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Summary: The Humanity of Heroism
Review: Throughout American history, otherwise ordinary people have displayed extraordinary courage when in life-threatening situations. The tragic events of September 11th offer a number of examples. The most publicized involves those aboard United flight 93 which crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. While huddled to the rear of the plane, several called loved ones; Todd Beamer spoke at length with an GTE-Verizon operator and, together, they recited the Lord's Prayer. She then heard Beamer ask "Are you guys ready? Let's roll!" By then, Beamer and his fellow passengers knew the fate of the other three skyjacked planes and rushed the cockpit. The plane crashed. Everyone aboard died. What we have here is a combination of transcriptions of cell phone calls and the "black box" tapes, mini-biographies, obituaries, reminiscences by the victims' relatives and friends, and Longman's own highly skillful analysis of what he learned during his extensive research. It is possible but unlikely that much more information about specific developments during the flight will be forthcoming. Lisa Beamer has already written one book and, over time, I think others among the victims' relatives and friends will also share their own thoughts and feelings about the impact on them following the crash of United flight 93. A chronicle such as this helps to give "human faces" to the victims' names. The same is true of a special section {"A Nation Challenged") which the New York Times published each day from September 15th until February 5th. A total of 1,800 "portraits of grief" were eventually featured. (This material is now available in a single volume, Portraits of 9/11/01: The Collected "Portraits of Grief" from the New York Times.) Obviously, heroism was demonstrated by so many people throughout and following the four skyjackings. The general public knows almost nothing about what happened aboard the first three flights and not much more about the fourth. For example, at what point did at least some of 93's passengers decide to rush the cockpit? Assuming Beamer was their leader, who else accompanied him? Then what happened? What aboiut the United flight crew? For me, such details are far less significant than the fact that people very much like those with whom I have traveled on numerous flights over the years became "citizen soldiers" and responded courageously to what must have been a terrifying crisis. Because of Longman's book and the "portraits of grief," it is possible to appreciate what Stephen Ambrose has characterized as "uncommon valor."
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Summary: Great book to make you think about your life
Review: When I first saw this book, I was hoping for a book that told what happened on flight 93 and the emotions of the people and family. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book had all and more I was looking for. It takes the reader through a detailed account of every person on flight 93, what kind of person they were, and how they spent thier last minutes. This truly is a motivational book and makes you step back and realize how precious our own lives are. It made me appreciate more the people I see and love every day of my life. It helps you to never take for granted your life.
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Summary: Great book to make you think about your life
Review: When I first saw this book, I was hoping for a book that told what happened on flight 93 and the emotions of the people and family. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book had all and more I was looking for. It takes the reader through a detailed account of every person on flight 93, what kind of person they were, and how they spent thier last minutes. This truly is a motivational book and makes you step back and realize how precious our own lives are. It made me appreciate more the people I see and love every day of my life. It helps you to never take for granted your life.
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Summary: Extremely touching...
Review: Without question, the most touching book I have ever read. Gives you a sense of who the passengers on this flight and their families were, and what they went through on that horrific day. The book doesn't sensationalize, and everything is presented very respectfully. There's a good deal of information on the events and on the hijackers that I hadn't previously read, which while tragic, I found very interesting. Be forewarned though, it is beyond sad - the conversations between the passengers and their loved ones in those last minutes are difficult to read. But without question, I would recommend the book to everyone...
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Summary: Uplifting, emotional
Review: Wow. This is an amazing book about an amazing group of heroes, the passengers and crew of United 93. One by one, the author introduces the different people that flew on flight 93 that day. The men and women, young and old, that stopped this flight from reaching its target. You have the opportunity to read about the lives and families of each person from early on to when their lives intersected on that fateful September day. I couldn't put this book down, it is definitely a page turner. It is also an emotional roller coaster though, and particularly sensitive readers may have difficulty reading. This is a great book though, most of the focus lies on who these passengers and crew members were and what they meant to their loved ones. Reading along, it is easy to see how these men and women arrived at the brave decision to try and take back the plane. As I've said, this book is very emotional, it is also upsetting, but that is to be expected. The story itself is uplifting though and definitely worth the read.
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Summary: Uplifting, emotional
Review: Wow. This is an amazing book about an amazing group of heroes, the passengers and crew of United 93. One by one, the author introduces the different people that flew on flight 93 that day. The men and women, young and old, that stopped this flight from reaching its target. You have the opportunity to read about the lives and families of each person from early on to when their lives intersected on that fateful September day. I couldn't put this book down, it is definitely a page turner. It is also an emotional roller coaster though, and particularly sensitive readers may have difficulty reading. This is a great book though, most of the focus lies on who these passengers and crew members were and what they meant to their loved ones. Reading along, it is easy to see how these men and women arrived at the brave decision to try and take back the plane. As I've said, this book is very emotional, it is also upsetting, but that is to be expected. The story itself is uplifting though and definitely worth the read.
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Summary: WHAT A STORY ON THE LIVES OF FLIGHT 93 PASSENGERS AND CREW
Review: YOU WANT TO KNOW WHO DESERVES THE MEDAL OF HONOR THE CREW AND PASSENGERS OF THIS PLANE, HERO'S THAT MAKE YOU WONDER IF YOU COULD HAVE DONE WHAT THEY DID ON THAT TERRIBLE MORNING..READ THE BOOK, GET TO KNOW THESE PEOPLE AND FEEL WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE THERE FIGHTING TO SAVE AMERICA'S LANDMARK'S AND PEOPLE ON THE GROUND.. I HAVE ONE QUESTION AFTER READING THIS BOOK.. OK MR BUSH WHERE ARE THE MEDALS FOR THESE PEOPLE.. IF ANYONE DESERVES ONE EVERY ONE OF THEM DUE SO LET'S ROLL
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