Do you really think it's because of "conservative undertones" that Rand's drivel is pushed almost every day on the airwaves by neanderthals like Beck and Limbaugh?
I agree with you that her philosophy is abhorrent, I was just pointing out that Atlas and Fountainhead were two of the most influential fiction novels of the 20th century. They're well written and in my opinion should be read by everyone -- especially given how relevant they are in today's political climate.
The Dan Brown comparison was poor. Brown's more subtle. So was Michael Crichton. Read one novel of their's and that's really all you need.
Rand's influence is mostly because pimply anti-social teen losers can read it and feel inspired.