Another year has passed, and once again we find ourselves commemorating the events of 9/11. We can’t believe that it’s been two year since we asked these bloggers how that day—a day which began like any other—changed their lives. Do you remember where you were when you heard that the Twin Towers had been hit?
Today, on the 12th anniversary of 9/11, we remember the many that were lost on that fateful day—and how far we’ve come since then. These 10 books and movies pay further tribute, shedding light on the tragic events, mourning the day’s victims, and celebrating the bravery and compassion of those who stepped up to help New York and the United States through a difficult time.
Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson: A fascinating story of bravery and compassion about the journey of a blind man and his guide dog through the events of September 11th. This New York Times Bestseller reflects the enduring trust that can hold out even during a tragedy.
Legacy Letters by Tuesday’s Children: An intriguing collection of letters written by loved ones of those lost on the awful day of 9/11. Including letters from adolescents, mothers, nieces, friends, and a whole host of others, this book shines a different light on what it means to grieve and remember. Legacy Letters is an intimate look at hurt and hope.
Fahrenheit 9/11, directed by Michael Moore: A satirical documentary exploring the role George Bush and the US government played in the events of September 11th. The famed director turns a sad story into a call for social awareness.
Read 10 NYC Bloggers Remember 9/11
On Native Soil, directed By Linda Ellman: A gripping documentary aiming to reveal flaws in the United States Government, particularly the ones that helped accelerate the tragic events of 9/11. Narrated by Kevin Costner and Hilary Swank, this film allows the public to mourn while simultaneously unveiling political truths.
7 Days to September, directed by Steve Rosenbaum: This film follows events during and after September 11th. Displaying an intimate view with a number of never before seen footage, it is a clean and direct look at the strength and unity amongst New Yorkers at such a vital time.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer: A delicate and enlightening novel that forces readers to open up to optimism and imagination. Two years after his father dies on 9/11, nine-year-old Oscar deals with his grief through humor and innocence by searching New York for information about a mysterious key his father left behind.
9/11 Press For Truth, directed by Ray Nowosielski: After the attacks of 9/11, the family members of a number of victims assembled and set out to find what the media wasn’t telling them. They are not simply rebels; they are grieving family members looking for answers. This film is a fantastic portrayal of the lengths to which one will go in order to achieve justice.
Read Remembering 9/11: A School Day In September
Portraits, 9/11/01: The Collected “Portraits of Grief” from The New York Times by The New York Times: Filled with breathtaking snapshots, this book freezes a moment in history. Months after September 11th, The New York Times ran hundreds of photos depicting the faces of those who lost their lives, as well as those who were working to keep theirs intact. The collection is both touching and heartbreaking, but healing nonetheless.
Falling Man by Don DeLillo: Taking its title from that iconic, horrifying image of a man plummeting from the top of the World Trade Center, this novel examines the everyday lives of everyday people– people who suddenly find themselves dealing with the unexpected aftermath of 9/11. DeLillo tracks the normal routines the world followed, even on that day, and how quickly things changed afterwards. The reader experiences a number of different perspectives ranging from those in New York to others scattered across the country, demonstrating how truly universal this phenomenon was and continues to be.
World Trade Center, directed by Oliver Stone: Based on the events that occurred on 9/11, this film portrays the aftermath of the horrific crashes. Starring Nicholas Cage, the core of the film focuses on the Port Authority Police Officers who made it their mission to help.
Nalissa Cuthbert is a regular contributor to BettyConfidential.
