Felice and Ira Zaslow’s love story spanned almost four decades, from the beaches of Far Rockaway to a comfortable suburban existence on the south shore of Long Island. She taught sixth grade at the local middle school, while he commuted daily to Lehman Brothers in the World Trade Center. As their sons grew up, they appreciated each day, looking forward to more time as a couple.
Then came the morning of September 11, 2001.
Through the days, weeks and months that followed, Felice had to find her way through unfathomable trauma, on a path she had to forge herself, seeking guidance and role models along the way. This remarkable and inspiring memoir puts a very personal face on a national tragedy, facing down the darkness by looking for the light that is always present.
"This is a remarkable woman’s brave journey through 9-11, the death of her husband in the Twin Towers, her grief, and her moving forward into her life’s next chapter with grace and grit. It is difficult to find words to describe the feelings this book brings forth; here are just a Inspirational. Courageous. Heartrending. Resilient. Poignant. Emotional. Real. Beautifully written. I could not put the book down; I was sad to reach the end. I wanted to keep following the author through her dance of life. Felice Zaslow is clearly an inside-out woman and writer. Her words are a blazing light for the human spirit. An important read." - Megha Nancy Buttenheim, CJO (Chief JOY Officer) and Founding Let Your Yoga Dance® LLC
"Throughout this poignant work of grief and resilience, Zaslow offers us touchstones of wisdom to help any of us navigate the churning waters of loss. None perhaps is more powerful than the invitation from Emerson to go, not where a path may obviously lead, but rather to where there is no evident path, and instead create a new trail. This, in essence, is the journey of moving forward through loss and its consequent shaking of all that had been true. We are summoned to devise our own way into new understandings, new perspectives on who we are and who we might be, and novel meanings. Zaslow, in her direct, honest, warm and caring manner, describes not only the path she began to blaze after the sudden loss of her husband the day the towers in NYC fell, but illustrates for any of us the possibility that we might be able to do the same." - Maria Sirois, PsyD, author of A Short Course in Happiness After Loss (and Other Dark, Difficult Times)
Felice Zaslow is a retired teacher, artist and author residing in Long Island, New York. She is the mother of two adult sons and grandmother of three. Felice has an appreciation of the natural beauty of the Long Island beaches and the changing of the seasons since childhood. She incorporates this into her painting and writing. The loss of her husband, Ira, inspired Felice to write her first book, From Lessons in Love and Loss from 9/11. Her wish is to bring hope and comfort to others who have experienced tragic loss.
This novel was the personal story of Felice and her husband Ira, who sadly died on 9/11. Felice shares with us how she met Ira and their journey. I loved their story of finding true love and having two sons. Its very real, raw, emotional and heartwarming.
Felice and her sons were fortunate to have supportive friends, families and coworkers who helped her throughout the years. Ira was an wonderful father, husband and friend to many. His legacy will live on through is sons and the legacies they have created in honor of their father.
I believe 9/11 changed so many things in our country. Even though I did not know anyone who lost loved ones, I am connected to the military and I know how much the base, soldiers and families did to protect those around us.
This book is a 9/11 story. It is the story of Felice facing life in the aftermath of losing her husband Ira during the attack on the Twin Towers. Felice shares her journey facing all the things widows face after their spouse dies. She writes openly about her grief process. I connected with her insight that life "blooms where you are planted".
Instead of dwelling on her loss Felice writes about all of the things she accomplished despite the loss and the grief. She looks for the silver lining, the lesson, the gift.
This is a book that should be read by any woman facing the loss of a spouse through death or divorce. It should be read by any woman in her early 50s facing life alone. Felice is an inspiring woman who truly values friendship and has deep spirituality.
This is the story of a real life personal nightmare happening within the context of a national tragedy and although you might expect a difficult read, the overwhelming feeling I was left with was an appreciation of the author’s resilience and grit. In many ways, she presents a roadmap that is useful for anyone dealing with loss. The fact that it coincided with a national tragedy made it all the more relatable. As someone who also lives on Long Island, and coincidentally who also grew up very close to where the author lives, I have always been struck with the randomness of who survived the attacks and who was lost. But loss is universal, and the author helps readers to understand that there is light and living on the other side of grief. I highly recommend this book.
What an amazing and inspirational book. I just finished, I’m at work, it’s 5 am and I feel like I can accomplish any and all things! This is an emotional true story of a woman who lost her husband in the 9/11 WTC attacks. You follow her journey from the first time she meets this man, their love story and then the grief of losing him in such an awful way. She then learns how to handle her grief, to live through it. To push through. She learns who she is as discovers who she can and wants to be. I love that the author is real. She doesn’t write what she thinks people would want to hear. She’s open and honest. Highly recommend!! I was given a free ebook copy of this book for a true and honest review.
I began this book thinking this would be another story about 9/11 that I had read so many times before. Would I be walking into a world of pure horror of that day or would this book find me seeing someone’s journey through a new perspective. Teaching me that growth could come out of so much pain at the loss of a loved one in such a tragic manner.
Well let’s just say Felice Zaslow you have taken me on a most remarkable journey through love, loss, hope and growth. I can only begin by saying that I know and understand now more than ever the preciousness of life but also how quickly it can change in a moments time. How you found the strength to navigate this journey because you had too. You showed me that feelings, memories and emotions need to be leaned into and not shied away from. One cannot progress without truly going through all the grief and reaching the other side.
When you could have shut down you blossomed as Felice in a new way from that day on. These words will forever stick with me and once others have had the chance to read your book they will understand the following:
BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED
This is a must read book and I give this 5 plus stars. Do not pass this up my dear friends.
I think most of us will remember where we were and what we were doing when the news came in that terrorists had hit the World Trade Centre towers in NY. And the ensuing abject horror, heartbreak, fear, and incomprehension that followed.
An event that irrevocably changed the way in which we live our lives and fight for our freedom.
None more so than Felice. Whose husband, Ira, sadly lost his life on that fateful day.
In her emotional, poignant, heartfelt, and life-affirming memoir. Felice portrays her early life with Ira. The day that changed her life and the minutes, hours, days, and months following with vividity, emotion, courage, strength, hope, wisdom, resilience, growth, love, and even positivity. Documenting with raw honesty, the highs, lows, good, bad, ugly, and everything in between. Showing her readers with remarkable clarity and perspective. That grief needs to be leaned into, explored, and felt. Rather than being run away from. No matter how hard. In order to heal, grow, and to live, love, and laugh again. All whilst honouring the loved ones we have lost.
Throughout her journey so far. Felice has stayed true to, leant on, and learned from her faith in spirituality. Taking inspiration and strength from the phrase, 'Bloom where are planted'.
Which loosely interested means. That everything happens for a reason. Life will take you down many pathways and present you with many challenges. But no matter where you end up or the circumstances that have taken you there. You can still live, love, laugh, grow from, and make the best of life exactly where you are.
It's something that resonates massively with me, and Felice's story is one that will stay with me. One that I will recommend to anyone who is grieving and even those who are at a cross roads in their lives.
A beautifully written memoir worthy of a place on your tbr.
You know those books that leave you thinking about the far after you've finished reading them.... this one was like that for me.
Felice knows how to write a hard hitting story. From page one I found myself sucked into Felice and Ira's story. I don't know if it's because this is based on a true story but I felt so attached to this tale. This is a book you will go through a string of emotions while reading so keep your tissues near by.
The author does an amazing job of not only describing her life and what she went through but portraying her emotions so vividly that you feel like you're in her shoes while reading this. I felt joy, grief, happiness and sadness while devouring this book. I also thought back to 9/11 and all the lives it took and damage it cost to the millions who survived their loved ones while reading this. Over time we tend to move on from these tragedies if were not directly affected by them, but novels like this one really make you want to slow down and be grateful for what and who you have in your life.
You know that moment when a friend or someone you’ve just met tells you that they have written a book. For me that moment is filled with excitement and dread. I love meeting an author and talking about books. I love supporting a friend who is writing a book. But then the dread sinks in. If I excitedly share that I’m going to read it right away and I then I can’t even get through the first chapter, what do I do next? Do I avoid them or do I write a review that isn’t completely honest? Fortunately, I met Felice, the author of this book, while sitting at a pool, when I was out of town and since I would probably never see her again I could buy her book with no anxiety! I could even just read the sample and never buy it! I had just finished what I had been reading so I started her book that evening and I finished it the next morning. And then I had to go find Felice so I could tell her what an excellent job she did sharing her life and her loss with us - her readers. The writing is strong and real and it would be impossible to not be touched by her beautiful love story and the horrific tragedy that befell her husband and her family on 9/11. But even beyond that, in From Here, Felice shares so much wisdom on grief, wisdom she learned the hard way through her first hand experience but also through her hard work to persevere through her loss. I highly recommend this book and I have already bought an additional copy for a friend who lost her husband earlier this year.
This is such a wonderful and enjoyable read, but it will make you cry at the same time! The author bares her soul telling us about the grief she had to endure when her husband was killed in the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center. At the same time the author relives many happy memories of her husband, their children and their life together.
For Americans, 9/11 is a day we must never forget. A day in our history where we were most vulnerable. The author details and describes her grief. She tells how she has tried to move past this horrific event in her life while at the same time, honoring her lost husband. The story is told with raw emotion as the author tries to grow into the next phase of her life.
Felice shares with us in her memoir her grief journey after her husband dies during the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers.
I think what sticks out most to me from this memoir is that I felt Felice’s grit and resilience during the entire read.
Felice takes us through her early romance with Ira. She then shares the nerve-racking wait as Ira’s body is not immediately found once the North Tower goes down. Finally, Felice shares life as a widow (a word she doesn’t like).
Felice takes us through all of this with beautiful and honest declarations of hope and healing.
One of the most inspiring stories I have read in a while! The story begins as a love story when Felice meets her future husband, Ira, at the beach when she is 16. They later marry and build a wonderful life together with their 2 sons. When Ira is killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11, Felice has to find a way to redefine and rebuild her life. Through her faith, finding the good in every situation and her ability to move forward, her words will give you strength and hope. She will encourage you to bloom where you are planted!
I’ve read and heard the words “Bloom where you are planted” many times over the years but reading them as part of Felice's healing journey finally made them really sink in for me. There was so much wisdom shared in this beautiful book and anyone who has lost someone could benefit from reading it. I loved reading about Felice and Ira's love story and the family they built together. This book will stay with me for a long time.
Felice Zaslow has written an emotional and heartfelt memoir , “From Here:Lessons in Love and Loss from 9/11. This was such a positive and uplifting memoir . Just the thought of 9/11 gives me the chills. The author is brave and courageous to share the story of her husband’s loss in the towers . Felice Zaslow also shares her tale of a loving family. The author also finds another side of herself that lives and gives back. I highly recommend this inspirational memoir.
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔 🏙️ lost someone in the 9/11 attacks ♥️ want a heartfelt read 📖 enjoy memoirs ✡️ grew up in a Jewish community
• 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄
After Felice loses her husband, Ira, in the 9/11 attacks, she must now learn to live life alone for the first time in 30+ years.
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Felice and Ira were soulmates. From the day Felice first met Ira on the beach, she knew they would be together, and in 1969, they were married. Fast forward to 2001 - Felice and Ira are dreaming of retirement, their 2 grown sons finding their own paths in life. Then tragedy strikes and Ira is gone. Left to pick up the pieces, Felice must learn to live a new life - to bloom where she is planted - without the love of her life by her side.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was an amazing and heartfelt memoir. I wanted to sob my eyes out and just hug Felice. I was only 10 years old when 9/11 occurred but reading about her experience in 2023 gives me a fresh perspective on the entire event. I could really feel the love she had (and still has) for Ira. He sounds like an amazing person who inspired everyone in his life. I’m so thankful to the author for allowing me to share in her grief by sending me a copy of her book. I just hope that her life has flourished in so many ways in the last 21 years and that she was able to bloom where she was planted.
The horrific events of 9/11 brought the world to a silent stand still and brought all New Yorkers to their knees. This is the personal story of the author Felice, and how her life was forever changed the day the towers came down and she lost her husband Ira. As a New Yorker and a widow this was a very deep story for me. Although it's emotional it is also triumphant. Felice takes us into her life and shares the love story about meeting her husband. Having two sons and the wisdom she learned while moving through loss and grief. I feel anyone who has lost a spouse can benefit greatly from reading this. Felice's story of learning to move past grief and find joy is a powerful and inspiring read.
From Here: Lessons in Love and Loss from 9/11 is the author's personal story of losing her husband during the attacks on 9/11.
The story is about Felice and her husband Ira who she lost in the attack on the Twin Towers.
I applaud the fact that Felice looks for the brighter side, what this is going to teach her. I couldn't relate to that, as I don't think I could see the brighter side of the loss.
I really like that Felice shares the story of how she met and fell in love with her husband. The process of grief for her two sons are also written eloquently.
This is an emotional, inspiring story that reminding me about the horrors of the events of 9/11 and those that were left behind as survivors.
As much as 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 is a memoir of loss and persevering through tragedy, it is also a love story. Felice shares beautiful moments of her and Ira’s life together. After the horrifying events of 9/11, and the loss of Ira, she walks through how she navigated her pain and grief. Felice's writing is honest and inviting, as well as insightful - like sitting down with a trusted friend for coffee.
Thank you @Suzyapprovedbooktours for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
What an incredible and powerful story, full of emotion, courage, hope and beautifully written. Hard to read but impossibe to put down, a remarkable story.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲: 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟵/𝟭𝟭 by Felice Zaslow released September 22, 2022.
How can any story about 9/11 not be a 5 star book? When you are pouring out the loss you suffered and your road back to living, it's just so powerful. We all lived through this, but most of us didn't have such a personal loss. This book was incredible. God bless this family.
Nice touching book. Very heartwarming. Felice has a wonderful outlook and her spirituality is fantastic! We had the unique opportunity to meet her in a zoom call thanks to one of our book club members… what an amazing event!