Customer Reviews

Reclaiming the Sky: 9/11 and the Untold Story of the Men and Women Who Kept America Flying

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This book is structured around the stories of about two dozen aviation industry personnel at three airports (Logan, Newark, Dulles) and two airlines (American, United) who although not at ground zero on September, 11, 2001, were on the front line in every significant sense. Although many people rose heroically that day, these stories make a strong case that the performance of those in the aviation industry was second to none, not only on 9/11 but in the days, weeks, and months following. The author has long experience in the aviation industry, largely developing and running customer service training programs. Due to a cancelled meeting that morning in the North Tower he was heading home to the west coast earlier than planned and was among the last to see from the air the twin towers standing. But professional associations and personal friendships within the aviation industry gave him many other perspectives on 9/11 and its aftermath - perspectives that in variety and scope may well be unmatched.

The stories are well told and woven together to show connections, both personal and professional, between people. In addition to their responses to the events of that day, we learn in some cases why they chose aviation as a career, their pride in the industry and part in it, and other aspects of what makes them "tick." The individuals range widely: a security agent, several flight attendants, a pilot, customer service reps, airline operation officers, to name a few. One of the more striking stories focuses on the general manager of the Newark Airport. Her sharp instincts, clear thinking, and ability to act decisively under considerable pressure illustrate leadership of the highest order. Not all these people survived that September morning but this book leaves no doubt that the memory and spirit of those who didn't are alive and well and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. These stories also give an inside look at the aviation industry beyond the gate agents and flight attendants that most of us are familiar with.

But the personal tragedies of that day were just the beginning. The economic and emotional aftermath of 9/11 hit the aviation industry especially hard. Over 100,000 jobs were lost in the first post 9/11 year alone as funding priorities shifted dramatically, and those remaining in aviation took on additional burdens. How these people not only adapted and endured but prevailed - in essence reclaimed their lives - is the central question the author explores. The later part of the book sheds considerable light on this question and distills much of value from these people. Although individual paths to personal recovery varied common themes were unmistakable. Indeed this book is an excellent guide for anyone recovering from a loss of almost any kind or severity.

At a time when the national discourse seems to dwell so much on the fearful, the negative, and the cynical it is refreshing to be reminded - as this book does - that this need not be so. Here are stories of a few, from among undoubtedly many and unsung others, who under crisis conditions were not paralyzed by fear, were able to act decisively, and were willing to reach out to others. And equally impressive they refused to become victims of that experience in the tough months and years that followed. This book provides an occasionally needed reminder of what seemingly ordinary people can do.

I didn't know it when I started reading it, but this book presents a truly unique perspective on the events of 9/11. Unlike many of the "featured" 9/11 books, Tom Murphy writes not as an outside pundit,partisan political hack or foreign policy wonk... he writes passionately from his position as a long time consultant inside the aviation industry. I was amazed when I read this very insightful book how much I took for granted when I flew both before 9/11 and after. RECLAIMING THE SKY will give you an "on the ground" feel for the what the aviation industry is really like...and what the events of 9/11 meant that fateful day and all the days since. I know you've heard it all before, but when I started it, I couldn't put it down: the book is rich in human detail, conversational and warm in tone, with a depth of compassion and support for those Mr. Murphy knew,worked with and cared deeply about. It's also not just a book about aviation; it's a moving story of Tom Murphy's personal journey as well. I think it's a great book...before writing this review I ordered 3 copies for friends.

What strikes me most about this book is the honesty, time and care taken by the author in ensuring that the story told is true to the maturing experiences of those involved. I am sure that it would have been relatively easy for Mr. Murphy to rush a book out, given his proximity to the people and events of that terrible day. But he didn't do that. This approach must have required great patience and absolute dedication, but these traits have in the end been richly rewarded in what is a unique account and a developed perspective.

I think this is key. I myself was caught up in the '93 bombing. My experience was relatively mild of course - a bad scare and a long walk down from the 99th floor. But even in my case I've learned that it takes time and reflection to judge the true impact of these seemingly unreal events.

I loved those towers very much. As a Brit in New York I was in "adult Disneyland" - perhaps the best 3 years of my life. Whenever I could, wherever I was in New York, I'd look for the towers, as if addicted to their beauty and iconic majesty. I didn't realise that '93 was just the start of a greater tragedy. My firm relocated and our space was taken by another firm. They were a client of mine and I loved working for them - such great people, with real character. When I left New York to return to London I was given a football by my boss, with signatures of those I'd been closest to in New York. Tragically, 4 of those signatures are from people that were lost on 9/11.

Having left New York I was confined to experiencing 9/11 through a TV, remote and detached. For so long my '93 experience and also 9/11 have seemed and felt to me to be a work of fiction, something from the movies. The relevance of this to the book is that time and reflection have taught me not to gloss over or bury past events but to recognise that they were real, they did happen, it really was intended to topple the towers as I sat in them, that evil had its moment but that the memories of the spirit of the good and the great has in the end prevailed. Thank you Tom for allowing me to find my own maturity and honest perspective.

This book is a real life account of what actually happened on the ground on that fateful day of 9/11. It is a unique blend; while being a page turner, it is also an inspirational story of the courageous aviation workers who keep on keeping on. This book is a must for anyone who is struggling with loss or tragedy, regardless of working in aviation or not.

I have to share my experience of reading the book with you.
I received the book on a Monday morning, an hour before I was leaving on a flight on business. I began reading the book on the flight and with each page I turned I either cried, had goose bumps or was in just absolute awe.
As airline employees we all went through 9/11 together but to read the pages of this book bring out the ABSOLUTE HEROISM of our colleagues is just beyond words.

Bravo Tom Murphy for not forgetting us....the employees that kept America flying.

Terrific writing - I am now on the lookout for how I deal with the dirty water and fishheads that life sends me.
Through this book I have a new appreciation and admiration for the way many in the aviation industry responded on 9/11 when the risks were unknown, unfolding and life threatening. A frequent flyer, I started flying immmediately after the skies reopened. My motvies were a combination of economic and a desire to show that America was still standing, which I believe was common in those days. Underlying the act of boarding a commercial jetliner was the realization (so well trumpeted in the media) that, other than the armed soldiers in the terminal, no advancements had been made to the security measures and plastic bombs (a la Robert Reid) among other measures continued as real risks. I do not believe that the crews who manned the planes in those early days have received their proper recognition (perhaps because we were all dealing with the increased hassles and our own fears).
I am impressed by the talented people who were in aviation leadership postions on 9/11. It is well known that the country owes much to the passengers and crew of Flight 93 whose actions saved us from an even greater tragedy. I sincerely hope that Sue Baer receives the same recognition and public gratitude for her decision to shut down EWR leading to the shutting down of JFK and the return from the tarmac of the plane with the suspicious four men aboard.
It is ironic that the corrosive effect of anger and inability to forgive that prevented the author and others from moving forward might be the very emotions that provided the impetuous for the uncivilized actions of those soulless nineteen men. The author thinks in broad terms and hopefully his reach is international to address this irony.
This is a well-structured and fast-paced book that tells the story of caring, industrious and brave members of a much maligned but important industry. A useful set of recovery tools is also provided for the ten percent of grapplers among us. This is a great "weekend read" style of book devoted to the eternal issue of understanding and living with the duality of life's brutality and beauty that affects us all and will for some time.

The book "Reclaiming the Sky" honors the heroism of the airline workers, who not only were the first responders on 9/11, but serve to give us a truly courageous example of what it takes to move on after facing an unimaginable tragedy. This book tells the true story of what it takes to "learn from loss" and come out of self to heal. "Reclaiming the Sky" is an amazing journey of heroism, courage, and triumph for anyone looking to recover from loss and reclaim their life. This book was integral in my own personal recovery and has helped me heal and move forward in ways I never thought possible.

This book is a tribute to all who endured after 9/11 and a workbook far all who are still tryinhg to come to terms with our new post 9/11 life. It's not only about the airplanes the victims and the terrorists, but the people on the ground who despite perhaps losing more than most rose to the occasion and got America back in the air because "someone had to do it". Through them we learn some of lifes most valuable lessons about how to heal, how to forgive and how to let go. An obviously very personal journey for the author this book was fascinating from front to back. Many thanks to the author Tom Murphy for giving of himself and introducing us to those who continue to give of themselves on our behalf!

These personal stories of aviation employees whose lives changed after September 11th, 2001 makes for an outstanding collection of memories of those who acted courageously and behind the scenes. RECLAIMING THE SKY: 9/11 AND THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MEN ND WOMEN WHO KEPT AMERICA FLYING offers stories of professionals who were on duty on that day: it makes for a passionate, involving set of experiences of ordinary individuals placed in unusual situations calling for action.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I often wondered how on earth the air traffic controllers managed the 911 horror. How did they keep their cool? Who made the decisions? I found the 911 Commission report lacking in many respects. This well-written book finally brings us inside the hearts, souls and minds of those maning the front lines during those critical hours. How they made the decisions that seem so right in hindsight, but could not have possibly been predictable in foresight. Well written, compelling and a must read for anyone craving knowledge of what really happened from the folks who were on the inside. PS It was one of my first purchases on the Kindle and though I am a devout page turning, I am also loving the immediate gratification of my kindle.