[Superman]

Rand is a fad, but not a thinker. You want Rand? Just read Nietzsche. Superman. Rand and Nietzsche appeal to people who prefer to believe that things (the world. universe. society, spirituality, etc) are very simple, and who tend to idolize people with power. Hemmingway too, actually. Rand's books are decent enough, as plain ol' novels. Nobody really thinks she's a philosopher, except folks who haven't read much except her stuff.

There are lots of very entertaining authors out there. I recently read Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. Pretty good. I've enjoyed several of Michener's books. Ludlum is can't-put-it-down stuff. Lots of great authors to choose from.