Firehouse

By: David Halberstam

Narrated by: Mel Foster

"In the firehouse the men not only live and eat with each other, they play sports together, go off to drink together, help repair one another's houses and, most importantly, share terrifying risks; their loyalties to each other must, by the demands of the dangers they face, be instinctive and absolute."

So writes David Halberstam, one of America's most distinguished reporters and historians in this stunning book about Engine 40, Ladder 35 - one of the firehouses hardest hit in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the World Trade towers.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, two rigs carrying 13 men set out from this firehouse, located on the West Side of Manhattan near Lincoln Center; 12 of the men would never return.

Firehouse takes us to the very epicenter of the tragedy. We watch the day unfold, the men called to duty, while their families wait anxiously for news of them. In addition, we come to understand the culture of the firehouse itself, why gifted men do this and why, in so many instances, they are anxious to follow in their fathers' footsteps and serve in so dangerous a profession - why more than anything else, it is not just a job, but a calling as well.

Firehouse is journalism-as-history at its best. The story of what happens when one small institution gets caught in an apocalyptic day, it is a book that will move readers as few others have in our time.

©2004 David Halberstam (P)2004 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Great story

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book. My only complaint was that it was too short. That being said, I could listen to these stories all day.

Really enjoyed this...

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. It was touching to hear all of the stories throughout. More individuals need to take the time to listen.

Heart wrenching

We are so tender about the events of 9/11 that it is easy to get caught up in the stories of these hero-firemen who gave their lives that day trying to save others. Although many of these stories were just plain hard to hear, I am glad I heard them. I pray for their families. These men are true American heroes and we honor them for their sacrifice.

FIVE STARS

Short but insightful glimpse into the inner workings of a New York city firehouse and the lives of some of New York's Bravest in the weeks leading up to 911. It set me to weeping all over again for the courage and selflessnes of the 343 firefighters lost in the effort to save others.

takes you there

you are a fireman you go through 9/11 you feel all that they felt. this book will stay with you and you will think of it on every anniversary of that awful day

Short, but gripping

I was so involved in the stories of the lives of these heroes, that I was brought up short when it ended.....I was left wanting more. More stories, more information about these men who gave everything at a terrible point in our history as a nation. I especially wanted to know more about the families they left behind. Great book, would recommend!

Exceptional but sad...

While listening to this story I would sometimes feel such sadness for the men and women who responded to this incident. Yet, I know that all the responders were doing their parts in the tragedy with love and hope. Thank you all for your dedication.

very informative

very informative even for someone with experience. true in fact, detail and nuance. highly recommended. a good read.

So Poignant, So Sensitive, So Relevant.

Who could forget 9/11? We lost so many great people from over eighty countries but how much do we know about our American heroes who ran towards the danger rather than away from the devastation.

David Halberstam, a well seasoned journalist, brings us a wonderful story that tells us so much about these brave people of whom we have been robbed. He makes them real. So real that you may need to be prepared for the tears to flow.

As for Mel Foster FIVE STARS all the way.