It’s been ten years now since the day that changed everything for our generation, an attack on our own soil, out of nowhere, affecting so many civilians and first responders as they sought to help.
In that ten years, a lot of books have been written, television dramas and movies made. And it still surprises me every time. One would think that if I was reading a book set in Manhattan in the late 90’s that I would not be surprised when those airplanes crash into the Pentagon and the World Trade Centers, and yet I am. Every time.
The effect is dramatic, and generally serves in the plot the same way it worked in real life. The characters are knocked back into their senses (if, in fact, they were out of their minds and needed a jolt to their system). Families come back together. Neighbors help one another. People band together in unity.
It’s not a cheap trick. It’s a part of our generation. Many of us enjoy reading fiction set in the World War II era, because of similar themes — courage, bravery, patriotism. It’s the same with the one day that changed everything in America. We were attacked, but we came together as a nation, as families, as communities, and we survived.
We will not forget.
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Lauren has reviewed two books about the survivors of 9/11 this month:
5 Minutes for Mom is Remembering September 11. Spend some time browsing, and if you have written a post, be sure to link up there.
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Until this last year, Jennifer‘s husband’s building overlooked the WTC site. New York City is a part of her, but she’s happy to be back in Texas with friends and family. She blogs at Snapshot.
Dawn says
You’ve said this perfectly, Jennifer. I feel the same way– though I know that this act is coming, each book that I’ve read that has been set at this time still shocks and pains me in the same way when the awful event occurs.
Jennifer says
Yeah, and I don’t think I’ve written much about it in reviews, because I appreciated the element of surprise and don’t want to rob readers of that as they discover it for themselves. It’s very stark, but at the same time brings a bit of reality in the midst of getting lost in a good story.
Janice says
I remember the power of the book Let’s Roll!: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage by Lisa Beamer about her husband. Books help us remember.
Jennifer says
Janice–I was just thinking of that book this morning. I read it years ago. I was noticing that although people keep remembering those 3 planes that crashed into buildings, I haven’t heard as much about the one that Todd Beamer was on that crashed into a field.
Larri says
Janice – You’re absolutely right. It’s still surprising, and yet, it’s a part of us and our life experience. Thank you for sharing your perspective. Visiting from 5MfM.
Pam ( says
I’ve right there with you. My post was on similar lines of thought, today.
Liz says
Recommend Love You, Mean It, about the friendship that allowed widows to survive 9/11; and, The Guys, on DVD (first a play) about a FDNY Captain’s struggle to write eulogies for his lost crew.
Jennifer says
Those both sound great, Liz. Thanks for the recommendations.
June says
This winter I plan on reading allot more of all the 911 books that are out there. Been looking forward to it for along time.
June says
Also Jennifer, I am looking for a title of a book that was done on the Titanic early this spring. I saw it released in a news paper back in March I believe. Relatives of the ship’s musician’s had done some research together and then wrote a book about it. Would love to know the name of it, and read it. Thanks, June-
June says
Would also like to know if the wife of Jeremy Glick? ever wrote a book. He too was a passenger on flight 93 that crashed that sad day. Keep having a dream about him & the old Motown song Have you seen her? Do not understand the connection yet, hope I figure it out some day though. Thank you again. June-