Definitive

Hadn't delved into books about the events of September 11th, 2001 until recently when I read "Reluctant Hero" by Michael Benfente. Prior to that, I had, like many people, watched a multitude of documentaries on television. Given the sheer number of documentaries covering this subject, I wondered just how much more a book could really offer, but thought I'd give this book a listen, especially given the positive reviews.

At first I wasn't entirely sure about the narrator. His delivery in the opening minutes of this book seemed a little breathless to me. However, how wrong I was about Sean Pratt, a narrator that was able to reproduce the heart wrenching emotions of many of those quoted here. In fact, Pratt would be suited as an actor with his ability to imbue such raw emotions into the words of those featured in this book. I'm a world weary man long past forty and I sat there with silent tears rolling down my cheeks when listening to the reading of the 911 call between one of the women trapped on the 83rd floor in a corner office with several colleagues. That reading of the call transcript and how it was narrated was so intensely sad. I'm old enough to recall that day vividly. I was in the United States at the time many miles away in a sleepy town in Colorado. I remember my wife and I sat outside after seeing the CNN coverage and her crying her eyes out as the occasional car drove past us, possibly wondering why this young woman was in tears, perhaps not having seen the news yet.

There is so much more detail and information here than I've seen in anything on television and I was stunned at how much the author had researched to build what must be the definitive timeline of events. So many 911 documentaries fail to really go into very much detail about the 125 people that died at the Pentagon, so it was fitting this book did just that and provided stories I'd never heard before and written in such detail.

This book is powerfully poignant and there isn't really too much more I can say other than to suggest to those interested in the Pearl Harbour of the 21st century to read this truly definitive telling of the multitude of human stories that played out that terrible day.

A superb read.

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well written detailed and compassionate

must read. this isn't a critical analysis or an investigation just stories of real people and real impact. worth reading

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Equally harrowing and important

Unbelievable account of 9/11 using primary and secondary sources. It really stays with you.

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brilliant!!

This has to be one of the best written and narrated books I have listened to..harrowing step by step account of what happened on that day..I've watched many programmes on it but learnt so much from this book...we visited New York earlier this year and visited the museum and ground Zero..I wish I had read this BEFORE we went as would have pieced together all the other things we saw that day...beautifully written with so much care and consideration to all the families who lost loved ones on the terrible day.

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Very interesting

I enjoyed this book very much, it is well written and well narrated. I do wonder however, how the author manages to obtain such intimate, accurate and nuanced accounts of events. Right down to exact words spoken. Was a little artistic licence applied here?! It's fairly typically American in that there's plenty of schmultz, and look out for two interesting lines "Casseroles and Condolences" and the narrator refers to someone as being a "First Plass Cassenger" and carries on reading!! All of this said, it's a riveting and moving read. You may shed a tear or two. Would definitely recommend this book, and I'm a cynic who wonders about the conspiracy theories. It was a day in history that will have us talking for many years to come. RIP to those who perished on 11th September 2001. 24/1/22 just adding, if you enjoy this book, read THE LOOMING TOWER. It is compelling
reading /listening. Enjoy.

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4 people found this helpful

Heart-wrenching account

A heart-wrenching account of the last days of some of the individual victims of 9/11 and the terrible events they faced on that fateful day. Very well written.

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4 people found this helpful

Best 9/11 audiobook

This is the best 9/11 audiobook I’ve bought. Shows you a completely different aspect of that horrible day.

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Well presented, but a little too Apple Pie

I do wonder if the contents are a little too US Gov "party line" / "Uncle Sam's script" and not enough questioning nor alternative perspectives into the many doubtful events within the overall tragedy.
Nicely told, but I doubt how some of the insights can have been obtained when the sources would have been killed in the event and therefore no evidence of narrative can exist in the way it have been told here.
All a bit politically correct.

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An emotive insight into the people who experienced 9/11

This is a thoroughly researched blend of eye witness accounts offering great insight into psychological impact of 9/11 and the actual human cost. Trauma on a grand scale told with great humanity through the eyes of many survivors. Ultimately compelling without being sensational.

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outstanding listen

just start on chapter 6th and get you right into it very very good

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5 people found this helpful