Despite Tragedy, Triumph

The horror of 9-11 has seared in most of us memories and images that we wish we could forget. It's easy to get lost in the agony of the event, but this book reminds us that there were miracles on that day, too. Blind from infancy, Michael was only a teen when matched with his first guide dog. His job at the World Trade Center found him there on September 11th, 2001, along with his dog, Roselle. We go through that day with the two of them, and you can imagine how tense that all is. This remembrance of a horrific day in the lives of so many is artfully written (with co-writer, Susy Flory) in such a way that when you feel yourself starting to panic, the narrative switches to Michael's childhood or the nuts and bolts of being blind. There are several subtexts, and it was quite edifying. If the only thing you come away with is that blind people are just folks, that's a good outcome. But you won't. You'll be moved by the story of the Twin Towers, you'll be grateful for guide dogs, and will probably reconsider what you previously thought was a limitation.