Hero of Flight 93: Mark Bingham (An Advocate Books Life Story) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "MARK BINGHAM HAD A LOT on this mind that Tuesday morning..." (more)
Key Phrases: gay hero, rugby field, San Francisco, New York, Mark Bingham (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Bravery in the face of unimaginable terror prevented greater tragedy on September 11, 2001, when a group of passengers overpowered the hijackers of United Airlines Flight 93. Their heroism and sacrifice inspired us all. One of these passengers was Mark Bingham, a living-out-loud, gregarious, gay man. But who was Mark Bingham really? What was it about this man that caused his friends to unanimously say that he must have been one of the men who rushed the hijackers? The Advocate’s senior news editor Jon Barrett interviewed those who knew him best, starting with the mother who instilled in him the belief that he could be anything, to the friends, lovers, business associates, and rugby teammates who complete the picture of a man determined to never take second place. This is his story, told to remind all Americans that heroism knows no sexuality.

Jon Barrett is the senior news editor for The Advocate magazine, and the author of the cover story on Mark Bingham in The Advocate upon which this book is based. He lives in Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Advocate Books; 1st edition (September 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555837808
• ISBN-13: 978-1555837808
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #960,138 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An insightful, accurate and compelling book, August 31, 2002

By	tmpp (California, USA) - See all my reviews

Jon Barrett's book on Flight 93 hero Mark Bingham is a magnificent and inspiring tale of heroism in the face of what would be for most of us overwhelming fear and adversity. The emotional tsunami caused by the attacks on September 11, 2001 generated countless stories of outrage and despair, but also many stories of strength and courage. With the one-year anniversary of those September tragedies lurking around the corner it's an appropriate time to read this thoughtful, well-researched and inspiring book of one man's courage in the face of terrorism. If you appreciate the "behind the scenes" aspects of the news, this is a book for you.

I was shocked and sickened a year ago when I first saw Mark's picture on TV and realized that it was the young man who had spent many visits with me in 1990 confiding, sharing and talking with me about life while wrestling with his deepest secret - his sexuality. I posted my memories of him as a farewell to the markbingham.org website his friends established and because of that was contacted by a number of people who wished to interview me about Mark's life in addition to his first peek out of "the closet". I declined all of these requests except Barrett's because of the caliber of his work as a reporter. His article in the December 2001 Advocate is just a taste of this full-length work.

What Jon has done is present an accurate, even-handed and thorough portrait of a young man's life that is as engaging, compelling and entertaining as Mark himself could be. Through extensive insightful interviews with Mark's friends and family (not merely quotes lifted from existing sources as some have tried) the book makes the important point that Bingham was a hero who happened to be gay, and not "just" a Gay Hero.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Friend, My Hero, September 16, 2002

By	W. Brian Moore (San Antonio, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

What a wonderful book protraying Mark for who he was. I had the honor of knowing this fine man. It was wonderful to read about different things that happened in Mark's life and remembering him telling me about those times.

September 11, 2001, brought many heroes forth. I do not think people in our nation really knew what others would do for others and and what cost to themselves. Mark's selfless acts were a modest reflection of the many things he did for others.

His story is extremely well told and will give you more insight into the day will now think of as, Patriot Day. He was truly a patriot. His actions and those of all the people on board Flight 93 have given us hope since they fought the first battle against terrorism.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To Do What I Can With My Time on Earth, September 18, 2002

By	Jack M. Walter "Jack M. Walter" (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews

Reading this book was the most moving experience I have had in a long time. I really wish I had the honor of having known Mark Bingham, but now I find that I mourn his loss just as if I had. He, along with the others of Flight 93, should never be forgotten for their ultimate act of bravery. It will take me a long time to get this short account of such a rich and full life out of my mind, and it will never leave my heart. We must all promise ourselves never to forget Sept. 11 and stick together the way Mark did with those he loved. Rest in peace, Mark, and God bless all of you.