Title: We Remember: Stories of September 11, 2001 Victims Written by Families
Author: Maureen Crethan Santora
Publisher: Ewings Publishing LLC
ISBN: 9798890319432
Pages: TBA
Genre: Non-fiction / History / Americas
Reviewed by: Jack Chambers
Hollywood Book Reviews
As a society, it is rare to be able to say for certain that we have lived through a truly historic time. Yet in the last century, there have been many instances in which our world has endured many historical moments, from two World Wars to the Civil Rights Movement and more. Yet in the 21st century, no event has been more shocking, more disturbing, and more profoundly heartbreaking in the United States than the September 11th attacks. The day the World Trade Center was attacked, as well as the Pentagon and a fourth flight, everyone had a story for where they were and how it impacted them. Yet no greater impact was felt than for those families who lost someone in the attacks themselves.
To live through that tragedy and the work it took to find meaning and purpose in the losses they faced made the families and their stories so impactful. That was the drive behind author Maureen Crethan Santora’s We Remember: Stories of September 11th, 2001 Victims Written by Families. The stories found within this book are a reflection of the families of the victims and their close connection to the people they lost in that tragedy. The collection of essays from each writer not only reflects a particular individual, but adds to a collective voice that speaks for those who no longer have a voice, and keeps the memory of those lost individuals alive in the hearts and minds of their loved ones.
The author did such an incredible job of bringing this collection of writers together to bring their loved one’s stories to life. Having a collection of stories like this together in one volume is such an impactful way of keeping their memory alive, and the depth of honesty and relatability that each writer’s story holds for readers is remarkable to take in. The balance of each story bringing one of the victim’s lives together was great to see, as each essay told of not only who the victim was on that day, but who they were in life to those who loved them. The heavy atmosphere each essay held as the writer worked to bring their loved one’s memory to life was felt instantly, and kept me engaged in the narrative.
This is the best book to read for those who enjoy non-fiction books, especially those who enjoy essay and memoir style storytelling, and those who are interested in more modern history. The book is something which should be shared with younger generations, as this tragic event is quickly becoming a part of history and further away from a generation of people who were too young or not even born yet when this event occurred. Showcasing the ways in which our nation once came together as a whole, and honoring those who lost their lives on this tragic day is an important step in educating our children, and the author’s own personal connection to that day and the loss of her son helped bring that importance to light for the reader.