This is a compelling story of the men of Engine 40, Ladder 35 firehouse who responded to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.  Thirteen firemen were on their way to the World Trade Center that day - only one survived.

The book begins with a brief history of the firehouse.  David Halberstam gives us details of the roles each of the thirteen men played that day from the time they started work up to the horrible moment of destruction.  He tells us about the camaraderie among the firemen.  The book also goes into detail about the effects these deaths had on their families, friends and co-workers.  Mr. Halberstam did several interviews to write this book and as a result was able to tell us what each fireman was doing in the World Trade Center at the time of the collapse.  He also tells how family members found out the news of what had happened. 

Kevin Shea is the one who survived.  Todd Maisel, a photographer from the New York Daily News and some rescue workers, found him unconscious.  He suffered a concussion and a broken neck along with several other severe injuries. 

David Halberstam has done an excellent job of putting the facts together to write this book.  Halberstam states that the schedules for the morning of September ll, 2001 are still on the two house blackboards, unchanged.  He said, "they stand as though time had stopped on that terrible day."  Many of us do feel that way and with the help of writers like David Halberstam we have a better idea as to what was taking place at that time.  This book will play an important role in history because it is an excellent source of documentation as to the roles these firemen played right up to the collapse of the World Trade Center.  This is a moving book and one you will want to read. 


NANCY EATON

DO NOT REPRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR, NANCY EATON