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She Never Left Ground Zero: A Novel of Courage, Love, and the Hidden Cost of 9/11
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2026
About the author
Erin Strong
20 books18 followersLeo Vidal, JD, MBA, CPA, is an author, educator, and strategist who explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping money, work, and society. Through his bestselling AI Money Series, including AI Money: The Definitive Guide, AI Money Blueprint, AI Investing Guide, and Coping With AI, Leo blends financial expertise with practical insights to empower readers in navigating the AI-driven economy.
With advanced degrees in law, business, and accounting, Leo brings a rare multidisciplinary perspective to the challenges and opportunities of AI. His writing goes beyond theory — offering actionable tools, case studies, and strategies that everyday people can use to thrive in their careers, investments, and daily lives.
Through books, courses, and his AI Money Newsletter, Leo’s mission is simple: to help you turn digital disruption into prosperity. Subscribe at AIMoneySeries.com.
With advanced degrees in law, business, and accounting, Leo brings a rare multidisciplinary perspective to the challenges and opportunities of AI. His writing goes beyond theory — offering actionable tools, case studies, and strategies that everyday people can use to thrive in their careers, investments, and daily lives.
Through books, courses, and his AI Money Newsletter, Leo’s mission is simple: to help you turn digital disruption into prosperity. Subscribe at AIMoneySeries.com.
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
September 12, 2026
"This novel is a work of fiction inspired by the true story of a courageous New York City police officer who responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. She was someone I knew and loved for many decades. She died in 2026, after twenty-five years of illness and struggle, leaving a hole in my heart." Erin Strong
Wow. Just wow.
This novel follows Sofia from toddler, through the years, as she grows into a strong woman who becomes an NYPD officer. Each chapter moves through the years, with family being a huge part of Sofia's life, and growth. After years in the NYPD Sofia is reassigned to lower Manhattan, which puts her on a path that intersects with the events of September 11th, 2001.
I've been reading this book in the week leading up to the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. As I was reading I could see images of female officers engulfed in the clouds of dust and debris, thinking 'that could be Sofia'. It's hard to imagine what the first responders sacrificed that day, and in the years following, as well as the families of those first responders. But this novel brings those sacrifices to the fore, gives the reader a glimpse into what really happened to those people on that day, and beyond.
I don't know who the real Sofia is but her story should never be forgotten. She was a strong, honourable woman, who saved, and changed lives. She is only one of many, all of whom should be honoured.
This story is loving, lighthearted, heartwrenching, and oh so real.
Everyone should read this book. Especially younger readers who have no living memory of what happened on that day in September, 2001.
Wow. Just wow.
This novel follows Sofia from toddler, through the years, as she grows into a strong woman who becomes an NYPD officer. Each chapter moves through the years, with family being a huge part of Sofia's life, and growth. After years in the NYPD Sofia is reassigned to lower Manhattan, which puts her on a path that intersects with the events of September 11th, 2001.
I've been reading this book in the week leading up to the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. As I was reading I could see images of female officers engulfed in the clouds of dust and debris, thinking 'that could be Sofia'. It's hard to imagine what the first responders sacrificed that day, and in the years following, as well as the families of those first responders. But this novel brings those sacrifices to the fore, gives the reader a glimpse into what really happened to those people on that day, and beyond.
I don't know who the real Sofia is but her story should never be forgotten. She was a strong, honourable woman, who saved, and changed lives. She is only one of many, all of whom should be honoured.
This story is loving, lighthearted, heartwrenching, and oh so real.
Everyone should read this book. Especially younger readers who have no living memory of what happened on that day in September, 2001.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review