Sunrise Through the Darkness

by Will Jimeno, Michael Moats

On September 11th, 2001, Port Authority Police Officer, William Jimeno, left his home unsuspecting of what the day was about to hold. Just a few hours later he lay crushed beneath the Twin Towers' 220 stories of concrete, steel, and glass. Most of his team had already died. He and his sergeant were helplessly trapped. The pain and anguish had only begun.

Many have seen Oliver Stone's World Trade Center, which depicted this horrific day and the rescue of Will and his Sergeant, John McLoughlin. Surviving the initial collapse was only part of the story. Multiple surgeries, forced retirement, survivor's guilt, depression, and learning to live again with PTSD were waiting outside of the rubble.

Will has teamed with clinical psychologist, Michael Moats, to share his message of faith, hope, and love and how these three things helped him navigate the unchartered waters of learning to live again after the tragedy of September 11th. Although Sunrise Through the Darkness speaks directly to first responders, Will's message is relatable to anyone who has suffered trauma or loves someone who has. Sunrise Through the Darkness marks the 20 year anniversary of 9/11 and gives honor to those that died through Will's continued work of healing and serving others.

Genres: Nonfiction

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2021

Reviews

[Diane M. Ellin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will relate and take away something positive from this book.

I related to Will’s and Allison’s perspectives. I appreciate their willingness to share their experiences in order to help others. I greatly respect their resilience and desire to never give up the on the values and people they loved most. I am inspired by their positive points of view. I am grateful for the knowledge I gained from Michael Moats. He clearly explains things on a level which a non-expert in psychology can interpret and digest. I was very impressed and highlighted 90% of the book because there were so many things I want to go back and reference.

[Peggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw Will Jimeno speak at an Auburn veterans event in 2021 and put this book on my “want to read” list. What I thought was a non-fiction account of his 9/11 survival is so much more. Every first responder, LEO, mental health counselor, PCP, military - anyone who needs their eyes opened on PTSD - should be reading this testimonial. Yes, you read about his 13 hours in the rubble but it’s clear from the start this man is trying to use that experience to reach those who are still in their “darkness” and help them find their “light”. His life’s work is now to help others in this way. Inspiring.

[April Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had seen the film adaptation, World Trade Center which I found to be sad, unfathomable yet also uplifting and encouraging. Will Jimeno's book gives his firsthand account of what he experienced on that fateful day walking into the unknown (which closely reflects the portrayal in the film). The only aspect in the book that is an overabundance is the extensive breakdown of mental explanation from the co-author. Overall a good book.

[Stacy Carroll · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate saying this, because I know his story was very profound to him. But I was kind of bored. Too much therapy and not enough story. This is definitely a self help book more than a memoir. Which was unexpected. I enjoyed his segments of "The Only Plane in the Sky" much better! I would recommend that book over this one.