The History of Hymn Singing as Told through 101 Hymns Book

I was young when 9/11 happened but I will never forget that day. I remember my mother coming home in the late afternoon absolutely covered in dust, screaming and crying and screaming and I was so confused (having been in detention that day and not fully registering what had happened). I remember sneaking into the back bedroom and turning on the TV to watch Batman Beyond after school and just seeing those buildings. I remember my mother many years later attempting to explain to me what she saw (she was 5 blocks away) and describing the dust and smoke and screams and smacks of impact on pavement by NY jumpers before ultimately breaking down...it was a lot. And it was life changing for me, as we soon moved further and further west, all the way to AZ. As a result my mother still deals with panic attacks and our family has pretty much remembered not to mention that date or turn on the TV on the 11th. I try not to think about it at all.

That is what made the decision to pick up this book interesting to me. It took me over 4 months to read off and on, as I kept picking it up and then losing the urge to continue. I felt that it would bring back bad personal memories, but would be deep, moving, and from the words of the people who lived it. Those whose lives were affected just as mine was. Those profiled were diverse and included everyone from people trying desperately to find a way home in complete and utter terror to the paramedics who were setting up triads 200 yards from the base of the Towers before they collapsed; from the ordinary citizens who tried to get on with their lives in the days following to the many more who held out hope that their family member or friend had survived, only to find out the truth in heartbreaking fashion.

Be warned, the book is graphic. Scenes of death are described, and much like the event they are harrowing and will make your stomach churn. Much like the tragedy this book is raw and heartbreaking. It is also extremely powerful. I almost feel inappropriate writing a review on this; it is as I feel I'm almost not entitled to speak on it. However it's a part of history and my own life as well, and a sobering reminder to me of life, and how that should be remembered, while celebrating and bringing joy to those with us.