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A review by hccranston
The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff
5.0
It took me almost a full year to read this book. Not because it wasn't engaging, but because it's heartbreaking. I was going to college in Southern California when 9/11 happened and like any person old enough to remember, the events of that day are indelibly imprinted on my mind and heart.
There are many positive things I could say about this book, but this is what is most important: reading this book gives me hope for humanity. There were so many ugly, tragic things that happened that day - and there was a lot of beauty. Reading about people helping each other in their darkest moments, sacrificing their safety and/or lives to save others, dropping everything to respond to those in need reminds me that we are capable of immense love and compassion. Nearly 21 years later, it's the selflessness in the face of tragedy and danger embodied by so many people that defines that day for me now; and how, as a nation, we were truly united for a brief moment. This book illustrates that feeling beautifully.
There are many positive things I could say about this book, but this is what is most important: reading this book gives me hope for humanity. There were so many ugly, tragic things that happened that day - and there was a lot of beauty. Reading about people helping each other in their darkest moments, sacrificing their safety and/or lives to save others, dropping everything to respond to those in need reminds me that we are capable of immense love and compassion. Nearly 21 years later, it's the selflessness in the face of tragedy and danger embodied by so many people that defines that day for me now; and how, as a nation, we were truly united for a brief moment. This book illustrates that feeling beautifully.