But I was in too much pain to be dead, right? I put my left hand right up to my face, but I couldn’t see even a hint of it. As I lay on my right side, my right arm and leg were pinned underneath me. A huge slab of concrete pressed against my head. Mustering all my strength, I pushed against it. Nothing. With my left hand, I could feel that an immense steel beam encased the rest of my body.
I was sealed in a coffin of concrete and steel. I screamed for help, but my voice went nowhere. I was alone. Completely alone. ' For twenty-seven hours, Genelle remained below the surface of Tower One’s rubble. During this time, she couldn’t help but reflect on the life she’d lived and how she’d drifted from the faith she once knew. One of her most painful regrets was that she’d left her daughter behind in Trinidad while she pursued her dream of singing and dancing in America. As death now seemed certain, she feared where it would take her. And then she remembered witnessing the miraculous recovery of her aunt when she was a child in Trinidad. Maybe . . . just maybe, God had a miracle for her as well.
For hours she prayed, remembering each detail of her walk away from the faith she’d known as a child. She begged God to forgive her—accepting that she may soon die, but praying for the miracle of life and a chance to live that life with a new purpose and direction.
God answered her prayer by sending an angel to sustain her. Now living in the light, Genelle is making good on the promises she made in the dark while buried in the rubble.
Well told, inspiring and a quick read for this personal and inspirational story of a very public, well-known tragedy. Of course, all of us of a certain age not only know what we were doing that moment and day and probably have read and watched a lot about 9/11 in the 14 years since. However, I have not ever read or seen anything about Genelle's story of that day and definitely nothing about her life before or after, and how she reacted, how it affected her, how it inspired her, etc. so I was curious when I saw this book and so glad b/c it was not only a quick, easy read but very interesting and inspiring. Other than maybe being a year apart in age, we have little in common but still felt connected to her and her story and her sharing her wake up call and lessons learned. Even though be the age each of us are now (mid-40's) we know the things she listed, but sometimes you need a reminder or refresher regardless what religion you are, or if you are or aren't religious, or if your more spiritual than religious, etc. you can relate. So for younger readers if you pick up some good tips or refreshers that you can apply, it's a plus and you're ahead of game instead of getting a wake up call later on. BTW, this is her bio/memoir with her and her family, friends & co-workers story, feelings, actions, etc. So we can either read for entertainment or historical knowledge and if we happen to agree or feel inspired or whatever b/c of that, then that is a bonus! I never felt she was preaching or telling anyone else how to live or what to be or do. That's just my 2 cents b/c I read some reviews that she said "was preaching" or "too preachy" (before I actually finished reading it so I kept watching/listening for it) but the funny thing was there was at least one other Bible-thumper that quoted a million verses & claimed author was holding back & didn't preach enough. I know you can't people all the people all the time AND to each their own, etc., etc., etc. BUT like I just said, this was this woman's story and how she felt, her spiritual or religious or ah-ha moments she had, she was sharing with us, not telling us to be just like her...so how is that too preachy OR not preachy enough???
A very impressive account of the last survivor of 9/11 to be pulled from the rubble beneath the twin towers. Genelle tells what she and her colleagues did after the attack, and how they managed to fill the 70 or so minutes between impact and the collapse of the buildings.
But more specifically this is the story of the conversion she underwent in the 27 hours she lay beneath the rubble, and we feel the potency of the questions she asked herself, wondering what we might do in her situation. And we witness the incredible miracle of her rescue, dazzled at how the pieces of the picture fit together.
Her account reveals her re-connection with her Christian faith and the strength it gives her to see her continuing ordeal as an opportunity to improve her life; readers of all creeds (or none) will find it inspiring. www.GoodReadingGuide.com
As I was watching the 9/11 ten year tributes, I saw an interview with Genelle Guzman, who was the last of the survivors to be pulled from the World Trade Center rubble. Her story touched my heart and I knew I had to read "Angel in the Rubble." September 11, 2001 starts as a typical day for Genelle. She woke up and went to work as a temp at the Port Authority office in the North Tower. After the horrific events occurred just short of 9:00 that morning, the employees of the Port Authority were told to stay put as help was on the way. Genelle and several other employees waited over an hour (I couldn't grasp this as I was reading) before deciding on their own to leave. As they were descending the staircase, at about the thirteenth floor, the tower collapsed on top of them. Genelle was seriously hurt, but thankful that she was alive. Throughout her 27 hours before she is rescued, she reflects on her life and how she lost her faith in God. She asks him for forgiveness and hopes that she can find her way back to Him and her family. At the time of her rescue, she is found by a man named "Paul." Was "Paul" real or was he an angel sent down by God to help find her? This was a very inspiring and uplifting tail of survival.
This book was very special. It was genuine, heartwrenching and lifechanging. I can't really praise it enough. I was so touched by Genelle's story of tragedy and triumph and her retelling of the miraculous events that saved her from being crushed by the World Trade Center collapse has changed me. I am a better person for having read this book.
The story of Genelle Guzman-McMillan's September 11, 2001 experience started out riveting. In telling her story, she really conveyed some of the emotions and disbelief that everyone on her floor in the tower were feeling that day.
For me, the second half of her story (following her rescue) came of to me as too "preachy" and even a little judgemental. I don't doubt that this experience brought her closer to God, but I think that the book could have ended long before it did and maybe her message would have been better received by me.
This book had so much potential, but it fell short of my expectations. The story would have been better if there had been a time line of what was happening in the big picture while Genelle and her coworkers debated what to do. Some of the problem, too, is that it felt like William Croyle penned HIS words rather than bringing out Genelle Guzman-McMillan's thoughts and experiences. When a person faces death, it certainly is a life-changing experience. The thing to remember is that we all face it. There was a strong attempt to avoid sounding preachy and this made the book feel unnatural. If the point of the story was a spiritual revival and a dedication to the Lord, then say it loud and clear! This is the Good News. Don't turn it into "live a good life." That message has been way overdone, because not one of us IS good enough and never will be. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 Yes, being nice to your fellow man will make the world a better place, but it will not lead to your salvation. Genelle had our attention. Here's what she was afraid to say: "Jesus saith unto him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.'" John 14:6
An account of the last survivor pulled from the rubble of 911. Genelle immediately gets right to the point without a lot of back story, which was nice. Because she was inside of the building, she's not able to tell the story the way the rest of us remember it. She never saw the planes hit the buildings and never knew until nearly too late, what kind of danger she was in. It is mind blowing that after a building that large fell on her, anyone was able to find her. Genelle's main point of the book is her conversion during the 23-27 hours she spent trapped within the twisted metal, shards of glass, and tons of concrete. She began to call upon God, and he answered by saving her life.
The only book I have read about 9/11. An interesting read, and an incredible story of survival. While the first half was engaging, I glossed over the last couple of chapters, as Genelle has obviously been 'born again' and it was too overtly religious for me.
I lost interest when there was an actual snippet of the Bible on the page. It started off great and you’d probably never even guess that gets as preachy as it does. She goes through a full transformation in the rubble, and so does the book. Before there was no mention of God, after you couldn’t escape Him and His capitalised pronouns. I picked this book up because I’m doing a research project about 9/11 for history. But it didn’t really answer any of my research questions. I kept reading past the first few chapters because I was interested in how the story would turn out. It’s good at hooking and reeling you in but if you’re not religious like me, all the talk of God kind of spoils it. And I understand that people can go through some serious psychological change after an experience like that. Oftentimes people do come out a better person that knows how precious life is and is determined to cherish it. But all the talk of God just wasn’t for me. And honestly from my perspective it seemed kind of odd and like she was selling her soul to God rather than actually becoming friends with Him. “I will do all this if you help me” you could honestly have done the same thing with the devil. Anyways, it was an okay book that got a little too preachy.
Riveting. That's really the only word you can use to describe this book. I figured that I would only read the first portion of it and once the towers fell, stop reading it, but I could not put this book down. Her writing style is so easy to read and the story just flows along the pages. You can't stop turning the pages to find out what happened next. Her no-holds-bar account of this terrible day really puts it in a light that helps you, at least it did me, wrap your head around the situation and what the people in the towers were going through. I recommend that everyone read this book.
This book was amazing to me. Genelle was buried in the rubble of the World Trade Center for over 27 hours, in fact she was the last person to be pulled out alive. She talks about how her relationship with God changed for the better and the miracles that took place whilst she was buried in the rubble. If you are in need of a feelgood book, this is it.
Good read until towards the end of book. The little exerts made reading frustrating because the small size of the different fonts used. It became laborious trying to swap between times new Roman for example in size 12 to a script style in size 12. Overall a readable book.
Incredible miraculous story. But the second half of the book after her rescue was drawn out and a bit too preachy, and her theology seemed a bit off, which was disappointing.
The last thing that comes to my mind when I read this book is the term "preachy." I don't like it when people judge or scrutinize a memoir simply because of its religious content, rather than reading to listen to the message. I may be biased because I am a Christian, but Genelle Guzman's story is something everyone must read in order to truly understand the value of life.
This book shares the story of a woman who was taking everything for granted, all the way up until she had a near-death experience during 9/11, a devastating event that claimed the lives of almost three thousand people. Keep in mind that Guzman is the last survivor, and she remained under the rubble for twenty-seven hours, having flashbacks and memories of her entire life, being reminded of everything she did and how she was living wrong.
This is a heartfelt memoir that delves into a woman's personal life, which she shares in her own words. I'm so happy Guzman survived, and I'm glad she recovered and had a family with her husband. I hope she's living her best life and I'm more than delighted to know that she has established a relationship with God.
This is a very beautiful book, written by a beautiful author. If you read this, it will change your perspective on life and teach you not to take anything you have for granted. Hug your loved ones and enjoy every moment you spend with them. You never know what could happen.
When I got the book, I expected to hear what I always hear when reading/watching/studying anything pertaining to 9/11. Somber and just feeling bad. Which ofc, we should because many innocent people lost their lives, but never in a million years did I think that I would come across a 9/11 account that would leave me inspired!
As tragic of a story as 9/11 is, it was heartwarming hearing how this moment brought Genelle back to Christ. It made me reflect on my own life. Shoot, she reminded me that I don’t even abide by all of the commandments… that’s deep. I love how this book was a testimony. I love how God got the glory even while Genelle was trapped for 27 hours. I love how Paul is more than likely THE PAUL! And listening to this book reminded me that we could be entertaining Angels every day (not to be crass or make it seem like Genelle was entertaining an angel), but in Genelle’s case and so many others like hers, it shows that Angels come down and help us and we didn’t even know they were angels (or we DO come to know, like Genelle did).
Praise be to God! Thank you, Genelle, for sharing your story. This is by far one of the best 9/11 books/accounts.
SO this was a very interesting book to read..sad in it's ways as well but very inspiring everything this young woman went thru is just amazing and sad and scary to think being buried alive in the Tower 1's rubble not able to move and deal with stilfing heat to freezing cool and being in the dark and not knowing if you are going to be found alive or dead..She re-found God along the way and I think that is what help to save her life...she also had an Angel to keep her safe and sound..A big thanks o all the men,women and rescue dogs that did everything they could to help find and rescue people..sadly we know on that day a terrible evil hit and caused so many innocent lives because of vegeance from one insane man.. I am glad Genelle got a 2nd chance at life and has since gone on to marry and have 2 kids with Roger(man she married) as well as get to raise her then 12 yr old daughter and Roger's 11 yr old son..she also works with the Red Cross and is part of a nice big church and is doing good :) read if you like true stories..
This is the true story of Genelle Guzman who was buried and trapped and unable to move inside the rubble of Tower 1 at the World Trade Center on 9/11. After 23 hours alone and in total darkness, she was found but it took another 4 hours to rescue her. This book is a harrowing read and I found myself experiencing feelings of claustrophobia as I read about her ordeal. I can’t imagine having to endure that. During the time she was buried, Genelle reviewed her life and reflected on many things she was not proud of. Her experience rekindled her long neglected spiritual life and she promised herself and God that she would do better. This is an amazing story which tells of how Genelle faced her likely death, how brave and courageous the first responders were and the the kindness total strangers extended to each other. A very good read on the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Reading this brought it all back.
What a truly great and inspirational story This is the story of 9-11. Only 13floors to go and she and her coworkers would be safe. They had begun their track down the concrete stairwell of tower 1 at the 64th floor. They were so near their goal...Thats when the building began to sway, and the entire tower came crashing down on top of Genelle in a matter of seconds she found herself buried alive entombed in a coffin of concrete and steel. Finally, after 23 hours and repeated attempts to break out of her tomb her hands broke through the surface. Moments later she felt the warmth of a strong hand latch onto hers. My name is Paul and you're going to be okey but 4 hours later when the rescue team pulled her to safety Paul was gone. Not a single rescue person knew who Paul was. The only answer that made sense to her was that Paul was an angel sent to rescue her from the rubble and grant her the life that she had prayed to live while buried alive.
I almost didn't read this book due to it's mediocre rating. After having finished it, I'm glad I "didn't just a book by it's cover". This was beautifully written and an amazing, captivating, first-hand account of the last person who was pulled from the rubble at Ground Zero. The main reason that the other ratings is most definitely the fact that Genelle Guzman-McMillan spoke openly about her faith and the miracle of her survival to which she gives God full credit. Don't judge this book by its reviews. It's a wonderfully under-rated and absolutely beautiful true story.
Update - I wrote this review before finishing the final hour and a half of the audiobook - The last hour and a half was mainly "preachy fluff" and I really didn't feel that it was absolutely necessary. I updated my review to four stars instead of five for this reason.
For the most part, I loved this book and her path of resilience. I listened on audiobook, and even though the narrator is a different person, I felt like I was listening to a very long voice memo from a friend, telling me her story.
I only struggled with some of the themes of spirituality at times, especially with phrases like “God is my psychiatrist” and “everything happens for a reason.”
It is her path and I could never begin to fathom what she has been through. At times, though, I think it’s ok to ask God why so many others would die and she didn’t.
Other than that, beautiful story. Like countless others, I want to know if there is a real life Paul or not, and I would like to thank him either here on earth or heaven side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The title speaks for itself. This book is a gutwrenching series of events experienced by Ms. McMillian on 911 and afterward. My Damascus moment was when she asked the question, "Why me?" Why out of all the people who lost lives that day, was she spared? I thought about all the times I knew I wasn't deserving but was covered by His grace. The many times that I forgot about God, but He never forgot me. It was at that moment that I cried. This book is not only about events that occurred on 911, but how that day helped Genelle find God and build a personal relationship with Him.
Genelle Guzman-McMillan’s story of her 27 hours as the last survivor to be rescued from under the debris of the World Trade Centre was a roller coaster of emotions for me. I thoroughly recommend this book. Not only does Genelle tell her story, she tells of the heroes who shone through those dreadful terrorist attacks and the horrific loss of so many innocent people who were just going about their daily business. Genelle also tells her very personal story of how she has restored her faith. A very very well written account of this shocking day in our history.
The story of the last survivor pulled from the rubble of 9/11. I couldn't put the book down, it was reviting. A normal day ends in tradgey. For Genelle it's a story of courage, reflection on her life, and how a miracle happened with her rescue. How you should always have hope, belief in God and be grateful for everything, even the small things. A reviting story of survival and life after 9/11. A story that provides reflection for the reader on their own lives...and is God part of their life?
This is the first book I have read from the perspective of someone who lived through 9/11. It was touching, moving, inspiring, and an incredibly honest book.
None of us are perfect, we often stray from where we know our lives, and hearts, should be. Too often it takes a tragedy of some sort to put us back on the path we were meant to be on.
Thank You, Genelle, for continuing to share your experience, your faith, and for continuing to be a down-to-earth person.
This is the story of the last survivor pulled from the rubble of one of the towers. Great emotional narrator. Story was tragic, uplifting, emotional, and inspirational and a true story of survival that needed to be shared.
My only complaint is it got a bit to preachy. I understand that whole experience can bring you closer to God but some of that could have been cut a little.
I really want to give this book 3 and 1/2 stars, but I don't think I can do half stars. The retelling of living through 9/11 and being buried alive are gripping and moving, but then the story gets repetitive at times, and the writing is not all that great. But, definitely worth a read, and it is inspiring.
Very moving and detailed account of that terrible day plus the aftermath. I like particularly that Genelle spends a large part of her story giving space to others on that day. She is very honest in the catastrophic events that overcame her group trying to escape the 64th floor of the World Trade North Tower, and how what happened to her changed her life forever. Faith forms a large part in this story. Who among us know what we would think or feel if we were faced with death? Genelle is honest and detailed in her personal journey.
Her story is a wonderful example of selfless giving on the part of firemen in New York. It also shows how ordinary men and women in suits and heels can band together to escape terror. Somewhat repetitive towards the end but she obviously wanted to explain all that the experience has taught her and formed her post 9/11 life.