I like the book, but I don't like it as a novel, but rather as philosophy, if that makes sense. Her character developments and personalities are very limited, and their behaviors are predictable. So as a novel, I think its a quite a big failure. However, I agree with her philosophy. I read/heard that Howard was based on Frank Loyd Wright. The first building Howard designed is in essence The Fallingwater. However Howard's philosophy on architecture to me is more based on Mies. In anycase I think without people like Howard, human civilization wouldn't advance. I also admire people whose passion exceeds above everything else in life. I've read many comments that Howard is just a jerk and selfish and arrogant, his ideals are too idealistic. I think he is all of that, but then again what great leader/inventer/designer isn't all of that.