As the tenth anniversary of 9/11 approaches, you may want to pick up this wonderful book by Michael Hingson and Susy Flory. Blind since birth, Hingson narrates the story of his escape from the 78th floor of the World Trade Center's north tower with his guide dog, Roselle. I read it in one night and loved every moment of it~~laughing at parts (believe it or not) and crying too.

Hingson not only relays his story as a survivor of the terrorist attacks; he shares his personal story as a blind child being raised by parents who insisted he grow up alongside the typical children in his community rather than being segregated in a home for the blind as most professionals were recommending at the time. He also shares a great deal about guide dogs~~how they learn, behave, and develop in their role alongside the blind. Roselle was just as much a main character as Hingson in this book and I grew to admire her as much as her master.

As Hingson grows up, he develops courage, interdependence with his guide dogs, and a lively faith about which he freely shares as a primary component in his emotional and physical survival of the attack. He writes very well and, unless you are blind yourself, you will learn a great deal about the blind community and how they maneuver through life in a world designed for the seeing. You may realize you have biases and misconceptions that Hingson hopes to correct.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you enjoy true accounts of people (and dogs) who overcome significant challenges.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review program for bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”