New York Times
It was one of those moments in which history splits,
And we define the world as “before” and “after.”
September 12, 2001
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Michael and Roselle took a 10-minute taxi from their Jersey home to the local transit station and caught a train to the underground lot of the World Trade Center. They navigated through the bustling crowd of people to the fourth sublevel elevator that took them to the North Tower, Tower 1. From there, they rode to the 78th floor, where Michael, Regional Sales Manager and Head of Operations for a Fortune 500 Company, greeted out-of-town guests and prepared for the day’s presentations.
It was just an ordinary day until 8:46 a.m., when Michael heard a loud boom and felt the North Tower lean twenty feet on its side…
Thunder Dog tells the amazing adventure of Michael and Roselle – two survivors of the September 11th terrorist attacks – who not only escaped the collapsing tower, but were instrumental in leading dozens of people to safety that day.
That, in and of itself, would be reason enough to pick up this book for most people. What makes this story extraordinary – and catapults the story into the must read category for anyone in search of a truly inspirational tale – is that Michael is blind – and Roselle is his guide dog.
I loved this book from the moment I picked it up. The book is masterfully written, interweaving several stories into one volume.
First is the story of Michael and Roselle, who must climb down 1, 463 stairs in order to escape the burning building.
Then, there is the story of the blind, who Michael advocates for. I learned so much on these pages – starting with the bombshell that many blind people, including himself, actor Tom Sullivan, and musician Stevie Wonder – were not born that way, but were premature infants who were blinded as a result of the standard but improper medical treatment they received at birth.
Next is the story of the miraculous Guide Dogs.
Finally, is the story of our protagonist Michael, who says:
The real story, in my mind, isn’t how I got out of the World Trade Center.
It’s how I got there in the first place.
Do yourself a favor. Read this book. Then, share it with a friend.
Overall Rating
Five Out Of Five Stars
More Great Resources
For more inspirational books, visit Create With Joy – Book Reviews.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book as part of the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze Program for review purposes. I did not receive any form of monetary compensation for this review, and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Woof! Woof! We will check it out. Golden Thanks for your review and sharing. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
Wow, thank you for a great review and what sounds like a great read and inspirational story!!!
Carol
Found you via social buzz – I LOVE your thoughts on creativity!
Off to Amazon right now:)
This book sounds amazing–adding it to my TBR list! Thanks for the review.
It sounds like a really good book. Since school has started, I have found I am reading more as I sit in line to pick up the kids. I have flown through 5 books in these past three weeks. I am excited to get this one. Is it available in E-Book?
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
I believe so but you would have to verify – I read mine the old fashioned way! 🙂
Hi! Dropping by from the Alexa Drop Hop! Have a good day!
xoxo, Nali
http://nalimon.blogspot.com
Twitter: selfsagacity
says:
It sounds like a fun book to read. There are definitely moments when I wonder what our pup friends are thinking of us. 🙂
Wow, looks like a great read! oh and wonderful review of the book!
Twitter: goaskkatie
says:
Great review. I’m thinking this needs to go on my book list. xo Katherine
P.S. new giveaway started today
Hi there – I’m a new follower from the blog hop. Can’t wait to get my hands on this book. Thanks for the great review.
Dayna
I like your “Thoughts on Creativity.” So glad we could feature you on Friendly Friday. I’m following you on GFC. 🙂
Hello
I am a new follower. Please stop by and check out our new blog Blog Hops Everyday. Feel free to add your blog hop buttons if you have one and help us grow. Thank you and Blog Hop Until You Drop!
Bobby
Your One Stop Blog Hop Shop
Blog Hops Everyday
Thank you for the review It makes me want to read this soon. New follower from the Social Parade. Hope you stop by for a visit and follow back if you like. http://grandmabonniesweeclassroom.blogspot.com/
What an amazing book… your review has me wanting to read so much more!
I’m so glad that we could feature your wonderful blog on Friendly Friday this week, I know that your new visitors are going to enjoy what they find! 🙂
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Thank you so much, Xenia, for both the feature and your kind words! 🙂
Thanks so much for linking up to Sassy Sites for our FFA party! Have a FABulous Friday!!
XOXO!!
Marni
Sounds interesting!
Thanks for sharing.
I’m your newest follower via GFC from the Friday Blog Hop.
Looking forward seeing you on my blog and hope you follow back.
http://www.momfashionworld.blogspot.com/
That sounds like a great book! 🙂 Congrats on being featured on Friendly Friday this week – you’re one of the friendliest bloggers I know! 😉 Have a great weekend! 🙂
Angry Bird and McQueen Together at Halloween
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Thanks so much, Stacy – love you too! 🙂
Hi, I’m a new follower from the Bee Friendly hop, would love if you followed me back!
This book sounds wonderful! I know it will be next on my reading list for sure, thanks for the great review. I stopped by to congratulate you on the spotlight over at the Thanks, Mail Carrier hop, what a fun way to start the day. I am a new follower and looking forward to more great reviews.
Sounds like a great read! I am still trying to catch up with my Thursday Blog Hop! Follow back @ http://www.pargasjunkyard.wordpress.com and/or on facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pargas-Junkyard/259287017434763
Nice review. It sounds like a truly worthwhile book and a fitting tribute to a day that changed so many lives.
I love this blog. I mean, I know due to the rules of blog hopping, I’m supposed to follow you anyway, but seriously, this is one of the best done blogs I’ve seen in a while. I really love your cream corn, btw.
I hope to see you over at Tales of an Unlikely Mother at some point, although it does look like you’re incredibly busy!
http://parentwin.blogspot.com
I just saw a 9/11 special on Discovery where they talked about one man being led out of the building by his guide dog. He was having problems getting down the stairs with his service animal, Salty, by his side. There wasn’t enough room and he let Salty off the leash. Salty started to go downstairs without him, but then turned around and came back up the stairs of the burning building for his master. Very touching. They both made it out alive and Salty lived another 8 years before he passed over The Rainbow Bridge. It was a very touching story.
Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
says:
Aren’t animals amazing? Thanks for sharing…I will have to look for that story! 🙂
Thank you so much for getting back to me.
Just to let you know I’m glad that I’m now following you.
Keep in touch. Have a great weekend!
http://www.momfashionworld.blogspot.com/
Hi –
I am now following your blog from Wild Card Weekend Blog Hop. I hope that you can follow my blog too. Thanks
Thanks for reviewing this wonderful book. I am adding it to my MUST read list.
Found your blog through The Frugal Novice.
Dogs are such a joy! I have a Yorkie named Charlie and he is the light of my life. Without him I probably would not get up in the mornings but he forces me to. He loves me no matter what and he knows when I don’t feel good and will lay down beside me until I am ready to get up. He gives me numerous kisses throughout the day. I have been following you for some time on just about everything I thought until I realized I was not on RSS Reader. So, today I fixed that. I don’t know if you are following me but I think you are are some things just not sure about RSS. I would love a follow there as I am debating on joining the giveaways since I have mastered the review part and feel a little more confident and want to make an announcement when I do start. I would love to have you enter some of mine when I get ready. Thanks for your help and have a great day!
Mary@http://www.mmbearcupoftea.com
I’m going to add this to my reading list. We were cleaning our spare room this weekend and I came across my box of magazines I buy when things happen…I found a magazine from the week after 9/11 along with a DVD that was compiled and distributed, I think from the Dept of Defense, shortly after. The timing really made us pause. Plus my son, who wasn’t born yet, was able to get an idea of what was going on this weekend.
Glad I found your blog. I’m following from Couponing Away Debt’s Monday Morning Blog Hop. When you have a moment please visit mine. Have a good day!
Nice post, I have got three Spaniels myself.
Wow, that sounds like a wonderful book. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Blessings,
Charlotte
That sounds like a great book! How inspirational!
I’m following you from Cym’s Linky and would love to have you visit my blog when you have a chance. There are 2 blog tours and 2 book giveaways – 1 for kids and 1 for adults. =D
http://familyliteracyandyou.blogspot.com/2011/09/gypsy-knights-book-review.html
http://givingnsharing.blogspot.com/2011/09/adult-review-fairer-than-morning-book.html
Stop by when you have a spare moment or two – Tina “The book Lady” =D
It’s the weekend! Woo Hoo! I’m a new follower from “Stalk/Hop Friday”. I sure would like it if you stopped by and followed me back http://mavesfaves.blogspot.com/. Enjoy your weekend.
I love true survivor stories…this one sounds like one I’d love to read. Thanks for posting a review….
Sounds like a great read. Yes, before and after the city skyline was forever changed. Still so crazy that it happened!
I read this a few years ago–wonderful story.