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Boston Strong: A City's Triumph over Tragedy
Veteran journalists Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge have written the definitive inside look at the Boston Marathon bombings with a unique, Boston-based account of the events that riveted the world. From the Tsarnaev brothers’ years leading up to the act of terror to the bomb scene itself (which both authors witnessed first-hand within minutes of the blast), from the terrifying police shootout with the suspects to the ultimate capture of the younger brother, Boston Strong: A City’s Triumph over Tragedy reports all the facts—and so much more. Based on months of intensive interviews, this is the first book to tell the entire story through the eyes of those who experienced it. From the cop first on the scene, to the detectives assigned to the manhunt, the authors provide a behind-the-scenes look at the investigation. More than a true-crime book, Boston Strong also tells the tragic but ultimately life-affirming story of the victims and their recoveries and gives voice to those who lost loved ones. With their extensive reporting, writing experience, and deep ties to the Boston area, Sherman and Wedge create the perfect match of story, place, and authors. If you’re only going to read one book on this tragic but uplifting story, this is it.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2014
56 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Casey Sherman
25 books234 followersCasey Sherman is a New York Times Bestselling Author of 13 books including The Finest Hours (now a major motion picture starring Casey Affleck & Chris Pine), Boston Strong (the basis for the film Patriots Day starring Mark Wahlberg), Animal & Hunting Whitey.
Sherman is also the author of 12, Search for the Strangler, Animal, Bad Blood, Black Irish, Black Dragon, Above & Beyond and The Ice Bucket Challenge.
Sherman is a contributing writer for TIME, Esquire, Washington Post, Boston Herald and Boston Magazine and has appeared as a guest an analyst on more than 100 television news programs.
Sherman is a graduate of Barnstable High School (Cape Cod), Fryeburg Academy (Fryeburg, Me.) and Boston University.
Sherman is also the author of 12, Search for the Strangler, Animal, Bad Blood, Black Irish, Black Dragon, Above & Beyond and The Ice Bucket Challenge.
Sherman is a contributing writer for TIME, Esquire, Washington Post, Boston Herald and Boston Magazine and has appeared as a guest an analyst on more than 100 television news programs.
Sherman is a graduate of Barnstable High School (Cape Cod), Fryeburg Academy (Fryeburg, Me.) and Boston University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 28, 2015
Not very in depth, and no critical-thinking investigative journalism that I would expect in a full-length book on such a topic. As I'd just read Columbine, this suffered by comparison. But the victim's stories are sad, and it was readable.
April 19, 2023
This is the story of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, told from the perspectives of the civilians and police officers who were there that day.
A few days ago I watched from my window as an endless stream of marathoners ran past, cheered on by the masses of people who'd showed up to watch despite the drizzly day. I live just a couple of miles from the finish line in Copley Square, so people were looking pretty haggard but thrilled as they passed me. It's an exciting day, and an emotional one.
I've lived in Boston for a number of years, but when the bombing occurred I was in India, and followed the story through the newspapers - and consequently got a pretty fractured view of the story. As such, I liked that this book laid everything out in an easy-to-follow timeline. The authors interviewed plenty of people who were on the scene and did a good job of portraying the emotional rollercoaster that the city went through over the course of the next few days.
However, I thought the narration was somewhat shallow. We learn a bit about the terrorists and the city and the marathon, but we don't really go in-depth about what happened, why, and the reasons that led to things playing out as they did.
A few days ago I watched from my window as an endless stream of marathoners ran past, cheered on by the masses of people who'd showed up to watch despite the drizzly day. I live just a couple of miles from the finish line in Copley Square, so people were looking pretty haggard but thrilled as they passed me. It's an exciting day, and an emotional one.
I've lived in Boston for a number of years, but when the bombing occurred I was in India, and followed the story through the newspapers - and consequently got a pretty fractured view of the story. As such, I liked that this book laid everything out in an easy-to-follow timeline. The authors interviewed plenty of people who were on the scene and did a good job of portraying the emotional rollercoaster that the city went through over the course of the next few days.
However, I thought the narration was somewhat shallow. We learn a bit about the terrorists and the city and the marathon, but we don't really go in-depth about what happened, why, and the reasons that led to things playing out as they did.
May 3, 2024
Boston Marathon Bombing. Sherman does a great job of outlining the building up, the event, and the stories of those affected. The flow of the book and how he presents their stories was a little sporadic but it's a beautiful chronicling of the events and how the victims were affected over the following months after the attack.
Also some background on the terrorists and how they became radicalized.
Great book and definitely watch the movie it is based on: Patriot's Day.
Also some background on the terrorists and how they became radicalized.
Great book and definitely watch the movie it is based on: Patriot's Day.
December 25, 2025
A tough read because of all the death and destruction and suffering. I liked the stories of the police officers and investigators. I would have liked to learn more about the perpetrators. Can’t believe it was so long ago but it feels like yesterday. My heart aches for all those injured and for the families of those who passed.
July 11, 2024
2.5 stars
March 9, 2015
I received this book free in exchange for a honest review.
[Boston Strong] by [Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge] was a very well told account of the events leading to, during and after the Boston Marathon bombing. As I finished this book the surviving bomber is just going to trial so the whole thing is a bit surrealistic. I am used to reading about disasters and horrific events but usually long after they have occurred. i don't expect to see them on my news feed.
I believe the authors did a great job of telling the story without too much bias and with an event like this (as 9-11) that is hard because there is so much emotion tied up in it. I recommend this book especially if you want to know more about the survivors, hero's, and even the bombers.
[Boston Strong] by [Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge] was a very well told account of the events leading to, during and after the Boston Marathon bombing. As I finished this book the surviving bomber is just going to trial so the whole thing is a bit surrealistic. I am used to reading about disasters and horrific events but usually long after they have occurred. i don't expect to see them on my news feed.
I believe the authors did a great job of telling the story without too much bias and with an event like this (as 9-11) that is hard because there is so much emotion tied up in it. I recommend this book especially if you want to know more about the survivors, hero's, and even the bombers.
April 19, 2015
Thank you to ForeEdge and the authors, Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge, for this copy of Boston Strong. Thanks also to goodreads for the First Read program.
Well written and researched, the authors take you through the lives of all those most closely involved in the Boston Marathon bombing. Perhaps a little too much background on all the players, and I thought a little too much patriotism and devotion to Boston by some of the characters. A little more concentration on the core group affected was what I was looking for. But, the heart strings are what were being pulled mainly, or that's how I perceived the purpose of the book.
Nicely done and worthy of a read.
Well written and researched, the authors take you through the lives of all those most closely involved in the Boston Marathon bombing. Perhaps a little too much background on all the players, and I thought a little too much patriotism and devotion to Boston by some of the characters. A little more concentration on the core group affected was what I was looking for. But, the heart strings are what were being pulled mainly, or that's how I perceived the purpose of the book.
Nicely done and worthy of a read.
February 28, 2015
I received a copy of "Boston Strong: A City's Triumph over Tragedy" by Casey Sherman & Dave Wedge through the LT Early Reviewer's program. It is a really excellent piece of journalism.
As a former Bostonian, it was probably too soon for me to read a book about the horrific bombing of the marathon. I felt like the book put me through an emotional wringer.
Sherman and Wedge did a great job capturing the events leading up to the marathon bombing, the aftermath and the feeling in the city as time marched on.
As a former Bostonian, it was probably too soon for me to read a book about the horrific bombing of the marathon. I felt like the book put me through an emotional wringer.
Sherman and Wedge did a great job capturing the events leading up to the marathon bombing, the aftermath and the feeling in the city as time marched on.
December 13, 2016
A riveting look at the Boston Marathon bombings and how the victims and city of Boston recovered and came together. Even though I was glued to the news as this unfolded, there were details I learned in the book and more about the bombers' background. The acts of heroism on the part of first responders and civilians are inspiring. #bostonstrong
July 27, 2015
EVERY Bostonian needs to read this book! A lot I didn't realize.
October 24, 2017
On my flight to Rome - September 21st - I watched the movie Patriots Day (holding back tears) and the woman next to me was was watching a comedy and laughing and laughing. I remember being at Kings Grocery Store in Hoboken and looking up at the television to see/hear that there had been a bombing at the Boston Marathon. I'm originally from the Boston area and had watched the Boston Marathon as a child and an adult - I knew it did not look good. Unfortunately, with many of the mass shootings, when it happens in a town/city that you know so well, if effects you deeply (I was living in Denver when Columbine happened. I sense that 9/11 affected people more deeply in the NY/CT/NJ and Boston (DC - I haven't lived in DC)). I had the book as an ebook, so decided to read the book. It helped to read the events of the day and the week and especially about the people - the victims of the marathon bombing, police, first responders, elected officials and a bit of the bombers themselves. Once the police discovered that the bombers were in Watertown, in a shootout - killing the older brother and then the younger brother escaping by foot, with elected officials deciding to "close" Boston - the MBTA, etc. to find him in Watertown. They found him, wounded, underneath a tarp of a boat in a couple's driveway. It was to say the least an unbelievable week (April 15- 19, 2013) in Boston. The whole city rose up to fight back - BOSTON STRONG - were the words adopted by everyone. The Red Sox lived Boston Strong from April to October 2013 - winning the World Series. It was helpful to read about the lives of some of the victims. The bombings, killed 3 people immediately and an estimated 264 people were injured. The brothers shot (6 times) and killed an MIT officer (to steal his gun, which they were unable to do). The brothers also high-jacked a Mercedes Benz SUV with a young Chinese man - he was able to escape from the car, unharmed, a miracle - they certainly would have shot him if possible. The book ends with the younger brother, Dzhokhar Tsarner in prison in Shirley, MA (not too far from my hometown). I was with my father, watching TV, when the verdict was announced, guilty and sentenced to death. The guilty was not shocking, but sentenced to death as MA had ended the death penalty in 1984. With the death penalty, many believe that the legal process of appeals will go on for years. Dzhokhar is in a United States Penitentiary in Florence, CO.
October 15, 2017
Awesome story of the survivors and the first responders, including civilians . While I was reading this book the DEADLY Las Vegas shooting on October 1, 2017 occured. It seemed to make the stories in this book more profound, or stand out more( I was actually reading about Jason Aldean in this book as unknown to me, the Las Vegas horrific shooting was occuring). So many people in this Boston Marathon terrorist attack made the most out of the worse. I had not recalled until I read this book that the big city of Boston was shut down for a day in the search for the remaining terrorist at large. So sad to see anyone maimed or killed but especially young children and those who have or had a whole life ahead of them. This book really made me think about the importance of our government keeping a good watch eye on suspected terrorists as these two slipped by and into one of our sacred cities with very tragic results !! The book struck a deep emotional chord with me. The only thing I found tedious about this book was trying to remember the story of each of the victims as narrated in the beginning of this book. So glad Boston had the victory of the Boston Red Sox to be able to focu on something more positive that year.
December 17, 2023
This book sat on my shelf for the better part of the last 8 years as it has always been a touchy subject since it really is the only week of my life where I did not feel safe. Reading primary accounts of survivors is as powerful and tragic as one could expect, but the genuine triumph and sense of pride is conveyed expertly through the words of those most affected. Tears hit my pages several times as unthinkable grief is translated via text. David Ortiz's speech is a moment I saw on NESN that I will never, ever forget, it made me who I am and instilled an immense pride to be from New England and just outside Boston proper. This book does the same thing. I do wish Don Orsillo got a short blurb in the Field of Dreams chapter for his call of Daniel Nava's game-winning home run after white hat was captured because it was a real crux of our healing journey, just like this book. "Boston, this is for you."
January 9, 2023
I lived in Boston for a decade and still consider it one of my hometowns. I am there often and still live in New England.
Saying this book was hard to read was an understatement. Many tears flowed during my reading of it. Back when the Marathon issue of Runners World came out I filed it away and couldn't read it. But enough time has passed that I felt I could read Boston Strong.
The book is meticulously researched with many first-hand accounts from survivors and law enforcement. It's a very engaging (albeit profoundly disturbing) read. Kudos to the authors for doing Boston proud and providing this record of events.
Saying this book was hard to read was an understatement. Many tears flowed during my reading of it. Back when the Marathon issue of Runners World came out I filed it away and couldn't read it. But enough time has passed that I felt I could read Boston Strong.
The book is meticulously researched with many first-hand accounts from survivors and law enforcement. It's a very engaging (albeit profoundly disturbing) read. Kudos to the authors for doing Boston proud and providing this record of events.
April 29, 2018
It was interesting to hear how people at the marathon were able to persevere and overcome tragedy.
I only had 2 minor complaints about the book: 1) it was a little difficult to keep track of the different people as the book jumped around from person to person. and 2) there were at least 3 mentions of the fact that the two planes that flew in into the WTC on 9-11 had taken off from Logan airport. Maybe that fact was remembered by 3 different people featured in the book but otherwise it was redundant.
I only had 2 minor complaints about the book: 1) it was a little difficult to keep track of the different people as the book jumped around from person to person. and 2) there were at least 3 mentions of the fact that the two planes that flew in into the WTC on 9-11 had taken off from Logan airport. Maybe that fact was remembered by 3 different people featured in the book but otherwise it was redundant.
July 10, 2018
Very readable, emotional book about the terrorist bombing at the 2013 Boston Marathon. The authors provide a detailed accounting of events leading up to, during, and after the attack. I often found myself in tears as I read how the event impacted both victims and first responders. Finally, reading about how the police, politicians, and citizens of Boston (and other cities) responded to this incident, both immediately and long-term, was nothing short of inspirational. This may not be the kind of book you'd normally pick up to read, but I definitely recommend it.
February 15, 2024
This is obviously newspaper articles taken and thrown into a book. There is no overarching theme or plot line (which is still needed in non-fiction). If it hadn't been required reading for my grad school program, I wouldn't of finished this. I was checked out by like 15% in and would of DNF. It did get interesting and well written at about 20-30%, but the last 30% I was skimming.
They list about 20?30? I lost count of the victims and politicians and it was very hard to keep track of all of them and their various injuries.
They list about 20?30? I lost count of the victims and politicians and it was very hard to keep track of all of them and their various injuries.
September 12, 2020
I wish I could give more stars for this book. This is a thorough true account of what happened - before, during and after. I like the way it highlighted the struggle and triumphs of the survivors. I could say so much more but all I want to say is if you love stories about people fighting and winning their lives back after a horrible disaster hits...this is the story to read, or listen to. The narrator did a good job too. He had the Boston accent down pat...lol.
June 2, 2023
One thing I did learn from this book is that police entered the Copley Place Marriott to ask if they could use their giant conference room as an emergency command center after the bombing and the Marriott management said, “no.”
Yes! That’s the same Marriott hotel which ten years later hosted 800 Satanists for them to curse Boston, rip up the Bible, trample a thin blue line police flag and advance their anti-family agenda.
This book was good but there wasn’t much in it. It’s one of the few occasions when the movie is better than the book.
Yes! That’s the same Marriott hotel which ten years later hosted 800 Satanists for them to curse Boston, rip up the Bible, trample a thin blue line police flag and advance their anti-family agenda.
This book was good but there wasn’t much in it. It’s one of the few occasions when the movie is better than the book.
July 11, 2025
This book is not an exact and perfect recollection of the event - it follows the stories of several victims, first responders, and locals politicians. As well as the perpetrators. It’s inspirational, emotional, and sad at certain points. I enjoyed it.
This is a good book if you want the human side of this tragedy.
However, if you’re looking for the reasons why it happened, or how it exactly happened, this book won’t cover it.
This is a good book if you want the human side of this tragedy.
However, if you’re looking for the reasons why it happened, or how it exactly happened, this book won’t cover it.
January 21, 2020
Borrowed this book from my library. As someone from the Boston area I remember this event like it was yesterday. This book didn’t really give me any more details (or at least details I wanted to know) than I already knew. If you don’t know about the bombing then this might be good but I wasn’t a fan.
January 27, 2017
All I can say is wow. The authors did a lot of research to bring this to print. Through this writing you come to know victims and first responders of that awful day in Boston. It is told with respect.
May 10, 2017
I thought this was a very interesting and well researched book. I fought back tears during so many parts of this book but I am glad that I am a little better able to understand the horror these people went though.
March 29, 2018
A riveting account
Couldn’t put it down, as much as I enjoyed the movie, I knew it had been adapted to focus more on the star rather than the story. This is the story and the movie pales by comparison.
Couldn’t put it down, as much as I enjoyed the movie, I knew it had been adapted to focus more on the star rather than the story. This is the story and the movie pales by comparison.
October 4, 2018
Wow. This book was extremely heavy and I didn't think I would have such a visceral reaction to it. The stories of the survivors, the victims, and the law enforcement were incredible and the manhunt text kept me captivated. I definitely learned new things.
January 27, 2017
I read this book because I saw the movie Patriots Day and was interested in the full story. Very engaging and easy to follow for a complicated set of circumstances.
March 24, 2017
It is make me scarry with this story. I am never visit US but i am a marathoner myself. I am prepare to do marathon this year in Berlin and to be honest this story make me doubt to join the event. We can not predict what will happened in our lives, everything can happened in 1 sec. Jesus, i hope the God bless and give strength to all the victims of this tragedy. 4 stars for this book.
August 1, 2017
This is a book that needed more photos and maps. While there are many interesting facts, there should have been a bit more depth. A general overview of the Marathon bombings.
February 11, 2018
I'm glad I read this!
January 30, 2019
This book brought memories of that terrible tragedy. It was very informative and detailed both of the bombers and the survivors. I really enjoyed the authors perspective.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews