Lessons From Ground Zero

The instant #1 New York Times bestseller. In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (Refugee) delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear -- and the stunning links between the past and present. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Out of nowhere, an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion. And Brandon is in the middle of it all. Can he survive -- and escape? September 11, 2019, Afghanistan: Reshmina has grown up in the shadow of war, but she dreams of peace and progress. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. Should she help Taz -- and put herself and her family in mortal danger? Two kids. One devastating day. Nothing will ever be the same.

It ranked among journalism's finest hours. That is what was heard in the weeks following September 11, 2001. They made mistakes, of course, but in covering one of the biggest disasters ever to hit the United States, journalists used their training, their experience, their understanding, and their sensitivity to provide coverage that helped bring understanding and a sense of calm to the chaos. Their performance did not end with reporting the immediate impact of the catastrophe. They continued to analyze what happened, the impact to property and human lives, the impact on government and foreign relations. Lessons from Ground Zero's examines journalism's efforts to cover a crisis, while analyzing journalism itself. Many lessons were evident to journalists as they sought to cope with the challenges of covering 9/11. The long-term question, however, is whether the answers they found served as catalysts for better journalism in the future, or whether they have been forgotten, put into the closet of old memories with no noticeable long-term impact. This book analyzes journalists' response to 9/11 through scholarly research and interviews with many of the journalists who covered 9/11. Sometimes they do not agree, but all are thoughtful and each adds to understanding. Public opinion polls show clearly that citizens appreciated and responded to media coverage. Given that this occurred in a time frame in which public approval of American journalism had declined, it is reasonable to ask what the media did that was different from their normal practices. This book provides some of the answers.

In the chaotic weeks after September 11, 2001, Dr. Robert Gillio found himself at Ground Zero where, as a pulmonary physician, he answered the call to assist in the medical assessment and care of the brave rescue workers who were putting their lives on the line there. He came to know and be inspired by not only those workers, but also the hundreds of volunteers who tirelessly supported the rescue efforts in myriad ways. Lessons Learned at Ground Zero is Dr. Gillio’s story of those he calls “heroes and angels.” In Part One, he recounts their sacrifices and dedication and is humbled to witness the triumph of the human spirit over astonishing adversity. In Part Two, he utilizes his experiences at Ground Zero to design a Call to Action, which can be implemented by individuals, schools, communities and entire states. He challenges each of us to be heroes and angels and to take charge of our own health and well being. He offers practical tips to Prepare, Prevent and Respond to ordinary and extraordinary events. Finally, he shares his vision for a “Freedom Generation” wherein personal responsibility, technology and well-formed agency coalitions merge to create a smarter, safer, healthier America for all of us.

Treat summarizes the Japanese contribution to such ongoing international debates as the crisis of modern ethics, the relationship of experience to memory, and the possibility of writing history. This Japanese perspective, he shows, both confirms and amends many of the assertions made in the West on the shift that the death camps and nuclear weapons have jointly signaled for the modern world and for the future.

One of the most vividly remembered tragedies in recent history took place on 9/11/01, but there are thousands of other disasters that never make the news. They happen to us, our family, our friends. Death, bankruptcy, divorce, terminal illness--any of these and other tragedies can leave people feeling devastated. As a member of a National Disaster Response Team Mike was on cal for the month of September 2001 and spent several weeks ministering to rescue personnel at the site of the World Trade Center disaster. While he describes some of his New York encounters, this book focuses on helping readers make it through their own devastating experiences, and on moving forward with God.