Artie van why that day in september

The words in this short piece could have only come from someone who was there. A firsthand witness to the horrors and acts of human kindness that surfaced. Artie Van Why stated many reasons for writing about his experiences. Many jumped to their deaths.

He opens this memoir with a brief look into his college days. A drama student at a Christian college struggle with the knowledge that he is gay. Van Why write a fiction piece based on his experiences during this time of his life. I enjoyed his writing style very much and feel there is a wonderful story waiting to be uncovered.

Jun 20, Karen EarthAngel rated it really liked it Shelves: physical-books-i-own , non-fiction , goodreads-giveaway-wins , memoirs-biographies. I was fortunate enough to win this book in a First Reads giveaway and read it as soon as I received it.

This book is very unimposing at only 87 pages, but who says a book must have a lot of pages to be powerful? The author isn't profuse with his words, but he doesn't have to be. The simple structure he uses easily portrays the deep emotions of this infamous day in history.

Van Why doesn't limit his experience to the events of September 11, The first few chapters alternate between pieces o I was fortunate enough to win this book in a First Reads giveaway and read it as soon as I received it. The first few chapters alternate between pieces of that day, interspersed with flashbacks of his complete New York City experience in the years before the tragedy. Never having been to New York City, I appreciated the chapter he spent describing the World Trade Center courtyard and the fun to be had during the lunch hour.

Who would have thought that NYC could feel like a small town in the relationships developed with acquaintences? The author then takes the remaining chapters to describe his own details of that day and the days and weeks following that tragic day.

The personal account of people injured in the street as well as those that chose to jump from the towers added another layer to my own recollection of the videos I saw during the news footage of the attacks, and the tears flowed just as fast as they did that day. An interesting aspect to the author's personal story was that he didn't mention the cause of the tragedy, just the effects. But what I loved most about this short but moving story is Van Why's personal realization that every day is precious; if there can be a silver lining for him, this tragedy gave him the courage to move away from "just a job" and follow his heart.

Thank you, Mr. Van Why, for allowing me a peek into your own memories that I can add with my own. I will never forget. Jun 16, Kristen rated it it was amazing Shelves: personal-library , favorites , new-york , , first-reads , , memoir-autobiography. I received this book through First Reads giveaways and after reading it I felt compelled to send the author a note of appreciation for putting his memories in writing.

This book is an excellent reminder of what our country faced that day, and the capacity for evil in this world. But, as we Americans also demonstrated, the capacity for love is so much greater. We must never forget. Jul 15, Bri rated it it was amazing Shelves: non-fiction , true-crime , memoir , He was a NY resident and he relates his experience of living in NY in the time after that terrible day.

This is a brief but thought-provoking little memoir from a guy who, at the time, worked opposite the World Trade Center in building 5. Of course, THAT day was awful enough to witness from here, thousands of miles away, but to imagine the noise, the fright, the mess itself for real must have been just appalling. Even seeing the footage now, 16 years ago tomorrow, it still seems unreal.

It was harrowing to read of the poor souls who jumped and Artie thought perhaps he might save. As we know, that w This is a brief but thought-provoking little memoir from a guy who, at the time, worked opposite the World Trade Center in building 5. As we know, that was a hopeless task, but of course most humans would want to run and help someone in that position Certainly something you'd never forget witnessing. The poem at the outset, which I assume he wrote, says it all, really.

I was fascinated to read about the clothes he wore on the day and also about The Sphere, which I Googled. I'm pleased they salvaged it. He mentioned looking up every time he heard a plane flying low and I must admit that I did that myself which is pretty bonkers really over here for some time afterwards. I lived in a Naval town and of course considered that might be targeted as well.

As I mention, it's a short memoir but worth a read. Nobody who ever saw that happen in real time, whether at the location or on TV will ever forget.

Not well written but it's an honest personal memoir that I enjoyed reading. I'm so sad this happened to so many. Jul 07, Fran rated it it was amazing. Take a trip back in time to that day in September when America felt the shock, aftershock and horrors that changes the lives of every New Yorker, American and visitor that saw what no one wanted to believe, the crumbling of the Twin Towers.

He envelops the reader in his real life experience that memorable day. Torn between his own sexual preferences, deciding on career goals the author turned to alcohol for solace. But, epiphanies happen. Realizing his limitations, his goals need to be reassessed he entered the 12 step program and put his life back on track. In he worked for a law firm that was going to merge with a large firm. Life decisions and choices do not always give the legroom or time frame you want to make them.

Deciding whether to remain in his job, and dealing with the events of that day would haunt him forever. Returning to work in November took time and seeing the empty space where the Trade Center was brought back the entire event in Technicolor with all the images and graphics of a movie. This is where our story takes shape.

Flashing forward Artie walks through the revolving doors of his office building into a world covered in paper, soot, falling bodies, smoke so thick you could taste it, ash so black you could use it as charcoal in a painting, and dust so filled with debris it made breathing difficult.

Flames soared, blackness prevailed as the sky was covered with a black mourning veil of darkness that would take months to lift. Describing his day, the trade center, the buildings, concerts help make the city come alive for the author, reader and visitor.

Mew York has its own personality. But then, the horror unfolds, the harsh reality sets in and the truth understood that nothing lasts forever or is permanent.

The towers fall, the screams are deafening and the photos startling. As the author is standing along the length of Building 5 his thoughts went to helping others, running back inside and trying to make a difference, but could not. Can you see the plaster, concrete and metal coming down on you? Can you smell the smoke in the air? Like a giant tsunami or huge wrecking ball aimed at knocking down everything and everyone in sight. But, the truth what prevailed that day was not a storm, not a hurricane but pure evil and hate.

After shocks from that day would rock the world and add to the destruction. September 12, would bring a different harsh reality and picture. Can you feel the silence? Can you see the falling buildings collapse over and over again in your mind? It would haunt Artie in his dreams and in every waking hour for a long time. A terrorist attack on American soil! Leaving his apartment, trying to follow his morning routine he recounts the events, the people he meets, conversations and sadness.

Told through the eyes of the author you hear his voice, fell his pain, frustrations, the helplessness and the hope that he could find an inner peace within himself.

Hate is terrible word but defined the day. His life a constant reminder. Reflecting on his life de decides to make a decision that would change his world, his perspective and more.

He takes his own special leap into life and decides to live it one day at a time and redefine who he is. This is one book that everyone needs to read to remember that it really happened. We cannot get caught off guard again. Close your eyes. Do you hear the silence? September Never again! Never Forget! Aug 22, Pixie rated it really liked it Shelves: indies , reads. We remember what we were doing that morning, where exactly we were at, and when the news hit, how we reacted.

This is one such story of looking back and remembering that day, the impact it had on one person's life, and the events that unfolded around him. Whether it be that we looked at life a whole new way, lost someone we knew, fought in the following war, or whatever it may have been.

I remember I was in high school still. But the smile instantly faded when the teacher switched on the television to the news because she had received word from another staff member to turn it on right away, and we usually watched the news in that class anyway.

The images I was seeing were frightening, confusing… and I cried throughout the day for everyone there. The victims and the endless support of the police and fire department.

He was a military man- and would have been quite comforting. Then I remember my fear and confusion turning to anger… and finally it turned to pride. Pride for how everyone joined together in that extreme time of need. When Mr. Not because I feared it would be a bad read, but because of the subject matter.

It was sad as I read along, recounting the memories with him- most particularly during the portions of the people jumping from the buildings.

I remember being horrified and crying just seeing that on television that morning. In the end, I found myself finishing quickly, a few tears in my eyes.

It reminds us all that we can certainly move on with our lives without forgetting. Aug 11, Jamie Kline rated it it was amazing Shelves: books-for-review. I can still remember where I was when I heard the tragic news, as I'm sure most of you can. I was in sophomore year of high school and we watched the news that entire day, shedding tears for the people who lost their lives and for their families.

As much as we can imagine what it would have been like to be there, we simply can't. The terror, the helplessness, the confusion. Wanting to help the people trapped inside the World Trade Center, but knowing that there is nothing you can do. This is why I can still remember where I was when I heard the tragic news, as I'm sure most of you can.

This is why That Day In September is such a powerful book; the author, Artie Van Why was there and he experienced all of it first hand. He was working across from the World Trade Center when the first plane hit and in this book he gives a chilling and detailed account of what he experienced that day.

The book jumps back and forth just a bit in the beginning, starting with when he first heard the news that a plane had hit one of the World Trade Center towers and then going back to describe just how he ended up in New York City in the first place. It was interesting to learn about his life and the events that lead up to him taking a job right across from the towers.

I really appreciated his fond memories prior to the attacks. In particular he described the World Trade Center plaza as being an "oasis" for people who worked around the area. This was helpful for someone like me who has never visited New York City, much less the World Trade Center while it was still standing; through his memories I was able to form more of a connection and see exactly what everyone loved so much.

Not only did he mourn the people who died that day, but he also mourned the loss of something he cherished very much: lunch time at the plaza, sitting by the beautiful fountain. We like to take things for granted and assume we'll always have them around; the author had no clue that his last day at the plaza would truly be his last.

I found myself getting very emotional while reading. His emotions just jumped off the page and I couldn't help but cry with him. The things he witnessed that day, scenes that no one should ever have to see, he will carry those around for the rest of his life.

That day ended up changing his life forever. The book also details the days and months after the attack and the difficulties he faced even then trying to cope with what happened. Returning to work he was faced with seeing the rubble and destruction, a reminder of exactly what happened. It was heartwarming to hear just how unified everyone in New York City was; how people he didn't even know would come right up and comfort him when the emotions and grief became too much to bear by himself.

I can't describe how much I enjoyed reading this book. It's not especially long, but it touched me immensely. I recommend this book to everyone and know I will be purchasing a copy to display proudly on my shelf. If you'd like to read more of my reviews, please check out my book review blog, Bookerella Jul 01, L.

Olteano rated it really liked it Shelves: received-for-review , reviewed , blog-review. Anyway, after a few intense cry sessions, I felt I was ready. I picked it up and read it. It was fast, it hit hard, and it was incredibly touching. This book is a perfect portal to a world of emotion. The precise, clear focus on simple day-to-day life, that aims straight at your heart. The important thing here is to keep in mind this is a personal remembrance, and not an event-dedicated chronicle; therefore I am very happy that the author takes the time to give us some information about himself, but not so much that it becomes a real auto-biography; it makes me think of a diary, for some reason.

There are a lot of incredibly powerful images, and memorable words. He was in the arms of people on the streets as they embraced one another. He was in the tears of strangers who cried together. He was in all the lives that were given in the line of duty, in the acts of heroism. He was in the hearts of the people across the country who, as they watched the horror from afar, felt compassion. I encourage you to give this short book a read.

Artie minces no words. Sep 11, Sandra Olshaski rated it really liked it. I know I do. We were all glued to the television, it seemed, riveted by the repeated broadcasts of incomprehensible events. It was difficult enough viewing the unfolding tragedy from the comfort of our homes but this book is an eyewitness account. Artie Van Why lived it. He worked for a law firm just across from it. These were the all the small and large things that made up life in the city.

It had a breath of its own. Fortunately each chapter of the book is short, usually consisting of one or two pages only. I still tense when I hear an airplane overhead. The author has chosen to move ahead, one day at a time. Jul 05, Janette Fuller rated it it was amazing Shelves: biography-memoir. Most people remember exactly where they were and what they were doing on the morning of September 11, This is a compelling memoir about how Mr.

His experiences at Ground Zero were shocking and unforgettable. This is one man's story of how he survived a da Most people remember exactly where they were and what they were doing on the morning of September 11, This is one man's story of how he survived a day that will never be forgotten. He tells of his relationship with an actress before "coming out" and living an openly gay lifestyle.

He soon realized that he would need more income than he was receiving from his acting jobs, so he went to work as a word processor at a law firm. He worked the evening shift and then would party with his friends until the early morning hours. In , Mr. Van Why decided to give up drinking and make some serious changes in his life.

He attended a twelve-steps support group and was able to gain control of his drinking and his life. The law firm merged with another company and he found himself working the day shift in an office building across the street from the World Trade Center.

Life was good. Artie heard the building rumble. A secretary said that a plane had hit the South Tower and it was a "war zone" outside. Artie and some of his co-workers were curious so they went outside to see what was happening. Once he was on the street, he noticed that it was like stepping into a snowstorm.

Paper of all sorts and sizes was scattered everywhere, coming down from the sky from as far up as he could see. Large pieces of debris were falling down the length of the tower. Then he noticed that one piece of debris seemed to be moving. It was a person falling He stood helplessly watching as more and more people began jumping from the tower. I think Mr. Van Why has done an outstanding job sharing his experience of that terrible day in September. He felt the panic and fear of running for his life as debris fell from the sky.

These memories continued to haunt him for many years. This book is his way of working through this trauma. His hope is that our country will not forget all those who lost their lives on that day. Read the book and weep. Disclosure: Artie Van Why sent me a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review.

It's hard to believe that today marks the tenth anniversary of September 11th. The horrors of the tragedy still seem so fresh in people's minds. The world has changed greatly due to the events of that day, with the repercussions stretching far beyond New York's city limits. For those who were there, however, those who experienced the scenes of terror and destruction at first hand, the changes and consequences were much more personal in nature.

Artie Van Why was one such witness and That Day In September is an honest, powerful work relating his experiences on that fatal date. The book opens with the personal path that led him to New York, allowing the reader to learn a little about the man behind the account.

Then, the tragedy itself is described. Van Why manages to sketch the horror of the events he witnessed without the scenes he depicts ever feeling gratuitous. As an author, he is very respectful of those who died, of those who lost loved ones and of the many people who reached out to offer help and comfort to those who needed it.

That Day In September also deals with the aftermath of the tragedy — both in a personal sense and in a broader one. It speaks of the way the citizens of New York supported each other through the subsequent days and weeks and of Van Why's own struggle to come to terms with the event.

Throughout, however, there is an emphasis on the good that can be found in humanity, something that cannot be underestimated in a book dealing with such a collection of evil and incomprehensible deeds. The language of That Day In September is not particularly elegant, and the grammar in the book could have been more refined. However, while this often detracts from my enjoyment of a book, in this case I found that the opposite was true.

Van Why's writing style gives a real immediacy to his account. It somehow feels more raw, more emotional, to read about the events of that day in language that is not made impersonal through too much attention to form and style.

I was on the brink of tears for much of the time it took me to read this — a sign that any flaws in the writing do little to diminish the power of the piece. As an Australian, I have only been affected by September 11th in a peripheral fashion, and it was good to be able to read a personal and first-hand account of the events I witnessed on television.

Horrific events of this scale can all too easily become about numbers rather than individuals. But Van Why's story is just one of so many — and I thank him for sharing it. This was a worthwhile and thought-provoking read, which added another dimension to my understanding of 'that day in September'. The Author provides a fascinating insight into the everyday realities of working at the World Trade Centre, from street theatre; street vendors, and apparent care-free nature of the majority of the people whom used to work at the complex.

In this reading, life at the World Trade Centre was something of an idyll. It had an almost symbiotic relationship with the Author, which explains in part, why the loss of the complex had such a profound effect on the Author as a former way of life died on that day. This is something that I had not considered before, as the Trade Centre had previously been viewed as a place of work as opposed to a friend.

The notions of helplessness; insignificance, and terror left a deep imprint on the Author, and the account of the support and guidance that he received from medical professionals and 'ordinary' people was inspiring. The ability of 'ordinary' people to restart their lives from zero; establish routines, and provide emotional and practical support to one another in the aftermath is a testimony of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity. This account offers no bravado or machismo.

Jul 05, Sandra Stiles rated it it was amazing Shelves: , memoir. To me forgetting the events is like forgetting all of those who perished that day. Artie gives us a first hand, eyewitness look at that day. In many ways his story is the same as others we may have heard or read about. In many ways it is different. Everyone was affected differently that day. For many who lived in New York and witnessed first hand the terror, the events are permanently etched in their minds.

Some of them may have been able to move on with their lives, and many of them have been so affected by that day that it was necessary to move away.

I cried throughout this book. I brought back so many emotions and thoughts. We carried our emotions on our sleeves for months. On pages 54 of his book he is talking about finding out that two young men in his apartment building had been victims of this day and how doing simple things such as buy flowers to be placed on the table at the memorial set up in the lobby of their building was a way to grieve those he did not personally know yet felt a connection to.

Many of us grieved for those we did not know that lost their life that day. It was and is a part of the healing process. This book brought back all of those raw feelings and emotions in me. That is not a bad thing. The healing process takes years. Emotionally we were all there and it changed all of us. Artie gives us a look into his own life and how it changed him.

I challenge you to read this book and see the connections with your own life. I will tell you right now. If you are like me you need to make sure you have a box of tissues handy. I will recommend this book to all of my friends. It gives us a glimpse into the effect emotionally, socially, and professionally that these events had on people like you and I.

If I awarded stars on my blog this would definitely be a 5 star book. Sep 09, Dana Burgess rated it it was amazing. We see the pictures on TV or in the newspaper but our minds censor the feelings, smells, thoughts, sounds so that we can absorb without joining the ranks of the damaged. Artie Van Why didn't have that option because he didn't see the pictures on TV or read the newspaper accounts. Instead, he stepped out of his office building across the street from the twin towers and walked into Hell.

Van Why's book is powerful in its simplicity. He doesn't try to sensationalise the events he witnessed. He tells it like it was. He doesn't ask for pity. He simply explains how he was affected and what the world around him was like on September 11, and the days, weeks and months following.

I appreciate that Artie Van Why stays focused. He doesn't try to tug at our heartstrings by adding lots of sappy observations. That is not to say that I didn't cry my way through a lot of this little book. I did. The starkness of the narration allows the reader to feel the starkness of the day.

The comparisons of before, during and after are surreal. Exactly as I remember thinking the event was as I watched the footage. He simply told it like it was. Innocent people are dying while going about their daily activities. I'm not saying we shouldn't remember, or that we shouldn't build memorials, but in the few other books I have read about the events of that day in September, I have been left with the feeling the authors didn't recognise that it was one, albeit the biggest one, of a plethora of terrorist actions that occurred before and after that day.

I hope people remember that each life counts. And I want to thank this author for not going there. This book is his personal remembrance of finding himself in the middle of a terrorist attack. I didn't once feel like he was negating other attacks or deaths. He was just telling his story.

My conclusion: highly recommended reading. Do you remember where you were? That Day in September by Artie Van Why I can remember exactly where I was the day our country took a hit to the face, a gut punch, and changed us forever. The day started like any other lining up the visits for the day, making sure that I had all the supplies I needed, and that all the patients for the day knew I was coming.

I was chatting with the Do you remember where you were? I turned toward the television and saw it. The images that were shown looked like something out of a movie.

Debris falling, smoke, fire, people running and people in shock. The reporters were in shock, stumbling over their words, and trying to get all the information they could to share with the world. He worked at a law firm just a short distance from the World Trade Center.

He felt the shake of the building as the first plane hit; he saw the second plane hit, the debris, the smoke, the fires.. Everything I saw on television at that moment, he was living it. In his book, he shares his thoughts, his fears, his feelings and his life surrounding that day. As I was reading this, I could remember all the images I saw, but I could see them as if I were there. He also shares how he dealt with life in the weeks after the attack and since that day. Van Why self-published this book because he wanted to get his story of that day out.

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Minimum monthly payments are required. Subject to credit approval. See terms. More to explore :. Image not available Photos not available for this variation. We all have our stories to tell of where we were the morning of September 11, This is one of them.