Some of my fellow bloggers weren’t so sure they wanted to read this book from publisher iUniverse, about survivors of the September 11th, 2001 attacks – they didn’t want to be reminded of that most dreadful day, and the heinous acts a few hateful people took upon so many in our nation. I understand where they are coming from. There is much I wish I could forget about that day too. And yet, I also believe that there is good that comes out of bad, even absolute evil. And this is the viewpoint from which Wendy Stark Healy wrote this book. Living in New York City at the time of the attacks, Wendy met many individuals whose stories needed to be shared. She shares not only the stories of how they survived the 9/11 attacks, but how that fateful day changed the direction of their lives in a positive way.
Life Is Too Short – An Inspirational Read on 9/11
Many of us feel that the 9/11 attacks changed us. Survivors, of course, felt that even more intensely. Wendy’s book shares how many survivors made major life changes in the days and years that followed. For some, it involved a physical change of address to a part of our country with a slower paced lifestyle. For others, their desire to help however they could meant their professional lives took a complete turn – big money Wall Street Traders and PR gurus became pioneers in non-profit foundations that needed leadership.
The common thread in all of these compelling stories? Each individual had a desire to honor those who lost their lives on September 11th through helping those who needed a voice, a hand, a listening ear, or a shoulder to lean on. And it wasn’t necessarily a conscious decision at the time, but rather a compelling feeling of needing to get involved.
My Thoughts on Life is Too Short: Stories of Transformation and Renewal after 9/11
Did I shed a few tears while reading this book? Yes. Some tears were for the individual stories of pain and loss on 9/11. Others were for the beauty of how these folks, so directly affected by the attacks, were able to find good in life and to transform others’ lives for the better, while inadvertently doing the same for themselves! Amazing, and what great gifts these individuals have been to those around them!
So how are they different from you and me? They aren’t, and that’s another great take away. They were ordinary citizens, living their lives, and in an instant, got a life changing wake up call. The author remarks that many of us questioned where God was in the days following September 11th. It’s very clear after reading the individual stories in her book, that God was working through these folks, and so many others.
I found this book incredibly touching, inspiring, and thought provoking. Its stories are wonderful reminders of the tenacity of the human spirit, and the power each of us has to affect good, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable evil. Each story was just a few pages long, which made for an easy read several evenings when I had a few minutes of down time. I was so moved by “Life is Too Short” that I wrote a “Honoring September 11th” post encouraging each of us to find ways to honor those who perished 9/11/01 in our daily lives. I would recommend you to add this book to your personal library. It is a great reminder that each day is indeed a blessing!
Buy Life is Too Short
You can buy Life is Too Short: Stories of Transformation and Renewal After 9/11 on iUniverse.com, or Amazon.com.
Win Life is Too Short: Stories of Transformation and Renewal After 9/11 (3 prizes) (Cl0sed)
Updated: 10-1-11 Winners Announced: Greta B, Phyllis Duer, and Charlotte Varner
iUniverse.com is giving you the chance to win 1 of 3 copies of Life is Too Short: Stories of Transformation and Renewal After 9/11.
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Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on September 27, 2011 when a winner will be drawn at random. I will notify the winners and they will have 36 hours to respond!
This was not a paid post. My own opinions were used based on my perceptions and experience. Thank you to iUniverse publishers who provided the product for review and giveaway.
