Report from Ground Zero

By: Dennis Smith

Narrated by: Eric Conger, Jeff David, Don Leslie

Immediately after two hijacked jets struck the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, Dennis Smith volunteered in the rescue effort. Having spent his career as both a respected writer and a member of one of the city's busiest firehouses, Smith became determined to use his unique background to tell the story of the disaster and its aftermath with the empathy and understanding that only an insider could bring to it.

Smith has collected astonishing first-person testimony from rescuers who were present as the towers were attacked, evacuated, and then fell. He also recounts his own experiences at the devastation of Ground Zero over the next few weeks: attending to the physically and psychologically wounded, helping organize fund-raising, and attending some of the almost inconceivable number of funerals of firefighters, police officers, and emergency rescue workers.

Report from Ground Zero is the most detailed and immediate record of this unforgettable event, with the unique perspective of a writer who has been praised as "the poet laureate of firefighters".

©2002 Dennis Smith. Recorded by arrangement with Viking Penguin, a division of Penguin Putnam Inc. (P)2002 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"The narrators recreate these emotional interviews with accounts of the horror suffered by these survivors while simultaneously revealing their unselfish acts of heroism under the extreme conditions of war on our own soil. With dignity and respect, the narratives reveal heartbroken yet courageous individuals who instinctively manifested a fighting spirit of good vs. evil, as well as love for their fellow humans. This is a tragic yet inspirational testimony well performed in light of the still fresh memory." (AudioFile)

Excellent about it unspeakable terror

Fantastic telling of the World orld Trade Center 911 before during and after. The World changed counties went to war. All dead just for greed to continue at the top.

A Beautiful tribute

This book is wonderful - and puts you in the middle of the recovery effort.

Gut wrenching

No words can really describe my impressions of this story. It took extra time because I’d have to stop to compose myself between chapters or sections. The author, a former firefighter and now a writer, did a magnificent job.

Gut Wrenching Intensity Well written

A collection of first person accounts of the events after the WTC attack written by a member of the NYFD and previiously published author. Includes accounts of others.

All these years later this book rekindles the intensity of the tragedy of the attacks on the World Trade Center. Although most is the recollections of the author, it includes other first person accounts.

The book is not about who to blame, how it might have been prevented but rather focuses on what happened that day and the many days that followed as the NYFD dealt with both the destruction and fires and then the massive loss of life of their brother firefighters and police in the collapse of the twin towers and the following efforts to absorb the losses and sift through the rubble for their lost teammates.

The narration of the Audiobook version was excellent . HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Moving, contemporaneous account

written soon after the events of 9/11, this narrative includes small details that I, 20 years later, had forgotten. I think my biggest critique is that the narrator was a bit melodramatic in his reading. But, having never heard Dennis Smith speak (RIP) maybe that is how he would have delivered it if he had narrated his own work

A raw account of a defining event in our generation

As someone who was in emergency services during 9-11, I watched the towers fall on television. It wasn’t until years later that I absorbed the impact of this catastrophe. While much of 9-11 focused on the emergency services workers in NYC, and deservingly so, so many civilians were affected by this event. And so many came together to unite America.

What I liked about this book were the stories of several people involved, some in the towers and some who were not.

I disliked that this book wasn’t longer. More stories from all involved.

I thought the narrators captured the emotion of those who told their story. I don’t think performances were “over the top.” There are times when emergency service workers seem callous to death and destruction, but they must be that way to keep control and give direction. It is only later, when adrenaline has subsided, that those same emergency service workers weep, or unfortunately, turn to a bottle.

Having visited Ground Zero and the 9-11 Museum, this books helps put things into perspective that I saw there and the stories I read.

This book was informative, yet sad. Recommend reading in a quiet place.

NEVER FORGET 343 AND COUNTING

This was an amazing book, documentary. I was a responder part of 1 of the 9 Volunteer Fire Depts of NYC. I was stationed at E259 LIE n Greenpoint ave. 18Hrs and that week part of the Rescue Recovery. This is a great way to show others how we all came together. God bless the FAMILY/FRIENDS of all the 343. GOD BLESS THIS BROTHERHOOD. A day that i will NEVER FORGET.

Very good but...

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The stories of the firemen who worked at WTC on 9/11 and the months after is very dramatic, and their courage and dedication is fascinating to read about.

What didn’t you like about the narrators’s performance?

Unfortunately the narrator Jeff David is just awful. His voice is hard to listen to and sometimes he goes waaaay overboard trying to make the story more dramatic.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Lee Ielpi (a fireman, talking about his son Jonathan Ielpi, who was one of the hundreds of firemen lost in the tragedy) really hits you. "I know he's in good hands but i wish he was in my hands"

Heart Full of Love

What can be said but this book has the finest writing and is narrated in such an appropriate, realistic way. Took me back to that day and, though I was out on L.I. and could not help, I felt that, through the eyes of those whose testimonials are offered to me, as a listener, I could live vicariously, and give my love through the actions of those who could help.

Audio book vs Physical book

love this audio book, I listen to it at work all the time.After receiving a physical copy for Christmas this year, I realize there are testimonials in the book that were missing in the audio book.A bit of a disappointment but it doesn't make it an less of a gripping listen or read .