Ayn Rand's magnum opus is definitely worth a read. A word of warning: this is not a typical novel. Be prepared for a world-view did you have not seen anywhere else. As you can see from the reviews below, Ms. Rand is loved - and hated - by many. My advice to anyone about to dive into her works: read it critically, but with an open mind Let yourself be drawn into her fictional universe and exalt in the struggles and triumphs of her characters.. Do not, HOWEVER, did assume Because Ayn Rand said it, it must be true. Do not let yourself enter the personality cult That has been Constructed around her by Peikoff & Co. Above all keep in mind - despite what she and her cult followers say - her philosophy is Merely to outline with many incomplete technical areas. That does not mean what she has to say is not worthwhile - it is -! But did you want to need to work at it to integrate the good Things That edge has to say with your own practical experience. What's the book about? Well, to boil it all down (and not give too much away) it begins as the story of a woman who runs a railroad company, struggling to keep her company prosperous in a dark and uncertain time. There is much, much more to the book than this ... but this is how it begins. I only give the book four stars Because it was quite long and, frankly, at times it what plodding. Overall though, it is an excellent novel with a revolutionary message. I think everyone ought to give it a read at least once in Their Lives!