From Landfill to Hallowed Ground: The Largest Crime Scene in America

by Frank Marra, Maria Bellia Abbate

The morning of September 11, 2001, began like any other morning for police Sergeant Frank Marra. He woke up early, brewed his coffee, and got his son Anthony ready for kindergarten. That was until the image of the South Tower engulfed in flames and smoke interrupted televised broadcasts nationwide. From Landfill to Hallowed Ground follows the footsteps of Sergeant Frank Marra and the people whose lives were irrevocably changed in the aftermath of September 11. Marra and co-author Maria Bellia Abbate take readers to the Staten Island Landfill, where the largest moveable crime scene in America was combed and searched for those buried beneath the twisted metal, steel, and cement. Step into the landfill mire with the New York City Police Department and the volunteers who searched tirelessly, often at great cost to themselves, for the remains of those silenced forever in the ashes. This heartrending story gives readers a never-before-seen glimpse of the days and months following the attack on September 11, and the stories that echo from ''The Hill''-the hallowed ground of those who perished on that fateful day.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, History, American History

136 pages, Hardcover

First published March 10, 2015

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

The debris from the collapse of the Twin Towers was barged to the Staten Island Landfill, and Det. Marra was one of those assigned to go through it. In this book he chronicles his experiences sifting through the debris and cataloging the vehicles, some crushed and some intact. The subject is fascinating and humbling but the book fell short of my expectations.

There is a lot of general information but not enough anecdotes. It would have been a much better book if Marra had spoken with more people who also worked the Landfill. The book would benefit from more stories like that of the woman who came to Staten Island with her children to sit in her late husband's car. There aren't enough meaningful passages like that one. The photographs are generic and add nothing.

These seem like paltry quibbles in light of Marra's service to NY and the world, but it's an expensive book for what you get. Thank you, sir, for your service, and for giving us a glimpse of what it was like working the Staten Island Landfill. I would have liked to know a lot more.

[SARAH J WOLFINGTON · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vivid reminder

A well written account of the aftermath and recovery operation following 9/11. Graphic in parts and enlightening on something I was unaware of, it tells the sad personal account of one mans experiences helping search, identify and eventually oversee some of the rubble that remained of the twin towers. I thought this would be a tough emotional read, but it was so factual this for me while very sad was not upsetting. Thank you for sharing your experiences, these memories need to be preserved to remind future generations of the horror of 9/11. I also hope this brought some healing and closure of its own to the authors and will comfort families of the victims.

[Aimee Stefan gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea about the landfill and all that went on there. Enlightening account of the important and heartbreaking work that went on there post-9/11.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was deeply moved by the information shared in this book. Once the debris was moved from Ground Zero, most people weren't aware of what actually happened to it unless you were in NYC. This book tells you what happened next. My only critique is with the author's intro "Calm Before the Storm". He mixed up the timeline of the towers demise. He said the South tower was hit first and he saw the plane hit the North tower instead of what actually happened. Maybe the editors missed it but I think for historical accuracy, it should be addressed. Other than that, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the people who tried to bring closure to those who lost loved ones. And, I do agree that some type of Memorial should be placed at the sight even if only a plaque of some sort.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting perspective on 9/11 from a police detective at the scene. Learned a lot about what some of the surviving first responders went through.

[Kyra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seems to be poorly edited, duplication of sentences were common.

[Guy McElwaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short

[Noreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. So sad. I had no idea all that went on after 9/11.

[Charlene McGrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

This is an eye opening book. I was wondering how they were trying to recover from 9\11. I hadn't heard how that was done.