Love, Greg and Lauren

by Greg Manning

Early on the morning of September 11, 2001, Lauren Manning-a wife, the mother of a ten-month-old son, and a senior vice president and partner at Cantor Fitzgerald-came to work, as always, at One World Trade Center. As she stepped into the lobby, a fireball exploded from the elevator shaft, and in that split second her life was changed forever. Lauren was burned over 82.5 percent of her body. As he watched his wife lie in a drug-induced coma in the ICU of the Burn Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Greg Manning began writing a daily journal. In the form of e-mails to family, friends, and colleagues, he recorded Lauren’s harrowing struggle-and his own tormented efforts to make sense of an act that defies all understanding. This book is that e-mail detailed, intimate, inspiring messages that end, always, as if a prayer for a happy LOVE, GREG & LAURENWe share this story day by astonishing day. Greg writes of the intricate surgeries, the painful therapies, and the constant risk of infection Lauren endured. Through his eyes we come to know the doctors, nurses, aides, and therapists who cared for her around the clock with untiring devotion and sensitivity. We also come to know the families with whom he shared wrenching hospital vigils for their own loved ones who were waging a battle that some would not win. It was, most of all, Greg’s belief that Lauren would win her brave fight for life that kept him writing. Through his eyes we see what she could not-their toddler’s first steps, the video of his first birthday party, the compassionate messages of hope from around the world. And we are there as Lauren gradually emerges into awareness, signaling first with her eyes, then with smiles, her understanding of the words Greg speaks to her, the poems he recites, the songs he plays. Most miraculously, we are there when Lauren walks out of the Burn Center. The world knows all too well both the nightmare and the heroism that have marked this terrible time in history. But no account of September 11 matches the astonishing personal story Greg Manning records in these spontaneous and heartfelt pages. It is a story that invites us to share, e-mail after e-mail, the perilous course of a mortally wounded woman who by sheer will and courage emerges from near death because she is determined to live for her husband and her son. And it is equally the story of a man who, as he stays by her side through these long weeks and months, discovers anew the depth of his love and admiration for the woman who becomes his hero.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir, Autobiography, Inspirational, History

311 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish so much that I could rate this like most - maybe all from what I've seen at a glance - of the others here. I really, really expected to "like" this book. I'm interested in everything 9/11 related. But I was bored. I feel awful saying that but the fact of the matter is that I don't know Lauren. I don't know Greg.
Lauren was in a burn unit and basically each entry consisted of one of the following sentences:
Lauren's breathing on her own more.
Lauren's signs are better.
Lauren had a fever but it's under control.
Lauren is "rock steady".

Maybe this makes me a mean person but that's boring. If this was someone in my family of among my friends then his emails would have been a Godsend. But that's not the case. I'm reading his emails, one after the other, years down the road. And it's boring.
How many times can I read about someones temperature?
There are no pictures included at all. And I do mean NONE. Now, I can understand not including Lauren's photo (even though there is a family thumbnail-like photo on the front cover of my edition) but none of Greg? None of Tyler, their baby son? None of their apartment even with its close proximity to the towers? None?
That seemed off to me to say the least.
Greg (and Lauren according to Greg's words) seem like wonderful, wonderful people and I wish them both nothing but the best. I'm sure Greg's emails were anxiously awaited by friends and family alike at the time. But being a stranger reading just didn't do it..
:(

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 2 out of 5]

True story, a bit inspirational but got very tedious with burn care info. More inspiration would have made connection better.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is an interesting coincidence in that I finished this book and chose to begin writing this review as the radio station I had on in the background was playing Alan Jackson's 'Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning?", the song most closely linked to the September 11th attacks.
For Lauren Manning, the answer to Alan's question was, 'living the disaster', having just walked into Tower 1 as the giant fireball that resulted from the first plane strike exploded down the elevator shaft, forcing her out of the building as her clothes and skin caught fire. Meanwhile, her husband, Greg, was caring for their 10-month old son before leaving for his own workday in the World Trade Center. This book is a culmination of e-mails sent from Greg to his friends and family as he and Lauren begin their recovery from September 11th. Burned over 82% of her body, Lauren's chances of survival were slim at best, and Greg's letters convey both the physical toll the injuries have on Lauren's body, and the emotional ups and downs of being a family member unable to do much more than pray and offer comforting words to such a severely injured loved one. Considering that the picture on the cover shows a happy family of 3 where the mother shows signs of burn injuries, I won't consider it spoiling anything to say that Lauren beats the odds and the letters progress from updates about Lauren's fight to survive to outlines of what Lauren experiences in a given day in an effort to regain a sense of normalcy in her life. While the e-mails only encompass the time Lauren spends on the burn unit, Greg writes a chapter specifically detailing her time spent at the rehab facility, culminating 6 months and 4 days after September 11th when Lauren returns to their apartment for the first time.
What I found most powerful about this book was the reminder about the small fraction of World Trade Center people who were neither killed in the attacks nor miraculously escaped unscathed. Greg Manning details his frustrations at visiting relief centers that controlled the doling out of funds to 9/11 families but were unprepared for people like him, in immediate need of aid but without the death certificate/notice of his loved one because the loved one was desperately clinging to life. Readers also learn about the community of 9/11 families in the burn unit waiting room, where small milestones like a night of maintained blood pressure is cause for celebration, but all too frequently the community shrinks as one of the patients loses the fight. The members of that group provided the best support system outside of Greg's and Lauren's families, as they, and often only they, understood what the others were experiencing. Even after Lauren's release from inpatient care, the Mannings continue to fight for the survivors injured on 9/11 who often seemed to be forgotten.
Even 10 years later, this book moved me as much as I imagine it would have had I read it when first published and I feel it is a valuable read not only for those with a connection to or interest in 9/11, but anyone who deeply cares for someone dealing with burn injures. This book is a true testament that the will to live exists in us all and that even after experiencing what I've heard described as the most painful, long-lasting injuries one could endure, hope can remain and drive that will.

[Jennie Louwes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where were you when the Twin Towers fell? I was working at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was on my morning rounds, delivering patient files to the one reception/waiting area that had a t.v. on, shortly after the first plane hit. I was stuptefied and in shock, processing what I was seeing; composing myself, I had to continue on with my day serving the people in front of me. I received updates, here and there, from fellow employees; but, had to wait until evening before turning on my own television, in my home, and watching the full news coverage for myself.

Reading "Love, Greg and Lauren" made me aware of so much more than I had ever known before! Details of the day, a personal story of survival against all odds; a perspective unlike anything I had been exposed to before in regards to the events of September 11th.

Having never been to New York City prior to September 11th, 2001. Never seeing the Twin Towers in person. The sheer magnitude of the loss is still too large for me to fully grasp/fathom/comprehend. Yet the American Spirit, pride of people and country, still rings true for me.

I have had many family members pass away in my 40 years. Some from elongated battles waged in hospitals. Non from burn related injuries though; however, working at the Rehabilitation Hospital where I did, in my early 20's, exposed me to burn patients, extensive injuries, and arduous roads to recovery. Due to things I've witnessed in my life, I was able to visualize much of what was explained and outlined in "Love, Greg and Lauren". This insight, along with being a mother, found me drawn into the words I read. At times my tears flowed.

A true story worthy of 5 stars and more. As someone who has always viewed 9/11 from a distance, based upon logistics, this book brought it all to life for me like nothing before outside of the initial news footage.

I have zero relationship with any people listed in the acknowledgement section of this book and yet find myself wanting to write them each personalized letters thanking them for their extraordinary dedication towards doing their best to save the lives of their patients to include Lauren Manning.

What a book, what a story, what a miracle!

[Carrie Aulenbacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly amazing story of human triumph in the face of such a horrible tragedy as 9/11.
I loved reading right from his emails. They gave you such a fresh impression of what was happening daily - there is no chance for the plot to get bogged down with pages of dialog. I would've liked to have been able to keep reading about her progress in rehab. This also reminded me of my own time being injured and recovering, which happened to be happening DURING 9/11. I was not burned, but I know that frustration of being dependent on others, being in pain, watching those towers falling and thinking that nothing made sense in the world anymore.
I would hope my own husband could write something so touching and tender about me! Greg is eloquent while still being a man. Missing important milestones, not understanding her at times, being caught up in life, buying the wrong sizes!! I had to root for both of them at times!
A must keep for my shelf, to remember what the country went through and what we, as individuals, are capable of.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story about a woman's determination to live for her husband, her son and herelf; and of a husband's determination to see his wife through the toughest tribulation to may (God-willing) ever face. I cried at every obstacle Lauren faced and was overjoyed when she overcame one. Every step in her long journey of recovery is detailed by her loving husband in emails to family and friends. I learned a lot about what was happening at the time of 9/11 for the families of survivors, something that was publicized very well. I also learned a lot about burn care, things I never even knew to think about. Lauren's determination and strength are inspiring, but Greg also shows the hardships of her recovery; the reasons she needed to be so strong. I wish I could thank Greg Manning for sharing his and Lauren's story with the world.

[JULIE · Rating 4 out of 5]

While much as been written about the events of September 11, this was the first book I read which was a very personal account of the aftermath from the spouse of a survivor and a survivor. Few people were injured after the planes hit the Twin Towers; the either died or survived without much physical damage. Lauren Manning was quite seriously injured. This is her husband, Greg's account of Lauren's stay at the hospital and the events in New York in the months after September 11. Through Greg's emails, the reader feels their love and thier pain.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of detail, facts and emotion that was presented in each page and each email. The true story of a husbands' words as he updates family and friends every day as his wife fights for life in a Critical Burn Unit as a result of 9/11 attacks. The themes are evident, the emotion is strong and the strength is inspiring.Only downfall, is that it sometimes gets repetitive or focuses on details that don't matter. All in all, great book!

[Stephanie Seymore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I would give it 2 1/2 stars if that was possible. It was just soooo detailed and the details were of mundane things. I thought the story itself was inspiring. As someone who experienced over a year of caring for someone terminally ill I could relate to a lot of his experiences. But there was just so much that was unnecessary to share and I found myself skimming.

[Cindy (BKind2Books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

At the risk of seeming like a Grinch, I must say that this book was less inspiring than the actual story. I think that the issue is the very nature of this narrative - it is the emails from the stricken husband as he deals with the very real, very immediate care of his wife and young child on September 11th and the days that followed.

Lauren Manning had just entered the lobby of the North Tower of the World Trade Center as an aircraft hit and a fireball exploded from the elevator shaft. She was propelled out the doors with severe burns to over 80% of her body. Quick thinking by a bystander was able to get her out of the area and to help within minutes and likely saved her life as she was transferred to one of the best burn units in the country. The first 50 pages are compelling reading. But it quickly bogs down. Greg becomes repetitive, going over the same issues day after day. Even from the perspective of someone reading this realtime, I would have been skipping over vast amounts of minutiae...I don't need to know that the grafts have to heal for 5 days, every day for 5 days; all the attendees for a 1 year old's birthday party and the bonus attendees from his friend that shared it with him; the operation of the trach and the daily status of its closure. You get the idea. I dealt (for years) with a child who had a severe life-threatening illness and status updates to interested parties were not about whether how many times her fever spiked or whether I was playing that night at the nightclub (or other family details) - status updates were more on the lines of we're back in the hospital for ___ and appreciate the good thoughts / prayers, or maybe things are looking up/down and what she needs from her supporters. But this minute by minute playback seemed almost invasive and what wasn't invasive was just plain too much, unless you were a family intimate. Her story was important and inspiring, but this story was just too detailed and dull.

Quotes I liked:

...we alone understand what we are going through: we are the loved ones of critically injured patients from a massive tragedy in which most victims either died or walked out under their own power.

...nothing good can come from evil, but good things can happen after evil.

So I keep the faith, in Lauren's strength and in her destiny, and ride the waves as they rise and fall, and hope that they will deliver her to safe harbor, even as she steers singly across a merciless ocean.

...we are healed only when we remember to find love in the face of evil and hate.

[Nati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Greg and Lauren by Greg Manning is an incredibly touching memoir that shows us again and again that love is the only thing that motivates us to fight for our lives in critical situations. On the morning of September 11, 2001, Lauren Manning- who was newly married, was met by a fireball as she strode into the lobby of the World Trade Center. She got 82,5 % of her body burned. Lauren spent weeks on the brink of death, then months at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. The main purpose of this work was to record for Greg's son, Tyler, who at that time was only 10 months old, how his mom fought for her life. The heroism of Lauren is so inspiring and I guess that the values that are promoted in this book leaves no one indifferent. This story reflects how hard the way to triumph can be and how sometimes people are sacrificing the most valuable things in order to survive. The author describes every single insignificant detail that he finds extremely important.
This story is a chronicle of the three months after the terrorist attacks, as seen from Lauren's bedside. Greg Manning sent daily e-mail messages to loved ones describing his efforts to connect to his wife through baseball, poetry and music. The book also details the critical moments of Mrs. Manning’s recovery as she regained consciousness; and her first words were, “Hi, Greg,” on Nov. 12 — and then she slowly began to understand what had happened. It ends in the middle of December 2001, when Mrs. Manning left the hospital for a rehabilitation center. Greg writes about the intricate surgeries, the incredibly painful therapies, and the constant risk of infection Lauren endured. Through his eyes, the reader comes to know the doctors, nurses, aides, and therapists who cared for her around the clock with untiring devotion and sensitivity. Greg wrote on page 216, "The doctors and nurses haven't changed, they're still as dedicated as they were. But the emotional burden is now on her family." The reader has the opportunity to know the families with whom he shared wrenching hospital vigils for their own loved ones who were waging a battle that some would not win. It was, most of all, Greg's belief that Lauren would win her brave fight for life that kept him writing.
 The book ends with sweet words from the patient, Lauren, that almost make every reader crying, after realizing how long was her journey to survive was: "God bless and keep each one of you in good health- All my love, Lauren."

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been already close to 22 years since 9/11 happened but I decided to read this book. It brought back memories of the day, but this book was what it was like to be a survivor of 9/11 and a husband who decided to write detailed emails of how his wife got through the first three months in the burn unit. Every day brought something different in Lauren’s recovery. I thought Lauren’s husband, Greg, was very positive and honest in his updates as well as very detailed. Even though 9/11 doesn’t seem to be over 20 years ago, the emails brought back memories of a time where no one had a smart phone to take as many pictures and videos as possible, Blockbuster was still around, as well as VHS tapes, cassettes, and many CD’s. It’s amazing how the internet can show us what Lauren looks like now and some pictures of the past. Surprisingly, there wasn’t any picture in the book I read, which would have been nice of the family.

[Deb Cornell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A close friend read this book when it came out in 2002. 9/11 was still too recent for me to handle this very honest and raw diary of Lauren Manning. Lauren was burned over 80% of her body when she walked into the lobby of One World Trade Center just as terrorists forced a jet into the 78th floor sending a fireball of jet fuel down an elevator shaft into that lobby. Lauren's husband emailed a daily description of Lauren's life struggle at the Weil Cornell Medicine Burn Center to family and friends for the next 90 days.

Even though the attack happened over 20 years ago, you will still find this a fascinating and emotional read. I am going to hold onto this one for my permanent collection in hopes that my grandchildren will read it one day.

[Jayne Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. A little monotonous and would have loved more background but it was his update e mails. Very freaky how they both should have died if they had been at work at their normal times. I really would have loved photos included. Overall though a great survival story.

[Dawn Keiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful story of one woman's journey of survival, recovery and rehabilitation after being badly burned in the attacks of 9/11. Her story of wanting to survive not only for herself, but for her husband and son is inspirational.

[Amy Ferguson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Incredibly hard to get through this one, not because of the traumatic events described, but the content is very rehabilitation heavy. Very burn care focused. Lauren’s memoir about her experience directly is a much easier read.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a good first hand telling of recovering from 9/11. At times a little maudlin but worth the time and effort.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it many years ago. Fascinating to learn about what burn victims endure along with learning about how this particular couple’s lives were impacted by 911.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brought back some reality. A pretty easy read. Pretty well written. A true testament to a husband's love.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book!!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most amazing books I have ever read about 9/11. It gives the true story of a man and his wife who lived through the terror of 9/11. She was burned over 82% of her body. He details events in daily e-mails he sends to friends and family. What a story of strength and courage! It also gives a better understanding of how things really were after the tragedy. His unwavering support was a thing to behold.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book - composed of emails to family and friends about the recovery of one who suffered serious burns after 9/11. It only covered the 3 months following the attack, so I couldn't help but be curious what was happening in Lauren Manning's life 10 years later. It's amazing to see how well she is doing and how many people consider her an inspiration. She simply did what she had to and went through rehab to become as fully functional as possible after an accident. I believe she makes it seem easier said than done, and it is an inspiration to see someone overcome a difficult trial in their life. At the same time, let us not forget those who have also had accidents and who weren't able to recover as fully. They too should be a source of inspiration.

[Scolumbus · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Unmeasured Strength about Lauren Manning's survival following severe burns received on 9/11 in the World Trade center, I wanted to read Love, Greg and Lauren by her husband, greg Manning. Her book covers the 10 years following 9/11 and the early months were less clearly recalled by her due to the severity of her injuries. Greg's day-by-day account via emails he sent to family and friends covers those initial days and months as she fought to get "out of the woods". It shows the patient's family's experience in a way healthcare providers don't often get to experience. Reading both books gives two perspectives on the same events. Lauren is an inspiration and her family is too.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book during one of the anniversaries of 9/11.

This book is about Lauren Manning (an employee of Cantor Fitzgerald) who worked in One World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. She was just about to enter the elevator when the jet-fueled fireball came down the shaft and (literally) blew her out the doors of the building and burned over 80 percent of her body and after arriving at the hospital was given just a one percent chance of surviving. She had also given birth just ten months prior so she missed out on most of the "firsts" of her son while she was in a medically induced coma and subsequent burn recovery. The story of her recovery is told by her husband in email form to all friends and family.

[Hila · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me too long to read it, and I kept remind myself that it based on a true story, which we can never forget. But, and there is a big but, its a tough story, and if it was a story about someone in my family I would be more than happy to hear every detail, but since I couldn't connect to it, it took me too long to read it, I didn't have the urge to take the book and continue reading. I found myself too many times thinking until when?!.
its very important to read those kind of stories, but they probably have more effect when the real story is still fresh. I read it 12 years after it happened. I was 12 years old at the time, things were different back than.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It is a collection of emails written by Greg after his wife was burned in the 911 attacks at the World Trade Center. 82.5% of Lauren's body was burned and she wasn't expected to survive but she did. This book shares the ups and downs of Lauren's long recovery in the hospital and ends on a very hopeful note, even though it makes it clear to the reader that Lauren's recovery and rehabilitation will continue for years to come. It is a heartfelt, emotional book. I didn't want the story to end, I became so attached to Greg and Lauren.

[Ashley (findabooknook) B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a year to the day after 9/11. It is the story of Lauren Manning who was severely burned at the World Trade Center that day. It is really a love letter from a husband to a wife. Greg Manning started out writing e-mails to family and friends to update the status of his wife's long recovery. Those e-mails ciruculated and eventually became this book.

[Selina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unbelievable story. September 11th altered everyone's lives, but in my home I was safe... This tells a story of one who was physically hurt by the attacks and the life changing experiences and trials after. I cannot imagine the pain this poor woman had to go through, and after reading two books about burn victims I am sure this would be the worst injury to incur.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. Letters from a husband that were posted on a website forum about his wife recovering from the 9/11 attacks. Very moving. I have to admit the only reason I picked it up was because it mentioned 9/11 but I am very glad I did. I didn't know anyone who was lost in the attacks so it was very refreshing to see that fighters made it through.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving story about a woman who was injured on 9/11. It is a compilation of the emails her husband sent to friends and family to keep them updated on her progress. An interesting fact that I may have heard before but didn't remember: there were very few injured in the attacks. Most of the people either walked away or were killed.