Skyscraper

A novel by Faith Baldwin, we become introduced to Lynn- a bright, ambitious young woman, ready to make a life for herself in 1930’s New York City.  The newly constructed Seacoast Building, a skyscraper teeming with bustling life and epitomizing the wealth, power, and triumph of engineering marvel.  Bound and determined to work her way up in a “man’s world”, Lynn is hungry to establish herself as a capable woman.

I feel like I can relate to this novel, I'm determined to become a successful independent woman, but the reality is that the world HAS in the past and will CONTINUE to be run by men.  I mean, don't get me wrong... there have been great feats accomplished by women in the past, which motivates younger women (like myself) to work hard and…quite frankly give men a run for their money.  

Another reason this book is appealing is the way Baldwin incorporates the element of the struggle between career and love.  Lynn meets a man named, Tom who she met in the skyscraper’s coffee shop.  They fall madly in love for each other, but according to the strict employee conduct policy, any woman who marries will be immediately dismissed.  And, to make matter’s more complicated, we’re introduced to David Dwight- a powerful, charismatic, handsome, womanizer- who gains Lynn’s interest through flattery (and lots of it).  She views him as a fatherly-figure, yet his intentions are purely sexual…(of course!).

Skyscraper delves into the struggle Lynn has to face- determining the course of her life.  Should she abandon her career- a life of independence…or love?