anyone read this? I just started and it's a little daunting because of the length. is it worth reading?

Hannah, I read it a few years ago--one of those classics I figured I just needed to read to be well read.  It was daunting, and I really slogged through it, stubbornly.  I actually didn't care for it, despite it's classic status, and really had to force myself to finish it.  I wasn't sure its length was necessary to make its point either.  I think it's one of those classics you either 'get' or not....I'm in the not category, and think there's no shame in quitting it, LOL.

Hannah, I read all of the Ayn Rand books as a teenager and loved them.  That was many years ago so I don't know how I would like them now. 

I enjoyed it although there were some things that I thought were a little weird (like the heroine) but overall it was worth reading but not nearly as good as her other book Atlas Shrugged.

I loved it! Once you get into it the size of the book is not a factor.

i loved it, too, and am looking forward to reading atlas shrugged...

but I remember Ayn Rand's novels being really important to me in high school.  Maybe it's time for a revisit.

I read it and Atlas Shrugged for the first time in high school and have re-read them since.  I love them both, but her work seems to be "love it or hate it". 

If you wanted something a little less intimidating (size wise), you might consider Anthem or We the Living,  I think We the Living is the most readable of her books - it's more character driven and it doesn't beat you over the head with her philosophy quite as much.    :)

hmm thanks for the feedback. I'm only in the first 30 pages at this point. it seems interesting, I mainly picked it up because I'm into the subject of architecture and I really like the ideas that Roark has about his building and stuff. I hope the rest of the book follows suit. :) I think this is going to take me a while though. I keep stopping just to think about what I've read. It's a little heavy...

i started it about 20 times before i actually got through it...and it ended up being on my list of all-time favorites.  Once i got into it i really couldn't put it down.  I took it with me on a long trip...and purposefully didn't bring another book...and that sorta forced me to get "over the hump".  I'm so glad i did.  I've read Atlas Shrugged as well...and i must say i liked the Fountainhead better.  I would advise AGAINST watching the movie, however.  The book is FAR superior...even if it is perhaps a bit too long.

Liked the storyline on one level, HATED the objectivistic theory behind it overall.

I really enjoyed it.  The characters kept me drawn into the story for the whole book.

I liked Atlas Shrugged better, but that one is even longer.   It took me a year to read the first time.  I've read it several times since, and very quickly.  Her politics do tend to polarize people.  Not for everyone.

Now that I think about it, I've found all of hers I've read a little slow the first time thru. 

wow, thanks! I'm were the Dean is trying to explain to him why he was expelled. i definitely want to know what happens next...I think I'll stick with it. :) thanks again everyone!