The Pinnacle

by Benjamin Kessler

The Pinnacle is a slim but telling volume. An unnamed narrator who works in the tallest building in the world, the eponymous Pinnacle, finds himself delving deeper into the building’s nexus and reckoning with his own in the process. A damning but highly entertaining tale of extreme capitalism, The Pinnacle presents a version of a future we’re easily hurtling towards—a future in which self-surveillance and superstructures flourish: the Hawaiian islands are linked by record-breaking bridges and The Pinnacle towers at 324 floors and counting. Proprietary technology in the form of a massive rod rammed into the planet’s core allows The Pinnacle to keep growing indefinitely, and along with it, the secrecy that surrounds its Manhattan address. Equal parts prophetic and psychedelic, funny and foreboding, this story about labor and how our jobs define us (or don’t) ultimately becomes one about honesty, family, and self-actualization.

116 pages, Paperback

Published March 18, 2025

Reviews

[Kaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great proof of concept with a terrifyingly-realistic near future, but much much too short. I would love to read an expanded version of this book, by maybe 200 pages, or even see it adapted into some Apple+ TV show (though I suppose it could be a film). I also understand that the scenario may not allow for further exploration in a way like, say, Severance, but I think there could be other avenues—for example, everything the narration races through on the final page. But very interesting!

[Sarah Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun little sci-fi story. Unique. I felt like it held a mirror up to society today with how social media works. There's the real world and then there's what we see of the world online. The only thing I would ask from it would be more. Maybe Mr Kessler will turn The Pinnacle into a series because without spoiling anything, I'd like to see what else that thing is capable of.

[Joyce Ippolito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this fun little book!

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the shortest books I’ve read in a longtime! Story takes place in the future and is about a man struggling with alcoholism, who works shifts at The Pinnacle— a large skyscraper being built in NY City. The man works 7 shifts on and 7 shifts off. While on duty, he is not allowed to leave the building. The workers sleep on a lower level. In the center of the building is known as “The Spike” which supposedly anchors the building in place. After a night drinking from another worker’s homemade alcohol stash, the man goes up to another floor- drawn to The Spike. The man experiences some visions. Final thoughts: not what I was expecting. It was an interesting look into a character with alcoholism: the struggle to break free. I’m not sure I’ve fully grasped the understanding of this futuristic world and what was really happening at The Pinnacle. #ThePinnacle #benjaminkessler #goodreads #goodreadsgiveaway #jillianhereforthebooks

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very beginning. Set in the near future, it follows an electrician working in the largest building in the world—a massive structure that is never completed or inhabited. The protagonist is a functioning alcoholic, burdened by complicated relationships he escapes during his week-long work shifts. But his inner demons follow him, leading to surreal, almost supernatural experiences that blur the line between the isolated worksite and his life beyond it. The story leaves you questioning the true cost of striving to be the biggest and the best.

[Jim Ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really, really wanted to like this much more than I did. It was so well written and I was engrossed the entire time. The thing is, it left far too many unanswered questions. I like inconclusive endings that make you think about the story far longer than normal, but there were just too many holes in the plot and way too much ambiguity about major situations and circumstances. The unresolved endings that work make you imagine what could be next, not about what this was all about.

[Nancy Gisvold · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very strange book. It is the story of a construction worker working on the tallest building in the world. It is set in the future but it is never disclosed as to when. There are strange rules for employees and strange articles in the building. It explores addiction and family dynamics but things are always a bit hazy. Some of the futuristic concepts are intriguing.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Great story about a man’s struggle with addiction set amidst the strange and unusual events regarding theconstruction of the world’s tallest building. Look forward to more works from this author!

[Julie Baker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just a weird short book - what is going on at the Pinnacle, what happened to the previous team, what is the core, why did the elevator open are only some of the questions left unanswered. The book is not worth the read no matter what the size.

[Loren Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysterious and haunting, taking the reader in all sorts of unexpected directions. At once futuristic and totally relatable. I read it in one sitting! Another great story from Benjamin Kessler.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, quick read. Interesting setting and good pacing keep you reading until the end. Feels like an episode of BlackMirror.

[Travelmaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nerve wracking! Interesting take on a man working on the world's tallest skyscraper and the secrecy surrounding it.

[Sean Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vivid Ambien-dream of America’s thirst for growth at any costs. Killer prose and deviously sharp world-building. Ben Kessler is a voice to be reckoned with.

[Toast · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real Rating 3.5

Interesting story, but I'm still just as confused as the MC

[Pamela Jo Mason · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a strange little book; a quick read. I actually went back through a second time as I was preparing my review because I couldn’t remember the main character’s name, the electrician, and it’s because it’s not in the book. Huh? In any case, he works in construction on a super structure called The Pinnacle which is already 324 floors and expanding. He works 7 days on and 7 days off, having to stay in the building the entire week of work; lights on/off, meals all dictated by the company. It’s a good job that pays a lot so he doesn’t complain. Then him and the crew get called in early because the other team has disappeared, and not much is said of what happened. During this week, him and a buddy start snooping around, completely against regulations, and the “spike” that is the core of the building might hold some future telling powers, but maybe he’s just withdrawing from alcohol. In any case, he gets fired (?) though it’s unclear if he got caught or just managed to escape with his life. I finished this thinking “hmmmm, what?” But it also gave me the opportunity to develop several of my own theories, so kind of an interesting spin.

Disclaimer - I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pinnacle is a gripping, mysterious read set around the construction of a towering skyscraper. We follow a construction worker grappling with personal struggles while working long, intense shifts on site. There’s secrecy surrounding the building’s core and when strange things start to happen, the story takes an unexpected turn.

The book blends gritty realism with surreal, almost eerie moments and the pacing keeps you hooked. Without giving too much away, it touches on themes of addiction, connection and change in a way that sticks with you.

If you're into speculative fiction with a mysterious twist it’s worth checking out.

Thanks to Buckman Publishing for providing me with a free ARC of this book!