The Fountainhead

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.

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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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Summary: Classic Rand!
Review: I read this book along with Atlas Shrugged and found them both to be some of the most powerful reading I had ever experienced. Ms. Rand was a phenominal story-teller providing so many interesting characters overcoming impossible odds to show that individuality is preferrable to collectivism.

This book uses architecture as the basis. Anyone deviating from the accepted architectural styles is scorned even if their buildings will be environmentally smart and economical.

Even if one doesn't care for the politics there is so much fascinating detail on how all the beautiful old buildings in New York City were designed.

Rating:
Summary: STOWED AWAY
Review: There are too many people in the world for all of them to agree on one thing, on what's right or wrong, true or false, whether Objectivism, Ms. Rand's philosophy, is worthwhile. "The Fountainhead" is the only book of Ms. Rand's that I've read, and I've given it 5 stars because I liked it. I liked it because it has a positive message. It taught me to value myself more and to strive for ideals. There will be so many who will, with cynicism and skepticism, insidiously tear down those ideals. "The Fountainhead" has for me been a very personally empowering book. It remains my quiet inspiration, my stowed away gallon of fuel.

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Summary: Outdated and Disappointing !
Review: I am halfway through reading The Fountainhead and will probably stop reading it since I am so disappointed.

Given Rand's popularity, I was somehow expecting to step into an unexplored intellectual territory but I was mistaken. So far, The Fountainhead has been intellectually and philosophically unrewarding. The writing is not so bright either and I see no literary value in The Fountainhead.

Rating:
Summary: Controversy indicates greatness
Review: I can only laugh when I read the other reviews and see how angry this book makes people. However, you don't make waves by going with the flow. Yes, the book is controversial and that is what makes it worth reading. You will either hate it or love it but either way your time will have been well spent. As for me I thought it was the best ideology I have ever encountered, but don't take my word for it. Read it and find out for yourself.