Customer Reviews

Faces of Ground Zero: Portraits of the Heroes of September 11, 2001

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This is hands down the most compelling and personal account of September 11th.

When I first went through this book, I was moved by the deep emotion that could be seen in the calm faces of the firefighters, police, and all those who helped on that day or in the days after, as well as those who had managed to escape the destruction. Deep sorrow showed on many faces despite their calm demeanor, and cold anger abiding just under the surface on others who had lost good friends. As I read this book and looked at the portraits, especially of the firefighters and police, I was reminded of the photos of soldiers and sailors who have just come through battles, or are catching their breath between engagements. I understood why people said that on day and the days that followed, those people were on the front line of our war.

There were one or two people whose presence I simply didn't understand, beyond perhaps, just perhaps they were in the book because they simply wanted to help or to encourage or comfort others, somehow.

There was one smiling face, an office worker, and when I read the story of how she was rescued and how she and her rescuers survived the tower collapse, I could understand why she smiled.

No matter how many years after 9/11, I always get emotionally when hearing/seeing/reading about 9/11.
And this book certainly made me emotional. 'Simple' pictures, but o so great in giving us a feeling what of alle these people have been going through.
Joe McNally did a great job!

In the face of appalling violence and national outrage these ordinary people became extraordinary, and Joe McNally was there to capture them, one shot at a time. This book is a triumph over evil, heartbreaking, and should be required reading by every American, especially those in Washington, DC who are supposed to be keeping us safe. Thanks for this remarkable testament, Joe.

If you love the photographic work of Joe McNally, you will appreciate this book. Be prepared to be touched by each and every photograph. Each one is very moving.

Joe McNally is a national treasure. This book details the Polaroid project (remember Polaroids?) he shot with the huge view camera of people who survived and helped at Ground Zero. It is a book of emotion - loss, love, and feelings. Joe superbly tells the subject's stories in photographs. These photographs have been preserved through generous grants.

Bill Bogle, Jr.