cover image IN THE SHADOW OF THE TOWERS

IN THE SHADOW OF THE TOWERS

Stephanie Izarek, . . iUniverse, $11.95 (164pp) ISBN 978-0-595-24368-6

None of the books and articles about the attacks on the World Trade Center capture the deep sense of emotional loss and terror as do the words penned by the people who were directly touched by the event. Other than the families and friends of the victims, the residents of lower Manhattan, the neighbors of the now demolished twin towers, received a powerful blow that's forever altered their lives, write New Yorkers Izarek and Costa in this slender, poignant collection of poetry, essays and art by writers, students, artists and teachers from the area. Carrie Strauch's introspective essay, "Apartment 3S," recounts the disruption of her life by police barricades, toxic fumes from the site, media and overzealous tourists in the month immediately after the attacks. An e-mail written by Tracey Ceurvels accurately mirrors the kind of messages sent by many New Yorkers on September 11 to loved ones to lessen their concerns. Thirteen-year-old resident Jenna Fritsche compares the traumatized city to besieged Jerusalem in her haunting poem, "Never Ending Sirens," while Carol Mangis's intensely personal essay, "Caught Between Horror and Healing" wryly explains to a sympathetic nation that this tragedy remains a vastly different experience for those near Ground Zero than others living outside of the zone. With the market flooded with similar books, there's something extraordinary about this little book that not only engages the heart but speaks volumes about the spirited resilience of a city and its people. (Dec.)

FYI:All of the book's proceeds will go to support schools and churches near Ground Zero.