What is left behind for those who survive a horrific disaster? Already they are victims of a terrible tragedy, irrespective of whether they were inside or outside the tower. Can they return to normalcy? Or will they have to resign themselves to the empty world that is left in the aftermath of the Falling Man?

I made it through this book but barely. The story set on September 11, the day of WTC attacks, and the days and years after, outlines the effects that the single day had on the lives of people who live with the burden of having survived that day.

A very promising premise but the story falls through like a dead weight. The characters are flat, the storyline fractured; in a span of two pages the author skips from one scene to another and then yet another one. At times I had to struggle to understand which characters the pronouns were referring to.

Keith is the survivor that day, having walked through the rubble and emerging from smoke and ash with a briefcase in his hand. Then follows a short fling with the woman to whom the briefcase belonged. Then there is Lianne, Keith's wife, who struggles to come to terms with the feelings that the day has instilled in her heart. Finally there is Justin, the couple's son, who scans the skies for more planes that may be coming in.

But none of these characters have any traits worth remembering. Their stories are disjointed. Perhaps that was the intention of the author; to convey chaos, confusion, dejection and despair, but such narrative never finds much favor with me and I couldn't wait to put down this book so that I could read something else, anything else.

I have read White Noise by Don DeLillo before, and I remember enjoying the post-modern take on things. But this book was a disappointment. A major disappointment.

Would I recommend it to anyone? No. There are definitely other books vying for your attention. Choose one of them instead. ( )

Very disappointing, with two-dimensional characters who might be going through any traumatic event. As such, it felt almost as if 9/11 was being exploited by DeLillo here, especially as the depth is more superficial than incisive. The only saving grace of the book is the last section which is masterfully done and shows a sincere sense of humanity, compassion, and how interlocked all our lives truly are that the rest of the book lacks. ( )

This is one of the worst books I have ever read in my life and I’ve read thousands of books. The writing is tedious and the entire book is poorly written. The characters are dull, poorly developed, and as one-dimensional as cardboard. The plot is likewise dull, boring, and all over the place, making it difficult to follow. Following the story line is difficult as knowing who is being referenced is not made clear. Much of the book is written in the second person and it is impossible to know who “you” is referring to. Other paragraphs are written in the third person and it switches back and forth in the same chapter. The plot line is not engaging or compelling at all and drags on and on, not saying or going anywhere. Extremely boring.

If this was not bad enough, the dialogue is stilted and unlike anyone I’ve ever heard speak. Most of the dialogue is untagged and it is impossible to know who is speaking. Don’t waste your time or money.

Book about 9/11. During/After. Intense. ( )

I thought it was an okay book. I bought it years ago, based on the exclamations that this was THE 9/11-novel to read.
Now that I've read it, I'm not sure that I agree with that statement. I'm not even sure what to think about it, as I found it a hard book to listen to. It was confusing, not knowing most of the time when a new part started who was talking. Not sure I could follow the leaps that were made.

Feeling what this book meant, I think I'm left a bit disappointed. ( )