Tower Stories: An Oral History of 9/11

I wanted to read something looking back on the events of 9/11 at this time of the 10th anniversary. This was the update from 2007. There is another one that is more recent from 2009. I very sincerely recommend this book for a series of snapshots of that day and the aftermath. These were oral histories taken within days or at most about a month after 9/11. It is divided into sections roughly equivalent to the distance from Ground Zero. The first section was taken from people in the Towers who survived. Then stories from people immediately outside the Towers. There is an amazing section on the volunteers at Ground Zero and what they accomplished. There is a section from family members and friends left behind. My least favorite section was show more at the end with statements from people commenting on the culture of the Middle East and why America has become so hated. That is worthy of discussion, of course, but I feel it is out of place in this extremely poignant memoir from people immediately affected by the tragedy. There are some photographs taken at the scene as well. Extremely well done and highly recommended. show less

I could not put this book down. Very compelling oral history of 9/11, from survivors, rescue workers and volunteers, and family and friends of the victims. The editor, Damon DiMarco, wisely divided this 524-page book into five sections: At the Towers; Outside the Towers; Ground Zero and the Volunteers; The Aftermath; and Viewpoints. So it covers a wide spectrum—from the attacks and the fight for survival, to the rescue effort, to the clean up and rebuilding of communication networks, to the effect it had on families and New Yorkers and Americans, to finally what came afterward.