Ayn Rand

I initially would probably never have chosen to read an Ayn Rand book if I had not been browsing the Web for scholarships. She writes philosophical novels that are definitely timeless classics. Her books align with my philosophy in life. All of the greatest things of our history have been accomplished by the achievements, strong will, dedication, and drive of humans.

Atlas Shrugged was the first Ayn Rand book that I read and I have to say I was hooked from the beginning. Henry (Hank) Rearden was a dreamer. He believed nothing was impossible outside of hard work and dedication. He created a new metal in the book that was used to revolutionize the railroad industry. Hank and Dagny Taggart, daughter of the owner of the largest transcontinental rail line, embark on a journey together, filled with forbidden passions and impossible dreams. This is definitely a great read for those that need inspiration achieving their goals.

The second book of Ayn Rand's that I read was The Fountainhead, which tells the story of a young architect, Howard Roark, who creates architecture that is totally new and evolutionary, instead of copying his ideas for designs from history's greatest architects, as everyone tries to tell him to do throughout his career. Howard falls in love with the daughter of another rich architect, Dominique Francon, who struggles with her own ideas that are so apart from that of society's. In The Fountainhead, people that think "outside of the box" are looked down upon. Everyone should think and act as everyone else. This is the opposite of how Howard and Dominique live and view life. The novel is truly another great story of not sacrificing what you believe in to accomplish your dreams and goals.

For more information on this author, visit the Ayn Rand Institute's home page.