Skyscraper of a Man is a truly American story. Rooted in the homogenous suburbs of the 1970s, the novel explores the American propensity to pursue great ambitions, regardless of upbringing, that can result in lives that are larger than life. The four main characters meet at college and forge such lives, each achieving remarkable success in their chosen pursuits while condoning the choices that enable their success. The main character, Benjamin Franklin Matthews, the son of a printer and avid Revolutionary War buff, believes deeply in America, its founding principles, and “by the people, for the people” government. Inspired by the grand ideals of the Founding Fathers, Ben starts a newspaper and runs for political office, efforts aimed at righting a nation he perceives as falling short of its potential and promise. His three college friends, a writer who is also his business partner, a television news anchorwoman who was his lover, and a former college football star, play contributing roles in his rise to national prominence. In the end, Ben learns that grand ideals are elusive, difficult to maintain, and better left to the perfect among us.
*I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Goodreads and Michael Bowe in exchange of an honest review*
This book was amazing! I feel lucky to have won this book! By far the best book I've read in a long time, but I hate the synopsis blurb that describes this book. I really don't feel like this book is truthfully about Ben. He's a main character and it does follow his political rise, but I feel as if Pete is really the focus of this novel and the synopsis should reflect this. I don't feel like the synopsis really does justice to the amazing and intricate tale that this novel is.
This book truly is a journey, starting when the 4 main characters are just starting their Freshman year of college and spanning into their 30's. At times I wondered where this story was going, but there really was no useless information, because everything builds to the grand finale.
I didn't see the ending coming and would have never expected at the beginning of this book that it would end where it did. I feel like this is the type of book that can be re-read over and over again because I know there are details that I missed the first time that will make the story richer with each re-read.
I'm also so excited that I was lucky enough to get an autographed proof copy. This will be one that I will hold onto and cherish in my collection.
*Spoiler Alert*
I think I could really feel for Pete in the end because of my own recent loss of a best friend. She made choices that I couldn't look the other way and remain her friend. Like Pete, I feel the loss of this friendship everyday and I'm still trying to find my identity and who I am without this person in my life. Sometimes I feel like it would be easier if I'd never met this person, but I think Pete would agree, that the good memories of how things used to be are worth it all ending in disaster.
