Beyond Stone and Steel: A Memorial to the September 11, 2001 Victims [.EXE] (Paperback)

~ Brian W. Vaszily (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Obviously, this is not easy or pleasant reading. For some, attempting to read this book is a permanent impossibility. For everyone else, this is a must read. If this book can help the grief process, if it can give those left behind even a glimpse of what was going through the minds of their loved ones just before the end, then Vaszily has done a Great Service. It is well worth reading. --Paul Lappen, Dead Tree Reviews

Of the many, many books published since September 11, 2001, by experts and analysts as well as established and first-time authors, Beyond Stone and Steel represents a few of the most moving, thought-provoking and inspiring titles. As the sharp pain of September 11th-s needless attack on our country settles into a dull ache, most of us are left shaking our heads and wondering whether the renewed "spirit of America" we experienced directly after the tragedy will last much longer. This book recreates that spirit and brings it into poignant focus. If you felt even a tremor of emotion during that first week of horror, when images of crashing planes and falling towers flickered constantly on our televisions and in our minds, you must read Beyond Stone and Steel. Rating: 5 stars Comment: Highly Recommended -- Sonya Bateman, BookReviewClub.com

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Description

The tragedy of September 11, 2001 left us each trying to fill a uniquely unfamiliar void in our spirit with something that will make us whole again. Somehow we need to feel the experience in a way that following the news coverage just doesn't accomplish. Brian W. Vaszily found a way, and shares it with us in this brilliant anthology of thoughts, feelings, desires and dreams that were cut short on that terrible Tuesday. Through imagined characters he does what no news story or survivor's account can - he brings us into the lives of the departed - people so much like our friends, our families, and ourselves - as their final minutes play out. This uplifting work gently guides the reader beyond the tragedy of stone and steel to reaffirm what is truly important about being alive.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 108 pages
• Publisher: Hard Shell Word Factory (December 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0759905126
• ISBN-13: 978-0759905122
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,633,565 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Moving Experience, May 17, 2002

By A Customer

This book was like none other I have ever read... the author seemed to digest this tradegy and somehow turned it into something beautiful. It has reminded me of all that I have, how easily it could be gone and to cherish every moment we are here. It has truly changed the way I see my life. I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it to everyone.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lessons for us all -- Very highly recommended, May 7, 2002

By	C. Penn "WordWeaving" (Greenville, SC) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Where were you when the World Trade Center collapsed? We as a nation are deeply scarred by the events of that day. Yet in the hands of author Brian Vaszily, we also have the opportunity to revaluate those lost lives as a gift of life affirmations. Indeed, Vaszily creates an intensely personal work that will touch all American hearts in BEYOND STONE AND STEEL.

Vignettes capture the intensity of the moments before death. A man on the stairs in the World Trade Center turns back to help a fallen woman, only to realize the tower is about to collapse. We've heard the stories of the heroes who brought down Flight 93, but there were others on that flight and others paralyzed by fear, by the realization of impending death who are equally missed. Each voice combines with the rising chorus of loss, reminding those of us left behind of the beauty in living.

I felt myself identifying with Vaszily's personal narrative as he describes how his horror and shock over such a monumental event as September 11th displaced the personal crises he faced in his life. Suddenly unemployment, bankruptcy and other mundane matters took a backseat to the appreciation of life, love and family. The voices of these fictional victims bring about the profound realization of the beauty in living, and the goodness and tremendous potential in the people around us.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Healing the wounds of Sept. 11th, April 10, 2002

By	Ms. Teresa L. Bourn "Eyes wide Open" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In this book, the author examines the possible last thoughts of the victims of the Sept. 11th tragedy. In doing so, he helps those who were left to mourn the victims with a ray of hope. Many last thoughts could have been our own, were we faced with the reality of death. His book puts into perspective the things in life that are really important. I was reading this book and I was there, in New York, and it hit me really hard. It explained fear I've never known. But it also reminded me of what is really important in life. I hope like so many other things in the lives of Americans that Sept. 11th doesnt simply "blow over" That the people who were killed and the people still grieving and those of us left in the aftermath, will learn from our mistakes. Not mistakes about protecting our freedoms and airports from terrorism, but the mistakes of not living life and placing inferior priorities above love and time spent with family and experiencing life for all of the wonderful things it holds. Thank you Brian, Mr. Vaszily, for your healing words.