Fountainhead

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Summary: I have already reviewed this book...
Review: But since then I have read some of the other reviews. Those who complained, I can not beleive the crap they came up with. One person said "The Fountainhead was about two things, sex and architecture and if you see anything more to it you need to go play ball". A lot of them complained that it was too long, so I am sorry if this book was not as short and compact as your coloring books. I would like to tell anyone who plans to read this, or is thinking about it, that this book is NOT about architecture, and it is not about the number of pages, and it is not about pure entertainment (if you want that, get a romance novel and stop whining). It is about Howard Roark against the world. The characters are not supposed to be realistic, they are the extremes, but the ideas are by no means unrealistic. And it is also about great philosophy. So with THAT in mind, read it! - Comments are welcomed, this book DESERVES a good discussion.

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Summary: WOW!
Review: What an amazing book. I can honestly say it was one of the best books I have ever read. For people who are feeling like they always are choosing between themselves and the world this is THE BOOK. I have always felt as though I had to live for me even if others don't approve, and for those of you who feel like that every day, you know it is HARD. This book was a great encouragement, it defines the ideas that until now have been hard to grasp. It might seem a hard read at first but once you get it it all comes together. There is so much greatness in this book but I guess everyone has to discover that for themselves. I just want to say that after reading it, I have seen the "second handers" in my life and know how to better handle them from now on. Lastly, and most importantly, I feel better nowing that living for me and no one else will pay off.

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Summary: Two thumbs up!
Review: I have to admitt that the first time I looked at this book, I was pretty scared. I had to read this book for English class going into my junior year, and thought that this would be just as stupid as all of the other books I had read in English class. But I have to admitt that I was inpressed with the novel. I was especially impressed with how Rand could come so close to predicting about how society is today. I don't know about life in the 40's, but I know that it surely wasn't like it is today in the 90's. Reading this book also taught me a lot about people. Being as independent as I am, I definitely learned that I don't want to be a second-hander. I hope that I can keep my composer as well as Howard Roark did throughout the book. This is definely on of the greatest books I have ever read.

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Summary: Finally...a novel that has something to say.
Review: I read this book twice in three weeks, amazed by the language, philosophy, and characterizations. Rand weaves a complex allegory, and is able to successfully show that it is worthwhile to stick to principles, and for each man and woman to achieve his/her pinnacle of ability. If you liked The Fountainhead, then you will absolutely be awed by her other epic, Atlas Shrugged.

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Summary: Yet another pointless review?
Review: This book is clearly not for everyone, but it's definitely for me.

I discovered the book in a college bookstore, where it was required reading in the *architecture* dept. *Not* the English dept. I had to know why, so I bought a copy. This book really spoke to me. Again and again, I was thrilled when it gave me affirmation. Over and over, my thoughts confirmed.

I am no Howard Roarke. But "your reach should exceed your grasp, or what's a Heaven for?" I'm glad that literature has some heroic figures for us to admire. There certainly aren't enough of them in real life. Of course, that statement won't mean a lot to someone who hasn't read the book.

The book is a challenge. It's long, with redundancies, and it often takes Rand tens of paragraphs to develop an idea.

It's worth it, though, even if you have to take a vacation after finishing it.

It has a cult following. I noticed that a character in the movie "Singles" reading it. An episode of "Ths Simpsons" featured (and mocked) an "Ayn Rand Daycare Center". Somewhere along the line, the book got a mention in "Wayne's World". The rock group Rush dedicated an album (2112) to Rand. There is also a good movie version, with Gary Cooper playing Roarke. Rand herself wrote the screenplay.

The ideas expressed in _The Fountainhead_ are important. Particularly the ones about integrity.

If you are a person who thinks that character *does* matter, that ideas are important, that one's philosophy determine one's motives and substance, or if you just like romance in both the literary/historical/heroic sense and the sensual/man-woman sense, by all means, read _The Fountainhead_

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Summary: Holy Crap this book is awesome!!
Review: She must be good!

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Summary: A look into the mind of an individual
Review: The Fountainhead is a celebration of the mind of an individual and its potential to change society for the better. Though Atlas Shrugged is a more encompassing book, this is a good introduction to what is in Atlas Shrugged. On my list of books as recommended reading for high-school and college students.

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Summary: Objectivism's "Pilgrim's Progress"
Review: I am one of the high-school students to whom this book is so emphatically recommended. I read this book for the purpose of entering the Ayn Rand Foundation scholarship contest, and it was only discipline (and need for the money for college) that kept me at it. If you're going to write a novel, write a novel. Don't write a cheap allegory of your ideas that banters ON and ON and ON. I find it ironic that Ms. Rand repeatedly touted the simplicity and efficiency of Roark's work, yet said in 700-some pages what could have been said in 100 or less. I agree with thinking for yourself, but after a session of reading The Fountainhead, I was lucky if I could think at all. I would liken it to being hit in the head with a sledgehammer of ideas. While some were worthy, the intensity of their repetition defeated the enitire purpose. And if objectivism and individualism is the goal, by elevating Ayn Rand to the status of a godess and her philosophies to the gospel, her dedicated followers are defying everything she tried to teach. Smells like hypocrisy to me.

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Summary: The Best.
Review: Not only is this the most incredible piece of writing I've ever read, but it is also the most influential. This book changed my life. It made me realize that man could be as great as he wants to be, and how acheivement is our ultimate goal. Because of this book, I now proudly claim to be a Republican.(I am ashamed to say that I once was a Democrat.)

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Summary: A good book about human strength.
Review: I would recommend this book to anyone. A statement of individual worth to be admired. A celebration of being human.