re-evaluate my beliefs, my outlook on life, and how i conduct myself with others, as well as how i feel about myself. it has also given me a goal to strive for, as i believe howard roark's mindset is exemplarly; to be able to be that comfortable with yourself and trust your abilities that much that you can reject the opinions and disregard the judgements of those around you is amazing to me. i hope that one day i will be able to have such a feeling of pride and trust in my work. that is my goal. wonderful book, should be read by all who value the soul and appreciate the arts.
Rating:  Summary: A Warm Novel Review: The book was excellent, and has the rare quality of being a book that is able to make the reader feel good. The reader may object to the idea of objectivism as a solution to the plagues of modern society, but he should keep in mind that this philosophy has not been offered as a solution at all. The world may not be better if the world is filled with men and women like Howard Roark, but the reader must not miss the fact that the book believes that care for others is unimportant, and of secondary concern. This is a valid point; the very point that makes it such an eye opening piece of literature. The world may not be as pleasant for some, but it will much more successful and make more progress if more men and women follow the example that Ayn Rand has set through her hero Howard Roark.
Rating:  Summary: Drivel that is a waste of time Review: This is a good book with interesting ideas about objectivism. But, it is just too long and wordy, and the same ideas could have been expressed in half the number of pages. The storyline borders on the ridiculous and extra-ordinary coincedences throughout the book, and I had to wade through 400 pages of boring text and dialogue before the point was expressed in the end. 2 stars because of the ideas in the book, but otherwise, if you have read the back page and the summary in Amazon.com, then you have gotten the idea. Skip this and spend your money on a pizza instead.
Rating:  Summary: "A self-sufficient ego." Review: Rand is the ultimate champion of individuals. After reading The Fountainhead, you will have an air of superiority, not over others, but over yourself. If there is anytime in history that society needs to hear Rand's message, it is now.
Rating:  Summary: This is a great storyline to a great philosophy! Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read, it's romantic, philosophical, and is one of those books, after you get deep into it, makes you stop and think about not only objectivism, but your own code of morals and beliefs... one of the best books of our generation, and a definite must read!
Rating:  Summary: Fantastic Book! Review: I could not put it down. Before I read this book, I didn't know books like this existed. Greatly written, Ayn Rand, a champion of intellect portrays one who will not break for what he knows as wrong. One of the best books I have read, all 727 pages of it.
Rating:  Summary: Do I disagree with it? Yes, but still a great story! Review: After having it suggested to me many times, I finally had a chance to read The Fountainhead. I was skeptical at first, and as far as Rand's philosophy, I still am kind of wonder, but the book was great. I couldn't put it down. I certainly don't feel that Objectivism and selfishness are the answer to the world's problems. Even still, I think Rand presents an interesting problem. How many people in this world are like Peter Keating! Doing what everybody else wants you to do, gaining success and social "standing," and yet still unhappy. Although Roark could use some people skills, atleast he does what makes him happy. (Although we should avoid extreme measures like Roark's behavior towards the end of the book.) I think anyone who has tried to present a new idea to old bureaucrats, will understand the problems Roark ran into when trying to present new architecture. Sadly, most will give in to the set "ideal" that society has determined. I respect men and women who responsibly stick to their own ideals. (Note the word responsible, Roark wasn't always.) All-in-all a great book I think everyone should have a chance to read. Remember, Rand wrote these books to express her Philosophy. So don't be surprised like many are that there is a lot of philosophy in this book. Also, some may say that this philosophy is simple to understand and straightforward, so it isn't worth reading. I disagree. Unlike Kant, Hegel and countless other philosophers, Rand has had some writing training, which makes her philosophy a little eaiser to understand. Also, take some time to read Kant, Mill, Aristotle, Plato, James, Sarte, etc. before you decide Rand's philosophy is the answer.
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