Women of Ground Zero: Stories of Compassion and Courage

Susan Hagen and Mary Carouba did an excellent job of bringing to the readers of "Women At Ground Zero" the fact that women also served, were injured, or killed at the World Trade Center complex in New York City. They knew women had to be there but yet the media didn't cover them. So they went in search of them. People forget that women are also members of the fire, police and medical departments around the country. They didn't "want the women...to fade into the background of American History" nor "future generations of children...believing that only men are strong, brave and heroic."They interviewed women from the NYPD, FDNY, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department (PAPD), and other women who were there that fateful day and many days thereafter. Each chapter tells another woman's story so be prepared to read 30 gut-wrenching stories. They also interviewed women who were at the scene in other capacities. AND something very few people know about-three women died that day while in the service of saving others: Captain Kathy Mazza (PAPD), Moira Smith (NYPD), and Yamel Merino (EMT). There are chapters about those women as well.These women and so many others saw crushed vehicles, dead bodies and body parts, along with airplane parts. They witnessed more in a short period of time then most people do in a lifetime. Some of their stories are very graphic while others brushed over that part. They talked about what they experienced and saw, their injuries, feelings and more. Its no wonder they continue to have problems BUT more importantly-most of them have all returned to the jobs they held on 11 September 2001. They continue to serve their community. They are all heroines and definitely role models for young girls to follow in years to come.This is a book well worth reading though if you are like me it may take you awhile to get through it. I admit I had a hard time reading each chapter. With my background I felt everything these women went through without actually having been there. Be prepared for your own emotions to run the gamut. Be prepared to relive that day and the days that followed over again through these women's eyes. But take the time to read "Women At Ground Zero".

I started reading this book on a Saturday morning and finished it before the weekend was over because each fascinating portrait compelled me to read the next. The unique perspective of the women heroes gives an emotional snapshot of what it must have been like for everyone in Manhattan that unimaginable day, and how it continues to haunt them. But their tales are also a patchwork from which the reader can extract common themes that define the horrific events of the day, and the days and weeks following, that changed our lives forever. Words cannot express my gratitude to these women for their selfless efforts.

The authors have done an excellent job of interviewing women firefighters, police officers, EMT's, and others who responded to the World Trade Center. These rescuers have looked into hell -- and have surely gone through emotional hells of their own -- and yet were still able to talk frankly about their experiences. Their presentation is low-key, almost matter-of-fact, which serves as a dramatic counterpoint to the intensity of the subject. The result is a very moving and highly readable collection of profiles that forms an important piece of the historical record.

Especially if you are a woman -- and even if you're not -- this is the 9/11 book you need to read cover to cover. The interviews and the photographs are real, true life. I'd like to throw my arms around these women. Thank you, Susan and Mary, for making this book happen, for letting the women speak.

I just received my copy of the book and couldn't put it down. I had no idea there were so many women hereoes on that day, and these women are truly heroes. Their stories are at the same time gut-wrenching and awe-inspiring. If you read one book on the September 11 tragedy this should be the one. The authors have done a terrific job.