A number of people (mostly male) kept telling me that I had to read something by Ayn Rand. Finally, I relented and started with “The Fountainhead.”
Set in the United States before World War II, “The Fountainhead” begins when Howard Roark, the main protagonist, gets expelled from architecture school for failing to adhere to the school’s antiquated beliefs as to what architecture should look like. Through the novel, we follow Roark and a classmate of his, Peter Keating (who just happens to be the complete opposite of Roark) on their career paths. After leaving architecture school, both men go to New York to begin their careers. Roark seeks employment with Henry Cameron, a once great architect who is on his way down. Keating starts work at a prestigious and famous architecture firm run by Guy Francon, a well-respected and admired architect. Keating becomes partner; Cameron goes out of business forcing Roark to open his own shop. But Roark’s refusal to compromise his designs, even at the request of his customers, forces him to close his doors and work at a granite quarry.
What makes “The Fountainhead” interesting is not the plot but how Rand uses the characters as symbols to support her beliefs. For example, Roark embodies everything Rand finds good and commendable in the world. He stands by his beliefs at all costs and refuses to compromise regardless of the repercussions. Keating on the other hand embodies everything Rand finds despicable. He is completely mediocre and lives for the approval of others.
Rand’s overarching premise — the collective is evil; individualism is what we all should strive for — may be correct, but she is way too extreme. To Rand, compromising your beliefs is akin to murder. Whatever your political views may be, you can’t deny Rand’s writing is amazing. While I didn’t necessarily agree with Rand’s premise, when I finished “The Fountainhead” I wanted to read more by Rand so I picked up “Anthem.” This little novella is interesting and at only a 107 pages, it is less of a commitment that the 800-plus-page “The Fountainhead” yet it still gives the reader a slice of what makes Rand’s writing so interesting.
Now I can finally say I’ve read Ayn Rand. Give her a shot. She offers something different from today’s authors, and I think you’ll find her books a good “waste” of your time.
– NATALIE
— NATALIE


“The Help” by Kathryn Stockett was absolutely wonderful. The plot is generally about the life and times of black domestic servants in the Southern United States in the 1960s. But trust me, it is SO much more. Stockett confronts some touchy racial issues through the eyes of three women — Skitter, Aibileen and Minny — and somehow manages to inject humor and hope into what could be an overwhelming and heavy topic.
I’m so excited to read this book that I’m going to write about it before I read it. First, its title, “Lies My Teacher Told Me,” screams from the shelves and practically forces you to buy it. So maybe the subtitle, “Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong” is a little more boring and actually explains what the book is about, but … BOOM! Lies! How could you not pick it up?









Short on time? Try some short stories.
“Selected Stories” by Andre Dubus. This collection includes 23 of Dubus’ short stories, including “Killings” which was the basis of the movie In the Bedroom staring Marisa Tomei and Sissy Spacek. Most of Dubus’ shorts are dark and fairly depressing, but skillfully written and enjoyable. He draws you in with engaging characters and story lines but leaves enough to the imagination that you can’t put the story out of your mind when you’ve finished reading. I highly recommend spending a few minutes with Dubus during this busy time of year.
Nicholas Sparks fans beware, you may want to skip a few paragraphs. Against my better judgment, I



