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Tower Stories: The Autobiography of September 11th

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4.26 of 5 stars 4.26 · rating details · 179 ratings · 23 reviews
In the tradition of Studs Terkel's The Good War and the Roosevelt Administration's Slave Narratives, Damon DiMarco has offered a lasting literary contribution of inestimable importance to American culture. The policemen ... the firemen ... paramedics ... witnesses ... volunteers ... business owners ... theoreticians ... the bereaved of 9/11 ... herein their voices are pres ...more
Hardcover , 396 pages
Published September 1st 2004 by Revolution Publishing
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(showing 1-30 of 533)
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Donald
I could not put this book down. Very compelling oral history of 9/11, from survivors, rescue workers and volunteers, and family and friends of the victims. The editor, Damon DiMarco, wisely divided this 524-page book into five sections: At the Towers; Outside the Towers; Ground Zero and the Volunteers; The Aftermath; and Viewpoints. So it covers a wide spectrum—from the attacks and the fight for survival, to the rescue effort, to the clean up and rebuilding of communication networks, to the effe ...more
Nancy Kennedy
Damon DiMarco talked with people immediately after the 9/11 attacks, literally walking the streets and stopping passersby. The accounts he records have the ring of authenticity and immediacy. The author is channeling his inner Studs Terkel here! The stories read exactly as people talk, although I'm sure a great deal of editing was required. Mr. DiMarco is a fine writer who has made a valuable contribution to 9/11 literature.

Although difficult to read, the book is one I am glad to have read. Towa
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Shannon
For the most part this was an excellent book. Most of the stories are interesting and really do show a slice of history that needs to be preserved. I like that there are occasional updates about some of the storytellers.

What I didn't like is that there are 2 sections of the book I could have done without. The one about how 9/11 effected the..."average", maybe, New Yorker. The guy who's shop across the street from WTC isn't getting business and the guy who wandered around and saw flyers and an i
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Leigh
This book was a four star book for me until the very last chapter. True accounts from people in and around events from 9-11, specifically the Twin Towers. Amazing stories of self sacrifice, bravery, heroism, survival, and most of all the special and unique American spirit. I loved how the author provided all kinds of different stories from people in the building, people on airplanes, people who worked nearby, people who helped set up food and shelter for workers, people who helped get the phone ...more
Lauren
We all remember what we were doing. Many people call it a Kennedy moment. I was doing homework. I was 6 or 7 at the time, so I don't recall much about what happened. But I remember my mom crying, I remember watching footage on the news, the Towers falling, the airplanes grounded, EVERYONE calling everyone they knew. And I was scared it would ruin my Birthday(Sept. 15).

Tower Stories is divided into 5 different parts: At the Towers; Outside the Towers; Ground Zero and the Volunteers; The Aftermath
...more
Peggy Walker
I wanted to read something looking back on the events of 9/11 at this time of the 10th anniversary. This was the update from 2007. There is another one that is more recent from 2009. I very sincerely recommend this book for a series of snapshots of that day and the aftermath. These were oral histories taken within days or at most about a month after 9/11. It is divided into sections roughly equivalent to the distance from Ground Zero. The first section was taken from people in the Towers who sur ...more
Denise
Incredible, emotional anthology of the stories of the victims and volunteers of 9/11. Their memories and recounts of that day and the days and weeks immediately following the attack take you closer than you would ever care to be to the terror, chaos and loss experienced at Ground Zero. At the same time, it's important to read and understand it, to never forget.

The way the citizens of New York, as well as others across the country, rallied to assist in the recovery efforts is nothing short of ex
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Cindy
This was a great book about 9/11 from different angles and views. Everyone should read this as we should not forget this day and all that dies that tragic day.
Joe
The most up to date account of the Events of September 11th
detailing not only the attacks on the WTC but also the history of the Twin Towers
Kim Davern
This book had so many stories of loss, courage, dedication, love, bravery and kindness. I couldn't put it down and still can't stop thinking about it. I can't imagine what it was like to have been in the towers on Sept. 11 and to have escaped. And to think about the horrible experience of those who didn't. Some stories were dedications of people who died that day in the towers, on the planes or in the pentagon. Some stories were about the volunteers who helped so much afterward. The stories of l ...more
Jamie
I wasn't sure if I could emotionally handle this book, but I am so glad I gave it a chance. As sad as it was, overall, I was glad I got the chance to learn about some of the lives of the people lost. In addition, the stories of heroism and volunteerism were welcome perspectives and while they do not take away from the tragedy that was/is 9/11, they certainly help one realize that those are two ways we can triumph over terrorism and move forward to continue picking up the pieces.
Ris
Can't read too much in one sitting...rather read a chapter here and there. These stories are from very different and interesting points of view and this book really shows how we banded together as Americans to help each other after this horrible tragedy. I started losing interest about 65% through. I also did not care for the "viewpoints" section at the end at all. Politics give me tired head. (over all, I preferred the book 102 minutes)
Laura
This was a difficult book to read because it felt so immediate. These stories were told to the author within days and weeks of the events of 9/11 (with short follow-ups later on) and were just as raw and real and emotional as you would expect. If you want to read any book on this topic, I would recommend this one.
Linda
This was a very good book about September 11th. The book is a compilation of interviews given by many people about their experience on 9-11 (in the towers, outside the towers, the rescue workers, etc.)

It is difficult to read for obvious reasons, but tells the story very well.
Nina
Sad, brutally honest, real. This book was recommended to me by my friend Kerfe. It is important to read what the witnesses of this pivotal event had to say about this day. Hard to read, but necessary to all Americans to know what really happened.
Matt Lukens
This book was amazing. It showed many gripping stories about people trying to survive inside the world trade center. It was very interesting and kept my attention the whole time. Great book.
Jan
This book was fantastic! Really let you know what people went through, whether they were in the towers that day, lost a loved one, volunteered, or just lived in NYC. Compelling and real.
Kim
Reading the accounts of the people in the towers made me feel like I was there. It was terrifying yet at the same time I felt like I was honoring them by reading their story.
Nancy
Wow...this book really takes you back to 9/11. Interviews with victims---people from all walks of life--brought back the emotions I felt on that day.
Pia
I still remember that day pretty clearly, but I was only three. Nine years later, I'd like to know what actually happened that fateful day in 2001.
Joe Houde
Powerful stories. I can't read it for more than a couple of days at a time.
jane
jane is currently reading it
Oct 02, 2015
Stormness
Stormness marked it as to-read
Sep 30, 2015
Fox Galv
Fox Galv marked it as to-read
Sep 29, 2015
Rhonda
Rhonda is currently reading it
Sep 20, 2015
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Damon DiMarco was born in Princeton, New Jersey and currently lives in New York City. He holds a Masters degree in Fine Arts from Rutgers University.

Damon has been a guest on national television and radio, including FOX, CNN, The National Geographic Channel, and the Premiere Radio Network. He has been a guest speaker at colleges, universities, and community groups across the country.

A professional
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More about Damon DiMarco...
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