Rating: 
Summary: Great intro to Halberstam's classic style
Review: 'Firehouse' is a wonderful story of 12 men who perished while trying to save lives in the midst of chaos at Ground Zero. David Halberstam, America's finest non-fiction writer, painstakingly describes the unique atmosphere of the firehouse and the deep bonds that form between the men. Above all, they strive - when the hour calls - to be, above all else, 'calm' and to 'do the right thing.'On September 11th, these 12 men succeeded. David Halberstam tells you how these men made a difference to the people in their lives. If you don't know Halberstam's work that well, 'Firehouse' is a great intro for you. Clocking in 500 pages *less* than some of his classic masterpieces, you can get a feel for the master's classic 10+ page in-depth potrayals that cut to the essence of somebody's character. And you only need a couple of hours to tackle this short masterpiece. Read it now and pass it on. It's a great story to share.
Rating:
Summary: AN APPROPRIATELY REVERENTIAL READING
Review: Actor/director/writer Mel Foster gives an appropriately subdued and reverential reading of the story of Engine 40, Ladder 35 and the firemen who lost their lives on a day America will never forget - September 11, 2001. As Frank McCourt commented, "If you have tears, prepare to shed them." I would add you may have difficulty stopping those tears. In this particular firehouse, which was dealt the most severe blows following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Towers, as in other firehouses the men live, work and eat together. Halberstam writes: "....they play sports together, go off to drink together, help repair one another's houses andmost importantly, share terrifying risks; their loyalties to each other must, by the demands of the dangers they face, be instinctive and absolute." Few could have dreamed of the danger in store. On that terrible morning two rigs carrying a total of 26 men left the firehouse; only 14 men would return. We are with the families as they wait for news of their loved ones and, in part, come to understand why men undertake such a perilous profession. "Firehouse" is history, a moving narrative of an earth shattering day. - Gail Cooke
Rating:
Summary: Halberstam: The Best and Brightest Writer
Review: Anyone who has read David Halberstam knows he is a fine journalist. He certainly does not disappoint in this small memorial of some of the brave men who lost their lives on 9/11, the day of infamy. FIREHOUSE is the account of the thirteen firefighters of Engine 40, Ladder 35 who answered the emergency call to go to the World Trade Towers. Of the thirteen who left on the mission, only one returned. Inside the front and back panels of the book is a reproduction of the actual list of firemen who were posted to answer the call on 9/11; their photographs are printed on the back cover. These become a makeshift memorial to these men not unlike the Vietnam Wall or the AIDS Quilt. I found myself looking back at their names and photographs as Halberstam introduces each of the thirteen. These men's bios are sketchy as are the actual facts of what they faced on 9/11. They were overwhelmingly white, most of them married or about to be, many of them the sons or brothers or cousins of other New York firefighters. An interesting tidbit: most of these men were fine cooks as well. There is hardly a negative statement about any of these men, a fact that shouldn't surprise anyone since Halberstam interviewed surviving relatives and colleagues shortly after 9/11. It is human nature to remember only the good of loved ones so recently after a tragedy. I did learn, however, that Jimmy Giberson, described as a natural leader, was separated from his wife. Certainly I, a complete stranger, do not need more details of his failed marriage. I'm much rather learn that in a video shot by a contract cameraman on 9/11 Giberson is identified as the man going into the south tower ahead of the captain, an unusual fact that at first puzzled the remaining firemen. But a close friend resonded: "Jimmy was always in front. Always. With those long legs, you couldn't keep up with him. And no one was going to stop him on something like this." We can reserve expose journalism for another day and another subject. There are poignant facts: the fireman who would have been on that truck had he not had a medical appointment, the friend who filled in for him. Especially sad are the brand new firemen fresh out of school, one of whom had never gone to a fire before. There is finally the accounts of the memorial services, often two: one before the body is found, the other after, sometimes months afterwards when the body has been identified. The body of one of these twelve men, Steve Mercado, had not been found when Halberstam wrote this book. I was so glad to see that Mr. Halberstam, no stranger to tragedy in his own life, did not take the view, so often taken by glib journalists, that the surviving friends and family of these brave men achieved "closure" by simply attending a service or identifying a body. Here is Halberstam's description of Jack Lynch, the father of Michael Lynch: "In the meantime, Jack Lynch understod that there was a void in his and his wife's lives, and in the lives of all their children, and that nothing else would be quite the same, that a part of them was missing. There would always be a part of them all that was missing.
The tragedy, he said, was the only thing in all his life that had truly challenged his faith." Apparently these men were just ordinary men doing what firemen routinely do: answering emergency calls that put them in harm's way. This sparse account of their walking into the south tower will break your heart.
Rating:
Summary: Another great book by Halberstam
Review: David Halberstam has written an engrossing and touching tribute to not just the FDNY but to firefighters everywhere. He does a masterful job of bringing us inside the firehouse and showing what life is like for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day. This is classic Halberstam and a very satisfying read. I wish it had been a little longer but it's still a superb book.
Rating:
Summary: A lasting memorial to those brave firefighters
Review: Expecting a well-composed book from a popular and proficient historian, it was no surprise that it was memorable! Every word, every page was profoundly interesting, whether details were sadly moving or funny, the message was clear! This is a short and meaningful read.
As a person who was geographically distant, Colorado, from the tragedy, the horror effected the nation and me emotionally. When I learned that Pulitzer Prize winner and author Halberstam had written a book about that specific firehouse that lost 12 men, I wanted to read it.
Once you begin reading, you easily learn who the firemen were, their decisions to become firemen, their odd quirks, their funny moments, their other jobs, their passions, and of course their family. What is moving is the strong sincere bond they share, unique friendships, caring people willing to give their time to help each other out.
It was the talk that Joseph Ginley, whose firefighter son John Ginley died that made a profound impression. The father told them firefighting was a good life, you lived with other men in genuine camaraderie, and you ended up, almost without realizing it, having the rarest kind of friendships, ones with men who were willing to die for one another.
I came with a strong understanding of how a firefighter truly becomes this spirit of humanity and someone willing to give up their life for you.
On the inside cover is a memorial, the original blackboard with the names and their assignments. It's eerie. And as Halberstam begins, he shares just enough facts about the firehouse in Manhattan, it's origin and renovation. We learn the dynamics of highrise firehouses versus suburban firehouses and its firemen.
Then, you are immersed into a personal portrayal of each firefighter. And it isn't just an account of each man, the details offer more than you bargained for. The information is weaved strategically and suttle. It's very clear that Halberstam conducted a serious number of interviews, because he got such remarkable information that doesn't come with one or two interviews, it comes for a volume of detail about a person. Upon reading these intimate details, as you delve deeper into what made this fireman, his values, friendships, faith, family, etc., you can't help but keep looking at the pictures, putting a face with the name.
Clearly, the writing is what really made this a special account. What a warm feeling I get from these men who are strangers to me, but I learned about a "true fireman" and am reminded by what veteran fireman Ray Pfeifer said, "People think they know what we do, but they really don't know what we do." I say..people..... educate yourself here, because those faces on the back are real people, real firemen, the firemen we really don't know or understand. And when you finish this book, you will look at firemen differently..... ...MZ RIZZ
Rating:
Summary: A lasting memorial to those brave firefighters
Review: Expecting a well-composed book from a popular and proficient historian, it was no surprise that it was memorable! Every word, every page was profoundly interesting, whether details were sadly moving or funny, the message was clear! This is a short and meaningful read. As a person who was geographically distant, Colorado, from the tragedy, the horror effected the nation and me emotionally. When I learned that Pulitizer Prize winner and author Halberstam had written a book about that specific firehouse that lost 12 men, I wanted to read it. Once you begin reading, you easily learn who the firemen were, their decisions to become firemen, their odd quirks, their funny moments, their other jobs, their passions, and of course their family. What is moving is the strong sincere bond they share, unique friendships, caring people willing to give their time to help each other out. It was the talk that Joseph Ginley, whose firefighter son John Ginley died that made a profound impression. The father told them firefighting was a good life, you lived with other men in genuine camaraderie, and you ended up, almost without realizing it, having the rarest kind of friendships, ones with men who were willing to die for one another. I came with a strong understanding of how a firefighter truly becomes this spirit of humanity and someone willing to give up their life for you. On the inside cover is a memorial, the original blackboard with the names and their assignments. It's eerie. And as Halberstam begins, he shares just enough facts about the firehouse in Manhattan, it's origin and renovation. We learn the dynamics of highrise firehouses versus suburban firehouses and its firemen. Then, you are immersed into a personal portrayal of each firefighter. And it isn't just an account of each man, the details offer more than you bargained for. The information is weaved strategically and suttle. It's very clear that Halberstam conducted a serious number of interviews, because he got such remarkable information that doesn't come with one or two interviews, it comes for a volume of detail about a person. Upon reading these intimate details, as you delve deeper into what made this fireman, his values, friendships, faith, family, etc., you can't help but keep looking at the pictures, putting a face with the name. Clearly, the writing is what really made this a special account. What a warm feeling I get from these men who are strangers to me, but I learned about a "true fireman" and am reminded by what veteran fireman Ray Pfeifer said, "People think they know what we do, but they really don't know what we do." I say..people..... educate yourself here, because those faces on the back are real people, real firemen, the firemen we really don't know or understand. And when you finish this book, you will look at firemen differently..... ...MZ RIZZ
Rating:
Summary: A fire fighter's job is too save lives and this makes heros
Review: Firehouse Usually David Halberstam books are not characterized with brevity, however, "Firehouse" is a precious assemble of insightful pieces of information about the men of Engine 40, Ladder 35. Halberstam takes into the firehouse and it culture by introducing us to the team of 35/40. The word "calm" describes a seasoned fire fighter and its the highest praise given veteren. Panic is dangerous and can spread quickly through the team. Rules of the fire house are following with exactness, rules keep the men from getting lazy and soft, and rules save lives. Men eat, sleep, and work from the fire house. The environment was be rich, friendly, and support; but inevitable tensions brought on by so many forceful men living together can create edginess. The fire house culture is careful woven and the men hand selected. Credentials don't come with a college diploma but from tests of character. The numerous adjustments result so they can love one another. A fire fighter job is too save lives and this makes them heros, but it doesn't come with out risks: tremendous heat, collasping structures, arriving to late to save a life, toxic chemicals, explosions, and high rise buildings. The men and women learn to watch each other, their survival depends on performance. Weakness is soon observed. "Probie" is a probationary or apprentice firefighter. When he joins a firehouse, he must adjust to the firehouse culture, rather than the firehouse adjusting to him. He must learn the rules and traditions. Cooperation in the fire house requires mandatory: cooking, cleaning, and entertainment. The firehouse manages disputes in much the same way a dispute is handled in the military through contests of opinion, "speak your mind" but make sure your support. A firehouse pivots around the fire chief and Captain Callahan represented a quite, reserved, and humble style of leadership; but when faced with bureacratic nonsense - stood up to the hyprocrisy - winning the admiration of his men, "now we've have us a captain, A great captain." Fire fighting in Manhattan required the best fire fighters. Fire fighting in high rise structures is extremely dangerous and demanding. The heat depletes oxygen supplies quickly requiring constant switch of oxygen supplies and many fire fighter quickly relocated after their first experiences in these situations. Panic is the enemy and the senior fire fighters showed the young fighter show to stand calm in the face of danger. Tradition and family recruited the best fire fighters. Careers in Fire fighting usually started with young boys admiring their fire fighting dads. The crisp uniforms, ribbons, and professional image endeared these young boys to want to become fire fighters themselves. Many families cultured reputations and transferred family knowledge and skills from father to son. Legendary fire fighters ran in the family. These men knew how to fight fire, they knew how to read a fire, and they knew how to escape. If a man was lost to a fire a memorial event focused the men around his memory. In the case of engine 40 a memorial race focused the men around a lost colleque. The fire house was looking for its fifth victory in the race. Little rituals kept the men sane and ready to respond. The fire fighters never had reservations to respond to a fire or disaster. 343 men would respond and would go forward into the worst disaster of their lives. The call to respond to 9/11 was no different and their sacrifices will not go unnoticed. The pain of losing a complete firehouse goes beyond description. The pain would be felt through each generation of previous fire fighters. One touching story Halberstam shares is a mother waiting for her son to return home who remains determined to believe her son is still alive, leaving his meal on the table until he returns. Another powerful narrative is the message, to John Morello retired fire department battalion chief, his son is dead. The only surviver was chea. Chea was in the act of helping other escape the South Tower. When it collasped the implosion threw him a block resulting in a broken neck and unconsciousness. He was transported by ambulence, lowered to a boat, and delivered to a hospital. He never completely recovered.
.
Rating: 
Summary: A tribute to thirteen brave firefighters.
Review: Halberstam does a great job of personalizing the September 11, 2001 tragedy by the portrayal of 13 brave New York firefighters of Engine 40, Ladder 35. Twelve of these men died on that day, along with many employees of the World Trade Center and countless other firemen. Halberstam gives a short biography of these thirteen along with a history of this particular firehouse.
This is a touching tribute to these firemen. All of them were male and most were white. Halberstam paints the positive side of all these men and makes them heroes.
The one small criticism I have of this book is that it makes these men larger than life. They are certainly heroes for going into a dangerous area with less than good prospects of returning.
These were men performing a dangerous job, but they were still human and had all the frailities of humans. What of the other hundreds of firemen who did not return that day? The tragedy of those other hundreds are lost in this story. This is a good book to read, but the reader has to bear in mind the other losses on that tragic day.
Rating:
Summary: A tribute to thirteen brave firefighters.
Review: Halberstam does a great job of personalizing the September 11, 2001 tragedy by the portrayal of 13 brave New York firefighters of Engine 40, Ladder 35. Twelve of these men died on that day, along with many employees of the World Trade Center and countless other firemen. Halberstam gives a short biography of these thirteen along with a history of this particular firehouse.
This is a touching tribute to these firemen. All of them were male and most were white. Halberstam paints the positive side of all these men and makes them heroes.
The one small criticism I have of this book is that it makes these men larger than life. They are certainly heroes for going into a dangerous area with less than good prospects of returning.
These were men performing a dangerous job, but they were still human and had all the frailities of humans. What of the other hundreds of firemen who did not return that day? The tragedy of those other hundreds are lost in this story. This is a good book to read, but the reader has to bear in mind the other losses on that tragic day.
Rating:
Summary: A book worth reading
Review: Halberstam seems to have a young boy's crush on older, more masculine men. Like his sports books ("October 1964" and "Summer '49" about the world of baseball, and "The Amateurs" about the unnoted world of rowing), "Firehouse" is about a group of men who live in an insular world (an eviable subculture, almost). These are brave men who look after one another, test and tease one another, have trouble expressing their feelings (though Halberstam assures us they feel deeply), and do it all by some sort of finely-tuned Hemingwavian code of honor. What he presents is a sort of northern male version of "Steel Magnolias." If you work in an academic institution or office setting where daily sniping, political intrigue, and constant back-biting are de rigueur, it's hard not to be seduced by the comraderie revealed in these pages. The stories of the thirteen firefighters from a single FDNY firehouse that lost their lives in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001 are carefully intertwined, a structural device that reinforces the sense of intimacy and interdependence that Halberstam so strongly evokes. Do not expect a dramatic depiction of what actually occurred on that tragic date, Halberstam is honest enough not to try and create details that can no more be recovered from the chaos of that day than most victims' bodies are likely to be found among the rubble. The story is in the simplicity of the firefighters' mission and training. We witness survivors wondering at their "luck," the odd circumstances that put them somewhere else when their company was called to action. It is to Halberstam's credit that he does not presume to understand or explain these painful ironies. If you read the article Halberstam wrote for Vanity Fair on the same subject, you will be hard pressed to find additional details in this "expanded" version. But that's not a reason to dismiss the book. Halberstam gives us a glance at a world most of us assumed disappeared years ago. A world where honest, unpretentious people care deeply for their comrades, take their responsibilties seriously, and give of themselves sacrificially. The book is a "keeper" and is going on my shelf with other gender studies titles, like E. Anthony Rotundo's "American Manhood" and Clifford Putney's "Muscular Christianity."
|
