Rating: 
Summary: DONT be turned off by other reviewers - it's a MASTERPIECE!
Review: I was incredibly disappointed with my fellow reviewer's opinions. Ayn Rand is brilliant, and I could not put this book down. Never have I encountered such compelling characters - or a more honest look at society. Don't be influenced by others - read the book and find out for yourself that this book beautifully celebrates man - you will come away from from it feeling proud.
Rating: 
Summary: One of my favorites
Review: I am a junior in high school. When I first read The Fountainhead, it was like a revelation for me. I thought that my life was basically meaningless as it was, and to truly experience enlightenment I must learn to be "selfish". However, that initial passion has since faded, and I can now step back and see some of the fallacies of the book. Although great in concept, Objectivism, as the extreme opposite of Communism, may work in much the same way. I also noticed that characters in Rand's books (I have read Atlas Shrugged, Anthem, and We the Living), especially the female characters, are fundamentally very similar, both in appearance and character. This does not detract from the books' overall appeal, but does take away a little of the mystery and intrigue. I love these books though, and while not agreeing totally with every aspect of Rand's philosophy, I appreciate the beautiful workmanship of her writing.
Rating: 
Summary: Overhyped
Review: This overtly philosophical novel is about Howard Roarke. This book describes the career of a fiercely independent architect, who exemplifies Ayn Rand's objectivism. His career is juxtaposed with a colleague from college, Peter Keating, and is intertwined with other characters, including a unique woman named Dominique, a successful businessman name Wynand, and a famous "intellectual", Tooley.Rand thoroughly describes each individual's concept of humanity throughout the book. This is strength, and a flaw. The dialogues are very, very contrived, and at points insulting to the reader's intelligence. Keating and Roarke's rivalry was thoroughly enjoyable. To see such those two in tandem, though extremely overt, was stimulating. The inclusion of other characters, especially Dominique, bored me to death. Even though she provides a sort of bridge between two the two rival philosophies, her intrusion into the story is convoluted and serves little purpose than to occupy pages. This book contains a great message. It's almost hard to find anyone who doesn't relate to Howard Roarke's character. It's lack of subtlety, its super preachy and continuous dialogues, annoying other characters, all deter it from making it an enjoyable read. I found myself glued to some pages, while trudging through others. It's best to describe this as an essay containing fictional characters, rather than a classic novel. Some people say that this book changed their life. Fair enough, but all the philosophy and messages are presented throughout simple economic principles, historical affairs, and common sense. The only true insight I gained from this was the definition of objectivism. Not worth 700 pages of only mildly interesting reading. Would I recommend this book? Probably, it's not that bad, and you can decide for yourself.
Rating:
Summary: Affecting.
Review: As neither an atheist nor an objectivist I can still say that this is a very powerful novel. Only because I have read Atlas Shrugged and know about the descent into cult like status which objectivism fell prevents me from giving this book 5 stars. It's long and a bit dry, Ayn Rand is certainly not bathroom reading, but in the end worth the effort. My personal opinion on objectivism is probably a bit harsh; I consider it a parasitic ideology that can only survive in the comforting environs of a strong established democracy, but it is worth reading as reinforcement of certain principles; namely ambition and individuality. I'm sure there are a lot of counter-culture kiddies that read this and Kafka or Kerouac and think they understand the world, hardly so. An architect cannot stop a city nor can a copper magnate, a Swedish pirate and a philosopher ... grease monkey turn off the "engines of the world." I know who John Galt is and he is the bastardized interpretation of the ubermensche of Nietzsche's philosophy. Pure objectivism would essentially be social Darwinism, survival of the smartest and most cunning, not something that depressed teenagers should be reading. Never the less, I do agree with Ms. Rand that we are individuals. We should drive ourselves to excel no matter the obstacles but, that said, the rest of society is not necessarily an Albatross around the neck. We are not necessarily responsible for/to those less fortunate. We should help them out of compassion, not obligation. Mix in a little compassion and some reality into this book and it's worth reading and recommending. P.S. Stay away from Atlas Shrugged, it's the Fountainhead with renamed characters, an implausible plot (see Swedish pirate above) and a monologue at the end that would put Tolstoy to sleep.
Rating:
Summary: Mindless sheep need-not apply
Review: This book is for the individualist. For the person who doesn't care what the Jones' are doing.
Howard Roark is the man who lives for himself. He is the difinitive self-motivated man.
This book takes you through a journey in a world where everyone is striving to gain acceptance from everyone else, save one man. He stays true to what he believes in, even if it means being hated. No SUV for this guy. He is not a bleeting sheep who does what the trend tells him.
Great Book!!
Rating:
Summary: a timeless masterpiece
Review: This book is a must read - beatifully and powerfully written.
Rating:
Summary: very though prevoking
Review: i dont except it's tenants but rands philosophy definately makes u think!!!!! i think thats all she whanted
Rating:
Summary: Tour de Force
Review: I discovered this book while dipping into the campus bookstore during an anti-war march (I was an engineering student - not a marcher). I liked architecture and picked it up. WOW! The strangest thing I've read in the reviews is the criticism of the writing which I think is both bitter and brilliant. Just as Atlas Shrugged was about Dagny and Hank, this story is about Dominique and Wynand. Wynand's depiction is surely one of the greatest of all time...just the right touch. In the end, Roark is still distant, unknown, more an idea than a flesh and blood person. But the way the plot weaves and intertwines and finally joins is just incredible! Especially moving are the scenes between Roark and Wynand, particularly their parting.
This is a startling book because it is so different from the vast majority of what is now published - shoddy stories filled with cardboard characters, needless gore, obscenity, non-stop action and a complete lack of intellectual focus. It seems quite timeless (I first read it in 1969) even today because its focus is not trendy events or fads but the timeless interplay of people. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy.
Rating:
Summary: Ayn Rand makes me think!
Review: I just finished my third reading of The Fountainhead. My first time was in my early 20's when I absorbed little beyond the wonderful love story; my second reading was in my late 40's, and this time I was jolted into digging deeper into the philosophy of the book. I'm now in my late 60's, and finally really understand what Ayn Rand was saying in this outstanding book. Because she had firsthand experience, Rand has given us a clear picture of the never-ending stuggle between good and evil in the form of capitalistic versus communistic/fascistic philosophy. Having lived for a time in a socialistic country has given me an even better understanding of how dangerous it is to allow either government or man to attempt to breed the idea of individual thinking out of a society. With all of our troubles, we Americans must continue to be on guard against the liberal factions that don't mind if it takes another fifty years to acquire power over us through our individual thinking. Read Ayn Rand's writings and you will see why I call her my heroine.
Rating:
Summary: Changed for the better
Review: Before you read this book, realize that you will not be the same person when you have finished. It illustrates many ideas that will leave you questioning all your previous beliefs. I have read this book more than once, and I feel as if I learn more each time. I truly believe that I have become a better person after reading The Fountainhead. I stray from looking to others for approval and acceptance. My personal needs and wants come before anyone else's, and I don't believe I am selfish for thinking so. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn and benefit from Rand's philosophies.
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