Hotel 9/11: An Oral History from Survivors of 3 World Trade Center

by Joyce Ng, Joe Daniels (Foreword)

On September 11, 2001, about 3,000 people were killed in the terrorist attacks on the United States. In New York City, seven buildings in the World Trade Center were destroyed, including Three World Trade Center, the Marriott World Trade Center hotel that connected the North and South Towers.

Joyce Ng’s Hotel 9/11: An Oral History from Survivors of 3 World Trade Center is the only book that chronicles the stories of the people who escaped from the 24-story Marriott World Trade Center hotel. Nearly 1,000 guests were registered at the hotel on September 11. Many stories that took place in the hotel are still unknown, but they provide significant insight into the history of 9/11.

“Within these pages you will read some of these types of stories from the survivors of the World Trade Center Marriott Hotel. Directly from the people who lived through the attacks, you will read remarkable accounts of hotel guests persevering through unfamiliar surroundings in the midst of immense terror and confusion, hotel employees helping to evacuate guests, firefighters responding to guide civilians through the danger. The survivors who share their stories here, and the thousands of others who escaped that day, provide crucial insight into the events of 9/11. Through them, we know of the bravery of the first responders, the professionalism of employees, and the compassion shown by perfect strangers. Through them, we know the story of 9/11 is more than just the story of terror and destruction that gripped the world’s attention. Through them, we know the actions taken in response to the attacks exhibit the best we have to offer one another, even in the very worst circumstances.

And that is a history worth preserving.”

Joe Daniels
President and CEO
National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Genres: Nonfiction, History

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2016

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, but not Completely Accurate

An interesting read, but book is lacking in editing. There are several sections that make no sense (couldn't comprehend what writer was trying to say) and some facts are wrong (one writer confused North and South tower, timelines aren't always correct, etc). But an interesting and powerful read overall.

[Stephanie Dargusch Borders · Rating 3 out of 5]

The oral histories recorded in this book are an essential part of the 9/11 canon. I hope it is edited and reissued. Unfortunately, the poor editing in the book made it difficult to read at times, so this is a book I would recommend to those that are interested in reading everything there is to read about 9/11. Otherwise, stick to one of the better known books on 9/11.

[Shae]

Can't fault the stories, but wow this wasn't copyedited even a little.

[Hernan Villarreal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an interesting book with good stories but I think that it just gets boring because the stories are very similar.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was well done. I have read many accounts of what happened on 9/11. To read from the people who stayed in the hotel that was directly sandwiched between the North and South Tower of The World Trade Center was fascinating and horrible. To get a small look into the human thought process during a horrific event. To hear the survivors speak of the hero's who saved them and the torment they felt for those hero's when they learned that they perished trying to save others. It is heartening to hear how wonderful people were to each other during this event.
It's not easy to read about such a horrible event in our lifetime, but an important piece of our history that we should never forget.
Proceeds from the sale of this book go directly to the survivors fund of 3 World Trade Center

[Jenn Watterlond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this five stars simply because these survivors were not meant to be writers, in the sense that who could have predicted such a tragic event would impact them that they would need to chronicle it?

Also, I feel like it is not my position to ‘rate’ these stories, as it’s really not my place to critique nor comment. These are their tragic stories to tell, just as they want them to be told. I can’t even fathom putting myself in their shoes that day.

However, I willllll join in like others did regarding the grammar. Many, many obvious grammar mistakes, including some sentences that made no literal sense or were cut off.

But, incredible stories of survival nonetheless and am happy these WTC 3 survivors are able to have their stories told to the world.

[Paige McClellan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Knowing that these are true stories told from the survivors themselves, I can't give it less than 4 stars. It had to have been so hard to relive the stories so that the stories could be told forever.
However, I do wish that there had been better editing. The amount of grammar mistakes and spelling errors is a little distracting.
Again, I'm glad the stories were told, and my heart goes out to all involved. Those who lived through it, those who lost loved ones and everyone in between.

[Andrea A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of stories from the survivors of the Marriott Hotel between the Twin Towers. Many experiences we have heard before,but different perspectives of the hotel guests. Book creates vivid accounts of all the experiences and truly makes you feel. I did not notice and editing issues. Great book.

[Cheri Branham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Wow, how blessed these people were who were able to survive and willing to tell their stories. We should tell all first responders how grateful we are.
We should all be thankful for each day that God allows us to live.

[Lawrence B. Russell, Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but too many typos.

This is a good book marred by so many typographic errors. A great read, none-the-less.

Recommended reading to anyone interested in the personal experiences of 9/11 victims.

[Jessica Cork · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sad and really brings out the depth of the stories from 9/11. It was really fascinating to learn about the people that weren’t in the towers themselves, but in the hotel. A few typos here and there, but overall, loved it

[Janette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personal accounts of those who survived from the Marriot Hotel between the twin towers. Brought back many memories and gave insights to what it was like that day.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read. I never even knew there was a hotel connected to the Towers.

Each story is distinctive in its own way and the writing conveys well the horror.