What do you think?
Rate this book
In The Aftermath
In the Aftermath- 9/11 Through a Volunteer's Eyes, commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in September 2021, i s a journey through the author's experience working at the WTC Ground Zero Relief Project, Spring Street Warehouse that procured and delivered supplies to the first responders and recovery crews at Ground Zero clean-up and recovery sites. The journey continues on to the present with memories of people whose lives were impacted by the horrors of 9/11: those who died, those who restored, those who mourned, those who volunteered, those who survived. Those who prayed. Both History and Poetry - Recommended by the US Review of Books as "Nostalgic and poignant, honorary and honest, with a voice raw and uniquely its own, this book captures the immediate and distant aftermath of a tragedy still prominent in American (and world) minds." T hrough these poems, Beth SKMorris hands us today's lesson in never-forgetting.
54 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
3 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 7, 2023
In the Aftermath is an overwhelming achievement, deserving of the acclaim it has received. On a personal note, as a person who witnessed the catastrophe of 9/11, and the unnecessary and obligatory failures that followed, I read the book as if I were bleeding 9/11 again. I sincerely hope this book is read by many, who might learn from the dynamics that thrived through those days. It was more than a loss of life, though that was terrible enough. Beth SK Morris' In the Aftermath teaches us about ourselves. The frightening conviction for me is that I am not convinced we learned anything from history. Some of the poems crystalized the mortal form into microscopic bits of humanity, scattered in the rubble. It provides a sobering message about the fragility of human life. These are my initial takes after completing the book, to be re-read and shared with my companions in history.
April 26, 2023
Dust, debris, depression, despair, and what comes to mind is the Latin expression for “thanks be to God”—Deo Gratias! Thanks be to the Almighty for giving words to the poet Beth SKMorris and for her ability to voice through her salient, expressive poems what we should never forget—the enormous tragedy and loss of 9/11.
Throughout this collection of poetry, we are reminded of the tremendous loss, but also of the courage of the first responders and volunteers who succored and restored them and each other. This is a magnificent, significant work—my only wish is that it continues to receive the attention it meritoriously warrants.
June 15, 2025
A review of In the Aftermath: 9/11 through a Volunteer’s Eyes. Poems by Beth SKMorris.
Oh Wow! Where to start?
For anyone who experienced 9/11 and the following days, whether directly involved or watching from afar, this book is hard to read without tearing up. But it is such an important vision of the events as seen not only from the poet’s eyes, but from the eyes of so many volunteers, firemen, those who survived and the eyes of the world, witnesses to this tragic event.
In “No Relief,” the speaker claims, “I tell him I’m sorry/ for disturbing him/ ask if he’s done/ for the day, finished/ his shift down/ in the rubble.”
The reply:
“just came in
to clean up,
grab some sleep,
Can’t go home
have to dig
find my brother.”
That day so many people united in grief to become brothers and sisters as so many lost brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers. She presents a series within the book called “By the Numbers.” The first poem reads:
“300
Bone fragments embedded
in gravel, raked to the side
of a roof near the South Towers.”
In her poem “Compassion Fatigue,” she gives us a to-do list to get water for volunteers. That poem ends with the lines, “Each call/ drops me deeper.” No matter how much compassion we feel, eventually the strongest of us runs out of stamina, physically, mentally and emotionally.
In the next “By the Numbers” poem, the speaker says:
“Unnumbered
Remains gathered years after—
From roads paved to clean up Ground Zero
under construction sites, inside man-hole covers”
The numbers do not lie---the remains of remaining memories will never go away. The fragments of that day will always be in our minds and hearts.
The poet recounts her move to Florida for some years of relief and then a return to New York and to,
“people I worked with at the Warehouse
coming home unlocking the door,
paying the price for the gift
of recollection.”
The vivid memories cost so much for those who did not ask for this to happen, did not ask to have these recollections, nevertheless, they are there, always.
In the next “By the Numbers,”
“1,000
Still missing---
Unidentified
Un-retrievable,
Incinerated.”
The number of the ghosts---those unnamed
but surely, they visit the site---Spirits swirl just like the smoke of that tragic day.
In “Ceremony” she writes:
“Stand up for the names
try to make it to then
Legs give out at ‘G.’”
This book is filled with so much emotion it is hard to read this poetry without our hearts nearly giving out. But the emotion of this event is placed in a time capsule by Beth SKMorris. It is one to keep on our bookshelf, to pick up on certain days, so that we never forget those lost on that day. For us to never forget the heroes, the firemen, all the volunteers at Ground Zero who helped save so many lives and help those who lost loved ones in this awful act of terrorism.
Beth also has a video in which she reads poems from this amazing book. The clarity and directness of her voice brings these poems to life. Her voice speaks for those lost and those who lost. This is a necessary book and video for those who need to know that others will never forget.
Here is the link to the YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44_qD...
(jacob erin-cilberto, author of A Journeyman’s Poems)
Oh Wow! Where to start?
For anyone who experienced 9/11 and the following days, whether directly involved or watching from afar, this book is hard to read without tearing up. But it is such an important vision of the events as seen not only from the poet’s eyes, but from the eyes of so many volunteers, firemen, those who survived and the eyes of the world, witnesses to this tragic event.
In “No Relief,” the speaker claims, “I tell him I’m sorry/ for disturbing him/ ask if he’s done/ for the day, finished/ his shift down/ in the rubble.”
The reply:
“just came in
to clean up,
grab some sleep,
Can’t go home
have to dig
find my brother.”
That day so many people united in grief to become brothers and sisters as so many lost brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers. She presents a series within the book called “By the Numbers.” The first poem reads:
“300
Bone fragments embedded
in gravel, raked to the side
of a roof near the South Towers.”
In her poem “Compassion Fatigue,” she gives us a to-do list to get water for volunteers. That poem ends with the lines, “Each call/ drops me deeper.” No matter how much compassion we feel, eventually the strongest of us runs out of stamina, physically, mentally and emotionally.
In the next “By the Numbers” poem, the speaker says:
“Unnumbered
Remains gathered years after—
From roads paved to clean up Ground Zero
under construction sites, inside man-hole covers”
The numbers do not lie---the remains of remaining memories will never go away. The fragments of that day will always be in our minds and hearts.
The poet recounts her move to Florida for some years of relief and then a return to New York and to,
“people I worked with at the Warehouse
coming home unlocking the door,
paying the price for the gift
of recollection.”
The vivid memories cost so much for those who did not ask for this to happen, did not ask to have these recollections, nevertheless, they are there, always.
In the next “By the Numbers,”
“1,000
Still missing---
Unidentified
Un-retrievable,
Incinerated.”
The number of the ghosts---those unnamed
but surely, they visit the site---Spirits swirl just like the smoke of that tragic day.
In “Ceremony” she writes:
“Stand up for the names
try to make it to then
Legs give out at ‘G.’”
This book is filled with so much emotion it is hard to read this poetry without our hearts nearly giving out. But the emotion of this event is placed in a time capsule by Beth SKMorris. It is one to keep on our bookshelf, to pick up on certain days, so that we never forget those lost on that day. For us to never forget the heroes, the firemen, all the volunteers at Ground Zero who helped save so many lives and help those who lost loved ones in this awful act of terrorism.
Beth also has a video in which she reads poems from this amazing book. The clarity and directness of her voice brings these poems to life. Her voice speaks for those lost and those who lost. This is a necessary book and video for those who need to know that others will never forget.
Here is the link to the YouTube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44_qD...
(jacob erin-cilberto, author of A Journeyman’s Poems)
January 27, 2022
What proceeds a terrorist activity, especially one characterized by mass deaths and destruction of properties? Are the victims only prone to mental losses after losing their loved ones, or do they face much more? “In the Aftermath: 9/11 Through a Volunteer’s Eyes” by Beth SK Morris is an account of what transpired after 9/11. The author succinctly represents the state of affairs that followed the infamous act, which still lingers in Americans’ minds.
Reproducing the events and enhancing the formation of mental images was only enhanced by the author’s extensive use of vivid descriptions. For instance, in the lines,
“They could only watch
their artistry descend,
decay return;
debris, dust,
and ash.”
The extract above graphically highlights the confusion that characterized Ground Zero. After reading those lines, I empathized with the victims’ desperate situation, especially after being caught unawares. Beth has incredibly employed flashbacks to foreground the serenity that existed before 9/11. This enabled me to mentally visualize the scene and relate to the volunteer’s predicament.
The author has included statements from volunteers and rescuers, which verifies her claims and gives the book a sense of authenticity. She presents us with the health complications that the volunteers had to contend with through this. For example, rescuers had health complications caused by exposure to hazards and toxins in the aftermath, such as thyroid disease, lung cancer, and lymphoma.
The literary relevance of this full-length collection would be incomplete with a single story. The author describes the desperate situation of the victims’ families, who covered up for their kin’s absence. I appreciate Beth’s use of direct address along with her plot development. In ‘Side Effects,’ she writes,
“The fumes
assault me
each time I enter
the warehouse”
Recreating the volunteer’s vulnerability enabled me to relate with them more, as I equally dreaded what lay ahead.
I commend the author’s use of ellipsis in the book, which makes a reader actively take part in the narration by trying to predict what would happen next. Beth creatively complemented that with rhetorical questions and repetition of some titles. Notably, ‘By the Numbers’ has been repeated severally to build tension as the plot develops and, therefore, enhances the suspense in the book.
There is nothing I liked least in this book, and I wholeheartedly award it the maximum rating of five out of five stars. It must have been professionally edited, as I neither found typos nor grammatical errors. I recommend it to history lovers and anyone who may want to learn about the volunteers’ life after 9/11. The excellent yet straightforward language used by the author is easy to understand, even for readers that prefer prose to poetry.
Reproducing the events and enhancing the formation of mental images was only enhanced by the author’s extensive use of vivid descriptions. For instance, in the lines,
“They could only watch
their artistry descend,
decay return;
debris, dust,
and ash.”
The extract above graphically highlights the confusion that characterized Ground Zero. After reading those lines, I empathized with the victims’ desperate situation, especially after being caught unawares. Beth has incredibly employed flashbacks to foreground the serenity that existed before 9/11. This enabled me to mentally visualize the scene and relate to the volunteer’s predicament.
The author has included statements from volunteers and rescuers, which verifies her claims and gives the book a sense of authenticity. She presents us with the health complications that the volunteers had to contend with through this. For example, rescuers had health complications caused by exposure to hazards and toxins in the aftermath, such as thyroid disease, lung cancer, and lymphoma.
The literary relevance of this full-length collection would be incomplete with a single story. The author describes the desperate situation of the victims’ families, who covered up for their kin’s absence. I appreciate Beth’s use of direct address along with her plot development. In ‘Side Effects,’ she writes,
“The fumes
assault me
each time I enter
the warehouse”
Recreating the volunteer’s vulnerability enabled me to relate with them more, as I equally dreaded what lay ahead.
I commend the author’s use of ellipsis in the book, which makes a reader actively take part in the narration by trying to predict what would happen next. Beth creatively complemented that with rhetorical questions and repetition of some titles. Notably, ‘By the Numbers’ has been repeated severally to build tension as the plot develops and, therefore, enhances the suspense in the book.
There is nothing I liked least in this book, and I wholeheartedly award it the maximum rating of five out of five stars. It must have been professionally edited, as I neither found typos nor grammatical errors. I recommend it to history lovers and anyone who may want to learn about the volunteers’ life after 9/11. The excellent yet straightforward language used by the author is easy to understand, even for readers that prefer prose to poetry.
July 30, 2024
"In The Aftermath" by Beth SK Morris is a deeply moving and evocative collection of poems that offers a unique and personal perspective on the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Through the lens of a volunteer at the WTC Ground Zero Relief Project, Morris captures the raw emotions, the harrowing experiences, and the enduring impact of one of the most tragic events in American history.
The strength of this collection lies in its authenticity and emotional depth. Morris's firsthand experiences as a volunteer lend a genuine and heartfelt quality to the poems. Each piece is a vivid snapshot of the chaos, grief, and resilience that defined the recovery efforts. The poems are structured in a variety of ways, from free verse to narrative styles, which reflect the fragmented and multifaceted nature of the events and their aftermath.
Beth SK Morris is an accomplished poet and author of two previous poetry books: "In Florida" (2010) and "Nowhere to be Found" (2014). Her work has been featured in numerous literary journals and anthologies, including Artemis, Avocet, Broadkill Review, Crosswinds, High Shelf, Pank, Passager, and Poetica. Morris's poems have also been included in anthologies by Hurricane Press, The International Library of Poetry, Whispering Angels, the North Sea Poetry Scene Press commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and White Oak Press.
Beth holds Master's Degrees in Speech Science, English Language and Literature, and a Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science from the Graduate School and Center of the City University of New York. She retired from a career as a college professor and corporate consultant through her company, Unispeech, to concentrate on her writing. After a ten-year hiatus in Florida, Beth recently returned to New York City and revisited her volunteer work at the WTC Ground Zero Relief Project for the first time since 9/11. "In the Aftermath" is her “coming to terms” with this life-changing experience.
The strength of this collection lies in its authenticity and emotional depth. Morris's firsthand experiences as a volunteer lend a genuine and heartfelt quality to the poems. Each piece is a vivid snapshot of the chaos, grief, and resilience that defined the recovery efforts. The poems are structured in a variety of ways, from free verse to narrative styles, which reflect the fragmented and multifaceted nature of the events and their aftermath.
Beth SK Morris is an accomplished poet and author of two previous poetry books: "In Florida" (2010) and "Nowhere to be Found" (2014). Her work has been featured in numerous literary journals and anthologies, including Artemis, Avocet, Broadkill Review, Crosswinds, High Shelf, Pank, Passager, and Poetica. Morris's poems have also been included in anthologies by Hurricane Press, The International Library of Poetry, Whispering Angels, the North Sea Poetry Scene Press commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and White Oak Press.
Beth holds Master's Degrees in Speech Science, English Language and Literature, and a Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science from the Graduate School and Center of the City University of New York. She retired from a career as a college professor and corporate consultant through her company, Unispeech, to concentrate on her writing. After a ten-year hiatus in Florida, Beth recently returned to New York City and revisited her volunteer work at the WTC Ground Zero Relief Project for the first time since 9/11. "In the Aftermath" is her “coming to terms” with this life-changing experience.
October 9, 2022
Book Review of In the Aftermath- 9/11 Through a Volunteer’s Eyes
In the Aftermath- 9/11 Through a Volunteer’s Eyes offers a shocking look at the tragedy of 9/11, 20 years after the horrific attacks on the World Trade Center.
The book pulls readers into scenes of unimaginable horror, sifting through the ash and debris, body parts, lost lives, and the aftershock on society – physically, emotionally and psychologically. What makes this book truly stand out is how it showcases the aftermath of the event from a volunteer’s perspective, offering a new, harrowing account of everything that occurred.
Author, Beth SK Morris, captures the sheer sense of loss, fear and uncertainty in a heart-shattering, emotional way, making you feel as though you are living and breathing each moment with those involved and affected by the damage and loss.
In the Aftermath- 9/11 Through a Volunteer’s Eyes will pull at your heartstrings and leave you reassessing the depth of suffering the attacks caused. Readers are reminded to remember the sacrifices those at 9/11 made for America, and the sacrifices families must still endure today. – Review by Book Excellence (bookexcellence.com)
In the Aftermath- 9/11 Through a Volunteer’s Eyes offers a shocking look at the tragedy of 9/11, 20 years after the horrific attacks on the World Trade Center.
The book pulls readers into scenes of unimaginable horror, sifting through the ash and debris, body parts, lost lives, and the aftershock on society – physically, emotionally and psychologically. What makes this book truly stand out is how it showcases the aftermath of the event from a volunteer’s perspective, offering a new, harrowing account of everything that occurred.
Author, Beth SK Morris, captures the sheer sense of loss, fear and uncertainty in a heart-shattering, emotional way, making you feel as though you are living and breathing each moment with those involved and affected by the damage and loss.
In the Aftermath- 9/11 Through a Volunteer’s Eyes will pull at your heartstrings and leave you reassessing the depth of suffering the attacks caused. Readers are reminded to remember the sacrifices those at 9/11 made for America, and the sacrifices families must still endure today. – Review by Book Excellence (bookexcellence.com)
July 30, 2024
"In The Aftermath" by Beth SK Morris masterfully uses free verse and short lines to capture the complex emotions of 9/11's aftermath. The collection’s free verse format lends a conversational and reflective tone, ideal for exploring the personal and somber themes. The short lines and stanzas create a sense of urgency and fragmentation, mirroring the chaotic nature of the events and their aftermath. Morris’s innovative structure enhances the emotional depth of each poem, offering a powerful and poignant reflection on the experiences of first responders and volunteers.
The words flowed smoothly and freely, with concrete ideas that were easily understood. The vivid descriptions maintained my attention throughout. I was genuinely impressed by the writer’s skill and passion. This book stands out for its evocative style and its ability to convey the profound impact of 9/11 through poetic form. I’m delighted to rate this book a perfect five stars.
The words flowed smoothly and freely, with concrete ideas that were easily understood. The vivid descriptions maintained my attention throughout. I was genuinely impressed by the writer’s skill and passion. This book stands out for its evocative style and its ability to convey the profound impact of 9/11 through poetic form. I’m delighted to rate this book a perfect five stars.
May 7, 2023
In the Aftermath is an overwhelming achievement, deserving of the acclaim it has received. On a personal note, as a person who witnessed the catastrophe of 9/11, and the unnecessary and obligatory failures that followed, I read the book as if I were bleeding 9/11 again. I sincerely hope this book is read by many, who might learn from the dynamics that thrived through those days. It was more than a loss of life, though that was terrible enough. Beth SK Morris' In the Aftermath teaches us about ourselves. The frightening conviction for me is that I am not convinced we learned anything from history. Some of the poems crystalized the mortal form into microscopic bits of humanity, scattered in the rubble. It provides a sobering message about the fragility of human life. These are my initial takes after completing the book, to be re-read and shared with my companions in history.
July 30, 2024
"In The Aftermath" is a poignant poetry collection that delves into the emotions and aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Beth SK Morris pours her heart into each piece, capturing the profound pain and reflection following the tragedy. The poems predominantly use free verse, though some incorporate rhyming without adhering to a strict pattern. Morris skillfully employs assonance, imagery, alliteration, and various figures of speech to enhance the emotional impact.
For instance, the poem "By the Numbers" starkly illustrates the loss with its powerful imagery:
1,000
still missing—
unidentified,
un-retrievable,
incinerated.
This collection is accessible to poetry enthusiasts and offers a deep, evocative exploration of the events and their aftermath. I highly recommend it for its insightful and moving portrayal of 9/11.
For instance, the poem "By the Numbers" starkly illustrates the loss with its powerful imagery:
1,000
still missing—
unidentified,
un-retrievable,
incinerated.
This collection is accessible to poetry enthusiasts and offers a deep, evocative exploration of the events and their aftermath. I highly recommend it for its insightful and moving portrayal of 9/11.
July 31, 2024
“In The Aftermath” by Beth SK Morris offers a profound exploration of 9/11 through varied poetic structures. The collection features narrative poems like "The Volunteer" and "Letter from the Driver," which vividly recount personal experiences. Morris’s use of rich imagery and symbolism—such as the clean windows in "Window Washers" symbolizing clarity and "The Survivor Tree" representing resilience—creates powerful visuals. Repetition in poems like "By the Numbers" emphasizes the scale of loss, while juxtaposition in "Brooklyn Bound" contrasts chaos with beauty. The fragmented structure mirrors the disjointed healing process, and direct address in "The Lesson" and "The Trooper's Sabbath Shift" engages readers intimately. This collection offers a deeply personal and evocative portrayal of 9/11’s aftermath.
July 29, 2024
"Letter from the Driver" details deliveries to firehouses, including teddy bears embroidered with the names of fallen firefighters and Christmas cards for each station. Morris's vivid imagery and personal narratives honor lives lost, celebrate survivors, and reflect on 9/11's enduring legacy.
In my view, this is the author’s finest work. It meets all the criteria for a strong recommendation. This elegant poetry collection is uplifting for the mind, body, and soul. The poignant verses, derived from rich and varied settings, are both touching and inspiring. The unique elegance and emotional depth of Morris’s poetry reflect a passionate and meticulous observation of the 9/11 tragedy, offering readers a profound and enjoyable experience in "In The Aftermath". I love it.
In my view, this is the author’s finest work. It meets all the criteria for a strong recommendation. This elegant poetry collection is uplifting for the mind, body, and soul. The poignant verses, derived from rich and varied settings, are both touching and inspiring. The unique elegance and emotional depth of Morris’s poetry reflect a passionate and meticulous observation of the 9/11 tragedy, offering readers a profound and enjoyable experience in "In The Aftermath". I love it.
July 29, 2024
"In the Aftermath" offers a heartfelt tribute to the heroes of 9/11 through the eyes of a dedicated volunteer. Beth SK Morris captures the raw emotions and resilience of those at Ground Zero, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the tragic event. The book seamlessly blends history and poetry, delivering a poignant narrative that honors the lives impacted by the tragedy. Morris's unique voice provides an honest and nostalgic reflection on the aftermath, reminding readers of the importance of never forgetting. This evocative collection of poems stands as a powerful testament to the strength and compassion of those who lived through and responded to one of America's darkest days.
July 29, 2024
"In The Aftermath 9/11 Through a Volunteer's Eyes" by Beth SK Morris is a poignant collection of poems that deeply reflect on the September 11 attacks. Morris captures the raw emotions and selfless contributions of first responders, recovery workers, and volunteers at the WTC Ground Zero Relief Project, especially those at the Spring Street Warehouse. Her evocative poems honor the resilience and dedication of these heroes, providing an honest and nostalgic portrayal of the tragedy's aftermath. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of 9/11 and the importance of remembering the sacrifices made during those dark days.
July 29, 2024
Rooted in personal experiences, Morris explores themes of grief, resilience, and the human cost of the tragedy. Poems like "The Volunteer," "Side Effects," and "Compassion Fatigue" reveal the emotional and physical toll on recovery workers and volunteers. Snapshots such as "Grand Central (October 2001)" and "Letter from the Driver" highlight the ongoing impact on everyday life and collective memory. This evocative collection honors the enduring scars and resilience of those who lived through and responded to the 9/11 tragedy.
This work is a must-read for everyone, as it addresses crucial and introspective themes with profound impact.
This work is a must-read for everyone, as it addresses crucial and introspective themes with profound impact.
July 29, 2024
Pieces like "By the Numbers" and "News from the Front" address broader themes, highlighting stark statistics and long-term health consequences for first responders. Morris employs vivid imagery and personal narratives to honor lives lost, celebrate survivors, and reflect on 9/11's enduring legacy, offering a nuanced and deeply human perspective on this national tragedy.
I haven’t devoured pages and absorbed words like I did with this book in a long time. The depth of its ideas, the artful use of language, and the blend of free and rhymed verse—whether partial or full—are truly impressive. This book is bound to be cherished by readers of all ages.
I haven’t devoured pages and absorbed words like I did with this book in a long time. The depth of its ideas, the artful use of language, and the blend of free and rhymed verse—whether partial or full—are truly impressive. This book is bound to be cherished by readers of all ages.
July 30, 2024
"In The Aftermath" by Beth SK Morris harnesses the boundless power of poetry to explore the enduring legacy of 9/11. Morris’s collection is a heartfelt tribute to first responders, recovery workers, and volunteers, with special focus on those at the Spring Street Warehouse. Her mesmerizing writing style draws readers in, engaging them deeply with each verse. The freedom of poetry allows Morris to navigate themes of resilience and sacrifice with unparalleled emotional impact. This book stands out for its evocative portrayal of selfless contributions and the lasting effects of the tragedy, making it a compelling and resonant read.
July 30, 2024
It’s been a while since I last read a poetry collection, and Beth SK Morris’s “In The Aftermath” was the perfect remedy for my reader’s block. Morris explores various themes, particularly the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, in a way that intrigued and challenged my beliefs. The book delivers a genuine message that resonates deeply.
Most poems are written in free verse, allowing ideas to flow naturally. Each piece complements the others, creating a compelling and memorable read. The writing is clear, clean, and heartfelt.
Overall, “In The Aftermath” is a concise and impactful collection that I highly recommend.
Most poems are written in free verse, allowing ideas to flow naturally. Each piece complements the others, creating a compelling and memorable read. The writing is clear, clean, and heartfelt.
Overall, “In The Aftermath” is a concise and impactful collection that I highly recommend.
July 31, 2024
Reading "In The Aftermath" is a deeply moving experience, with each poem crafted to evoke profound emotions. The author’s exploration of various themes is impressive, and while some poems adopt a prose-like style without traditional rhyme or rhythm, the impact of the messages is powerful. Clearly, the author has poured heart and soul into this work.
With 54 poems, this collection, though brief, leaves a lasting impression and will likely leave readers craving more. The carefully chosen words convey deep reflections on life and the aftermath of 9/11. Inspiring and heartfelt, "In The Aftermath" touches the heart with its compelling stories, making it a standout read.
With 54 poems, this collection, though brief, leaves a lasting impression and will likely leave readers craving more. The carefully chosen words convey deep reflections on life and the aftermath of 9/11. Inspiring and heartfelt, "In The Aftermath" touches the heart with its compelling stories, making it a standout read.
July 31, 2024
Beth SK Morris’s "In The Aftermath" is a journey of introspection and vivid emotion. Morris’s captivating writing style immerses readers in each poem, making them feel part of the narrative. The collection masterfully blends life lessons with an emotional rollercoaster, ensuring each line resonates deeply. While the poems vary between rhyming and free verse, Morris’s use of free verse enhances the expressiveness of her themes. Each poem’s clear, concise message effectively conveys its emotional weight. This book is a profound read, perfectly suited for anyone seeking a deep and personal exploration of 9/11’s impact.
July 31, 2024
"In The Aftermath" is a compelling read that captivated me from start to finish. Morris's poetry spans a wide range of themes with remarkable depth and beauty. The book is a powerful and moving exploration of 9/11, focusing on individual stories and personal experiences that humanize the tragedy beyond mere statistics.
Morris's work reveals the real impact of the events on those affected, highlighting their struggles and resilience. It’s been a while since I encountered a book like In The Aftermath, and this one has rekindled my interest in the genre. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone.
Morris's work reveals the real impact of the events on those affected, highlighting their struggles and resilience. It’s been a while since I encountered a book like In The Aftermath, and this one has rekindled my interest in the genre. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone.
July 31, 2024
"In The Aftermath" by Beth SK Morris is a brief yet expansive collection that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. Despite its short length, the book offers a deep exploration of 9/11's lasting impact, covering everything from the health issues faced by first responders to ongoing recovery efforts. The poems provide valuable historical and cultural context while encouraging reflection on memory, loss, survival, and the passage of time.
The collection captivated me from start to finish, with its compelling writing leaving a strong impression. It’s a page-turner that I thoroughly enjoyed, and its effective portrayal of such profound themes truly impressed me.
The collection captivated me from start to finish, with its compelling writing leaving a strong impression. It’s a page-turner that I thoroughly enjoyed, and its effective portrayal of such profound themes truly impressed me.
November 1, 2021
In the Aftermath: 9/11 Through a Volunteer's Eyes
by Beth SK Morris
Poetica Publishing
book review by Nicole Yurcaba
"Subway destroyed, they fled east
on foot, heads covered with ash,
some wearing masks, some still
bleeding from the debris"
This cathartic, eye-opening account of the tragedy that 9/11 bestowed upon the United States transports readers to Ground Zero, where ash and debris fall, where loved ones disappear, and where for years to come, the day’s physical, emotional, and psychological scarrings refuse to disappear, let alone fade. In this haunting collection, the poem “By the Numbers, 6000” reduces humanity to “body parts recovered, sorted / into segments small enough / to fit in a test tube.” Readers find themselves face-to-face with a wife who “buries her face in her workbook, lowers her eyes” as she confesses the potential loss of her husband and the consequences his disappearance bestows upon her and her daughter’s future in the poem “The Lesson.” Meanwhile, toxic xenophobia permeates American society and shocks readers to their cores as they experience it for themselves in the poem “The Physics of Ripples.”
This collection’s power lies in its exploration of the often unmentioned—the lives and experiences of countless volunteers who risked life and limb to transform Ground Zero from a place of debris and rubble to one of pristine streets and reconstruction. As recollections and memories combine, their release onto the page and full disclosure to readers who may or may not remember that infamous day act as a great reckoning. The author’s experimentations with form and spacing create the sensations of reliving and then releasing the experiences depicted in the book, actively engaging the readers in the narrator’s catharsis. In “At the Doctor’s Office” and poems like it, readers learn of the health crises volunteers and emergency workers face. Nostalgic and poignant, honorary and honest, with a voice raw and uniquely its own, this collection captures the immediate and distant aftermath of a tragedy still prominent in American minds.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
9
Return to USR Home
©2021 All Rights Reserved • The US Review of Books
This review was written by a professional book reviewer with no guarantee that it would receive a positive rating. Some authors pay a small fee to have a book reviewed, while others do not. All reviews are approximately half summary and half criticism. The US Review of Books is dedicated to providing fair and honest coverage to all books.
by Beth SK Morris
Poetica Publishing
book review by Nicole Yurcaba
"Subway destroyed, they fled east
on foot, heads covered with ash,
some wearing masks, some still
bleeding from the debris"
This cathartic, eye-opening account of the tragedy that 9/11 bestowed upon the United States transports readers to Ground Zero, where ash and debris fall, where loved ones disappear, and where for years to come, the day’s physical, emotional, and psychological scarrings refuse to disappear, let alone fade. In this haunting collection, the poem “By the Numbers, 6000” reduces humanity to “body parts recovered, sorted / into segments small enough / to fit in a test tube.” Readers find themselves face-to-face with a wife who “buries her face in her workbook, lowers her eyes” as she confesses the potential loss of her husband and the consequences his disappearance bestows upon her and her daughter’s future in the poem “The Lesson.” Meanwhile, toxic xenophobia permeates American society and shocks readers to their cores as they experience it for themselves in the poem “The Physics of Ripples.”
This collection’s power lies in its exploration of the often unmentioned—the lives and experiences of countless volunteers who risked life and limb to transform Ground Zero from a place of debris and rubble to one of pristine streets and reconstruction. As recollections and memories combine, their release onto the page and full disclosure to readers who may or may not remember that infamous day act as a great reckoning. The author’s experimentations with form and spacing create the sensations of reliving and then releasing the experiences depicted in the book, actively engaging the readers in the narrator’s catharsis. In “At the Doctor’s Office” and poems like it, readers learn of the health crises volunteers and emergency workers face. Nostalgic and poignant, honorary and honest, with a voice raw and uniquely its own, this collection captures the immediate and distant aftermath of a tragedy still prominent in American minds.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
9
Return to USR Home
©2021 All Rights Reserved • The US Review of Books
This review was written by a professional book reviewer with no guarantee that it would receive a positive rating. Some authors pay a small fee to have a book reviewed, while others do not. All reviews are approximately half summary and half criticism. The US Review of Books is dedicated to providing fair and honest coverage to all books.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews