Up ahead of me, a man was lying in the middle of Fulton Street. He was a heavyset man in a suit, lying on his stomach. Everyone was running right by him. I started to run past him myself, but for whatever reason, I stopped and ran over to him. I dropped to my knees at his side. It was then I noticed all the blood and where it was coming from. His skull had been split open, and the top part of his brain was protruding through the split. Blood was gushing out of the wound.
Although this particular incident embeds itself permanently in his mind, Van Why successfully avoids hyperbole and melodrama, and instead achieves a balance between factual recollection and emotive storytelling. He maintains this balance throughout the narrative.
The only real problem plaguing That Day in September is brevity. There are a few areas requiring expansion, particularly in the last few chapters in which Van Why discusses the impact 9/11 had on his life. I came away from the book wanting to learn more about his journey.
Nonetheless, the book is refreshingly personal and real. While most books on 9/11 cast the spotlight on police, fire, and EMS personnel, Van Why focuses on the Everyman, exploring the heroic efforts of the average Joe during that harrowing time.
However, Van Why presents himself not as a hero, or even a victim; rather, he portrays himself as a regular guy blessed with a second chance in life. For this, he deserves our praise, and our gratitude.
That Day in September can be purchased for $9.95 at Lulu.
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