Wake-Up Call: The Political Education of a 9/11 Widow

by Kristen Breitweiser

The heart-wrenching account of a young mother widowed after the horrific 9/11 terrorist attack and her journey towards becoming a central activists in the fight for justice and peace.Kristen Breitweiser was a happy young mother and housewife leading a privileged life. Then, on the morning of September 11th, 2001, the phone rang. It was her husband, Ron, calling from his office in the second tower. "Sweets, I'm ok. I'm ok. Don't worry. It's not my building," he said. Kristen didn't know what he was saying. He told her to turn on the television. He continued. "I see them. They're right there. Right across from me. And they're jumping. My God, they're jumping." The call ended abruptly and Kristen watched with horror as the second tower exploded. A huge, brilliant, red fireball.In that frozen instant, she felt in her heart that he had been killed. This is the deeply personal, often shocking and ultimately inspirational story of a woman left to pick up the pieces of a life shattered by terrorism. With no husband by her side or father for her child, Kristen had to find the strength within herself to embark on a journey that would lead first to the creation of the 9/11 Commission and then to her role as one of the country's most outspoken activists and critics of the current administration.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Politics

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though, intellectually, I knew what was going to happen, I kept hoping it wouldn't, however illogical that thought process is. Kristen Breitweiser has a great life that is destroyed by the attacks of 9/11 and how it was handled by the Bush administration. The determination of Breitweiser and the other "9/11 Widows" as they worked in a non-partisan way to get the answers they - and all of us, really - deserve is remarkable. Her work lead to the formation of the 9/11 Commission. It's clear from her writing they had no agenda - political or otherwise - than to find out what happened and why. And that those responsible should be held accountable. I found the way they were treated enraging.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of the book is so appropriate. It really is a sobering account of the events of 9/11, the aftermath for the victims families and all of the red tape surrounding the "9/11 Commission". Kudos and more kudos to the "widow mobile" ladies who refused to give up but continued to fight the good fight for answers from our government as to how 9/11 ever happened in the first place and how this type of murderous event could be avoided going forward. I recommend this book to all americans especially those Bush loving republicans!!!

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been impressed with Kristen Breitweiser and her Jersey Girls as they led the fight to get an independent commission to investigate 9/11. She is one tough cookie and the book reflects that. She tackled the issue of national security in a way that few citizens would or could; watching one's husband murdered on national TV is a mighty good motivator. She seems brutally honest about the horrible moments, weeks and months after 9/11. I would love to sit down and have a glass of wine with her. And I would definitely want her on my side in any battle.

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

One gutsy lady (who lost her husband in the twin towers in 2001) trying to take on the establishment in order to get answers and make sense of what happened and why. You go, Kristin!

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complacent Housewife. Activist Widow

I believe Kristen Breitweiser's account of her life following 9/11 is very aptly named, Wake-Up Call: The Political Education of a 9/11 Widow. In this straightforward and easy-to-read book, she reveals not only who she is and where she came from, but also her focused and driven reasons for maintaining a position in the public eye. It hasn't been for fame, money or glory. It has been to get to the bottom of how and why the terrorist attacks on 9/11 happened and how to prevent them from happening again. Through raw pain and unspeakable grief caused by the murder of her husband, she shares her love story and her motives. One can't help but admire her for her courage, strength, intelligence, endurance, and most importantly, her honesty.

This book is extremely informative about the steps leading to the formation of the 9/11 Commission and the mire of political red tape Breitweiser and her partners, "the Jersey Girls," a group of 9/11 widows, faced when dealing with Washington insiders. This account is refreshing because it's clear from the beginning that Breitweiser had no political agenda. She addresses conservative criticism labeling her a "Democratic Operative," by indicating that (with a few exceptions) it was mostly the White House and the Republicans stonewalling her efforts to have the Commission formed. She only began campaigning for Kerry after she came to believe that the current administration did not seem to agree or act upon her number one priority: Forming the Commission and then instigating its recommendations. Prior to her husband's death, aside from voting, she wasn't the least bit politically active. She, like many complacent housewives, voted the way her husband voted. Her introduction to Washington politics and the ensuing education she attained helped assuage her grief and fight for a higher cause--the cause of keeping not only her young daughter, but ALL Americans safe(r) from terrorist attacks. I believe the citizens of this country, especially all the comfortable wives and mothers out there who believe they are insulated and secure, owe her a debt of gratitude for her efforts.

[Lennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ron Breitweiser, a money manager for Fiduciary Trust, was working on the ninety-fourth floor of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. When the second plane hit the tower that he worked in his wife held out hope that he had survived but recovery workers would later find his remains. Devastated by the loss of her husband, Kristen Breitweiser along with other 9/11 widows, fought for the 9/11 commission. They felt that if there was an investigation into all the failures that occurred on 9/11 (airlines, CIA, FBI, national security, etc.) then the government could fix the problems and learn from its mistakes so that something like this could never happen again. She turned to her elected officials for support in favor of the 9/11 commission. Unfortunately, the White House was determined to block every attempt made for an independent commission. No longer inexperienced or naïve, she finally realized that the Bush administration said one thing and did another. They didn’t walk the talk so to speak. It was the start of what would become her political awakening (hence the title of this book).


I was inspired to read this book now that we have reached the 10th anniversary of 9/11. This book is considered a memoir but it doesn’t read like one; instead it reads more like a textbook with the author going into great detail to explain the 9/11 commission report and its findings. For example, a whole chapter is devoted to Footnote 44 of this 567-page report. While this information was meant to defend her argument, it made for tedious and slow reading (sometimes less is more). It was unfortunate because I was really looking forward to reading a memoir.

[Tami Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when you find something so vital to your life and to who you are that you want to share it with everyone you care about??? THAT is this book, and this type of book. I would also recommend any Richard Clarke book, and Open Target, which I haven't finished yet, but is really good. This one is just a mom, who was totally happy and in love with her family, and then her husband dies in the world trade center. Some may not appreciate all the emotion that inevitably goes along with that kind of story, but I treasure emotion---it makes stories, life, people more REAL. While I do like the other kind of sterile reads on these topics, I did enjoy her limited emotion she shared, because it wouldn't be real to me without it. On the other hand, she's not a blubbering, bawling idiot, which I also respect.
One notable part is the ful transcript of Osama bin Laden's videotape released 4 days before the 2004 election---I only ever saw snippets on all the news stations. It's 3 pages long plus, and it makes complete sense to me. You can't read that and say to yourself that he is a crazy, american-hating madman. I found most of it made sense to me, except maybe the thing about the goat.....

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Crap! I feel like I really have been duped by the media for the last 7 years. Make that 20 years.
A friend lent this book to me to read. I initially didn't want to read it - I think because I was afraid it would be another Bush-bashing book. Anyway, it was really, REALLY interesting. I recommend it to everyone. She uses the F-word (the only word I abhor) when she recalls incidences because that is really what she was thinking or saying at the time, but other than that the occasional cuss word didn't bother me.
She asks questions that would have forced the government to acknowledge why it let 9/11 even happen. It didn't have to happen and as a result almost 4,000 innocent people were killed.
Personally, I think a certain elitist group of people (who occasionally parade about as the Council of Foreign Affairs) has been working subtly over the last 20 years to set our country up to fail. It wouldn't matter who got into office, something really bad is going to happen soon, I just sense it and we won't know what that crap is until it happens. So I guess the only thing we can do is to prepare ourselves as best as we can an hope we can manage things well.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok, another "audio book". i was driving, it would be dangerous to read.

i was actually glad to have listened to this book before reading it. the woman who read it, wrote it and lived it. for me, her sincere, somewhat timid tone, helped dissipate any preconceived notions of cliche patriotism or exploitation that usually accompanies this subject.

this is an unimaginable story that EVERY american needs to hear. many issues i have feared and discussed about our country are confirmed in this book. this is a story of unconditional love and courage that will not be toppled by the political corruption that continues to scar this country.

[Sandra D · Rating 4 out of 5]

My four-star rating for this book isn't for the writing, which wasn't great, but for the value of the information in it. A PT Cruiser parked next to me at the library this morning and I looked at it with new eyes. And then I quickly drove away.

Seriously, though, I did keep a close eye on most of these events as they took place in real time, and have done quite a bit of supplemental reading since then. I like to consider myself well-informed, but reading this book turned out to be quite an education.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just didn't really like her as a writer. I watched some youtube videos of her speaking about the 9/11 commission and was impressed by her as a speaker, so that got me to keep reading/finish the book. i wish she had focused more on the struggle to get a 9/11 commission and everything related that. i didn't like all the personal stuff as much, especially considering she kept saying she didn't like to share personal info. plus, she was kind of ignorant about some stuff like saying congressmen and she was upset that when congress gave her a sign that said ms. instead of mrs. etc.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the stories about her family and the time with her husband before he died. Some of this book had information that was interesting and informative, but was written with a bias (as I would of course, expect). I will take that part as I would any information that is passed to me. Parts of this book seemed very slow going because they had a ton of political agenda that was unfolding. This was, however, an eye opener and I deeply respect Kristin Breitweiser and the other families that were directly affected by 9/11.

[Mary Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 2006 from the viewpoint of a politically active widow of 9/11, I found this book to be somewhat disconcerting. Our current political atmosphere is certainly highlighted (if I can use the word loosely)as Kristen Breitweiser recounts her life before, during and after the horrific events of that fateful day.
I admired the chutzpa of these four New Jersey widows. Their post-attack lives offered them a focus badly needed in order to carry on.
My heart still goes out to all the victims (both alive and deceased) from that day.

[Ellie Revert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a remarkable story of the women--4 widows of 9/11---who bucked the administration and managed to have an independant investigation of that day, and what led up to it. Trying to make sure changes were made that would help prevent another such catastrophe.

You will find it hard to believe--what they learned, how they were treated, how they are surviving.

[Gala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wake up call was just that for me. Breitweiser put information in this book that informed me of the possibilities that are hidden in America. I like the way she wrote this story and if I could hear her speak I would like that too. I recommend this book to anyone who may see politics as boring or not understandable.I could not put this book down she has a wonderful craft in writing.

[Liz Nonnemacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written & thought provoking...interestingly enough, she's a former Republican.

[Shilpa gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

a saying from this book is awesome:
'life, to paraphrase Kierkegaard, must be lived forward, even as it is understood backwards.'

[Liz Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. If you are into nonfiction, this is a very eye opening book!

[Sheridan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting look into the life as a 9/11 widow who worked so hard to bring to pass the 9/11 commission. It was fascinating and sad to see how the government works.

[Emily Liebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-opening. A must-read. Kristen Breitweiser is a force to be reckoned with.

[Nicole Ambrosino · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book for all Americans to read. I learned so much yet there are still so many unanswered questions about 911. I admire the author for her bravery and for all the work she does.

[Manuel P. Revuelta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sad but poignant rendering of what it was like to have experienced 9/11 written by someone who was so deeply connected to this tragedy. More than anything this book really documents the difficulties in trying to fight our government to do what is right, what is ethical and what is moral. The Jersey Girls deserve much credit for the 9/11 investigations. They fought hard to reveal the truth and to push our government to do what was right. I really hope that these ladies have been able to move forward and to remake their lives. I was very much heartened to read Kristen Breitweiser’s letter to Ann Coulter, who is perhaps one of the most despicable, morally bankrupt and insufferable political hacks of our time.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I had no idea about this history of post 9-11. Very eye opening about the intel that the government had but did not act on prior to 9-11 and the lack of action taken after to help insure the safety of the citizens of the US.

[Μαρία Κοντού · Rating 5 out of 5]

Μ' αρέσει να διαβάζω τέτοιες αληθινές ιστορίες και παρόλο που είναι στα αγγλικά, έχω καταφέρει να τις καταλάβω, αλλά κυρίως να τις αγαπήσω με όλη μου την καρδιά!

[Richard Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

She thought the guy who pursued her was a pest at first. She was enjoying the beach life, and her friends listened to music by Jimmy Buffet. He was impressed with investment wizard Warren Buffet. They fell in love. She became a lawyer, then was able to become a stay at home mom while husand, Ron, commuted to Manhattan to office work involving investing. Their life was an idyll until she got the call and he told her he was OK, but turn on the TV, where she saw the 2nd airliner smash into her husband's office building. She eventually became friends with other widows, and they learned to interact with Washington beltway insiders, press, and media, and her legal training provided the basic tools to cajole and push for accomplishment of several initiatives, including the 9/11 Commission report. She explains how laws passed to limit liability (tort reform) tend to encourage complacency due to cost benefit calculations. She recounts how the Kissinger resignation as chair of the commission was a surprise to them, but was blamed on them by a New York newspaper, and how their confrontation with the editors of that publication went: very interesting. etc. etc. Considering the conditions under which the author was obliged to work, the work is an astounding achievement. A very few times I questioned her inferences or implied conclusions, such as pp. 180-181 she seems to interpret CIA denial of request for involvement in an operation as impeachment of Tenet's statements, but it seems to me it might just have been ass-covering of embarrassment of CIA inability to persist in tracking a suspect in a foreign city (if I understand the fact pattern set forth). Other than that, I was quite impressed with the quality of analysis and writing displayed by the author. She could have just curled up in a ball of sorrow and grief, but instead she wrote an amazing book. Well worth reading!

[Diane Barlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book about how the widows of 9/11 fought the political system.

[Claudette · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Audiobook) This was a very political book about 9/11 and the political system of America. I'm not American so I found the politics a tad boring however, her questioning of the political system was interesting. I've heard many people say America allowed these attacks to happen, now I know the reason why this is a belief. The authorities had so much information about these terrorists before 9/11 yet they didn't act upon this information or share it with other authorities. For that reason I understand why the author states someone should've been held accountable. I also found the author a tad critical of everything. People struggle everyday in their lives while she only had to struggle for some of it.

[Rae Vaughn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had never heard of this woman before reading the book. She isn't a likable person at all and the whole book is just whining. I thought it was going to be about her grief and then taking that grief to Washington where she may or may not triumph. Instead it was about a money hungry woman who finds anything to complain about and one that congress could not seem to appease. The entire time I was reading I felt bad for her daughter, who seemed to lose 2 parents after the attack instead of one.

[Anastasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm impressed with the actions Ms. Breitweiser took over the years and her activism around September 11th. I learned a good amount from reading her book, but ultimately, I can't get around the fact that it's a memoir and I've got to like the person in order to like the memoir. It blew me away to learn she was chosen by Ms. as Woman of the Year.

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thought provoking book. I saw it as a scathing indictment of the government and all their screw ups that led to 9/11. Seems like if there were better communications and not so much political rhetoric, this horrible attack could have been prevented. Kind of makes you wonder whatelse the government knows and is not telling us.