Fighting Back: Living Life Beyond Ourselves

by Deena, L. Burnett, Anthony F. Giombetti (Primary Contributor)

In FIGHTING BACK, Deena Burnett (widow of Flight 93 hero Tom Burnett) tells the story of how she fought back to find purpose and joy in her life again, after her husband was killed on that fateful day. Her story demonstrates how each of us can move forward through the hardships of life and have a positive impact on others through the belief that at some point in our lives, we are all called on to be heroes. Deena uses the actions of the passengers of Flight 93 and her own life as examples to re-define our concept of heroism and demonstrate the power of everyday heroes who do the right thing at the right time, no matter how big or small. Deena's story compels us as readers to look at our own lives and realize we each have a choice. If we choose the right way and react positively to the circumstances in which we find ourselves, we can all be transformed into everyday heroes. FIGHTING BACK will encourage you. It will make you laugh. It will cause you to cry. It will touch your heart.

246 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2006

Reviews

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Deena Burnett, almost by accident, in a bookstore. She exudes strength and faith. I wasn't even aware she had a book out at the time, but I had heard of her because of the Arkansas connection and had read about her in the newspaper after United 93 went down. Her story is very compelling. She's a remarkable woman, especially considering how she handled the aftermath of the tragedy and parented three young children.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book. Deena burnett a widow from 9/11 wrote this book 5 years after
her husband was killed on flight 93. The courage shown in the face of such
tragedy is amazing. Her faith was shown throughout the entire book. I would
highly recommend this book to everyone. Made you laugh, cry and think about
what it really means to be called a HERO.

[Alanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this very personal account about the impact of 9/11 on one family. This story brought the emotions of shock, loss, grief, healing, purpose, community and patriotism that we felt as a country, back to me in a powerful way. Deena's description of the profound loss that she and her precious daughters experienced from losing her husband made me weep, and her determination to carry Tom's values forward made me hopeful. Her account was honest and well written. And the way she has risen to embrace her new role as a voice to inspire others to do the right thing even through adversity is admirable. She has done a wonderful job.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a couple chapters where the raw emotions of 9/11 and the loss and pain felt by Deena Burnett were so vividly portrayed that I was deeply moved. I am grateful for what I have and that I have not been asked to make the sacrifice that Tom Burnett and the passengers on Flight 93 made. I don't know that I would act so selflessly, but I hope that I would. Great read.

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

i feel like it isn't appropriate to give this book any less than five stars- simply out of respect to deena and her husband. i'd love to hear her views on some topics since a lot has happened between now and when the book was first published, but even just like this, this book will definitely be one i'll turn to for advice and inspiration

[Andrea A · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is wow and how you can't help admire the author for her strength and faith!