Basically a better written version of Horatio Alger's up from the bootstraps stories. Set in turn of the century New York City, it follows the son of a cigar shop owner as he works his way up to hotel magnate. The author must really like hotels because there are a lot of descriptions of them. The lead character is a blank. Somehow this won the Pulitzer. Must've been a slow year.

Really, really didn't like this book-little insight, little understanding of relationships-didn't learn anything

A small book, with a big dreamer. Martin Dressler is an interesting character - ambitious. The author does a great job of putting you in New York - although it feels like the 1920s vs. late 1800s. Worth a read, and intriguing.

Winner 1997 Pulitzer prize.