The Legacy Letters: Messages of Life and Hope from 9/11 Family Members

by Tuesday's Children (Compiler)

Ten years after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the family members of one hundred of the individuals lost on that terrible day look back-and forward-in this inspiring collection of letters. Filled with love, resilience, humor, wonder, and encouragement, the letters offer a unique perspective on the events of the unforgettable day that forever changed our world. The authors of these letters are adolescents, teens, young adults, spouses, parents, siblings, nieces, and grandparents. They are first- generation Americans, citizens of other nations, and lifelong New Yorkers. But they all share one They honor their loved ones by living their lives with purpose, and a promise to never forget. These courageous family members share their grief and loss-and hope- speaking in their own words, with love, courage, and strength enough to inspire us all.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

272 pages, Hardcover

First published August 2, 2011

Reviews

[Kerry Hilsabeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely, heartbreaking.... But everyone should read... The families letters are so touching and make you realize not to take life for granted.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how not to give the book 5 stars, if the stars go up more I would give it the maximum there was. I am from Canada and was only eleven when 9/11 happened and it seemed back then to be far away. Over the years a began to be familiar with what happened and just this past summer I went to go see the 9/11 memorial. That itself change my perspective, this really happened to real people who were just like me. I got this book from the memorial. This book helped me shed light on the families dear loved one who died that day and though the letters we got to see the gimps of some of legacy the left behind, that even almost 12 year after they are still struggling to find a common place but with doing so they still have hope and faith. This book is a must read for all!

[Ariel Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was heartwarming and heart breaking. The stories that are told are stories of lose and how special the victims of 9/11 were.

[Ruth York · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every year, I try to read a book pertaining to 9/11 to remember that day. This one was a hard read, but amazing. The letters within its pages are heartbreaking, yet also full of resilience and hope. The reader is reminded, never take one moment for granted. We don't know what tomorrow, or even today, holds. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. And do it often. Live with no regrets.

[Jo Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I brought this book while on holiday in New York, after visiting the 9/11 museum.
This is an amazing and emotional book, however it is lovely to hear the lovely heartfelt stories and messages from friends and family of those that lost their life on that sad day!

[Marce C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terminé completamente destruida con este libro. Necesario pero bastante doloroso. La perdida de un ser querido, sobre todo de una manera tan violenta, deja una huella en nuestras vidas. No me puedo imaginar lo que les debe haber costado a sus familiares escribirles estas cartas.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of letters to lost loved ones is moving, thought-provoking, and brave.

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-breaking, but what a meaningful book!!

[Equine Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book at Ground Zero in the gift shop. I bought this simply because the proceeds went to the charity Tuesday's Children. I wanted to give back somehow. I still feel guilty for getting that tattoo that would make me ineligible to give blood on 9/11/01. It's a comfort to know my money may bring a smile to a child's face. I strongly recommend everyone buy a copy. Especially after reading the letters. Some made me smile, most made me feel so sad, and one made me just sob uncontrollably;
"I tormented myself for missing your phone call that dreadful morning. I don't know if you called to say I love you, take care of my boys and please make sure they remember me, or just goodbye, but that's what I imagine now. I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you in your darkest moment. I will never forgive myself for that."
Written by Maria to her husband Michael McHugh Jr. Her words ripped my heart to shreds.
There were some better moments a few women gave birth shortly after and we're grateful for it. I could understand that.
All the letters shared about how they were moving on with their lives and how grief isn't something that goes away. When you lose someone you love (especially under these circumstances) suddenly you never get over it. It becomes a part of you. That's the hardest part of grief. You will forever miss them.
One last thing in a letter towards the end was a letter to her husband. She talked about how that first year was unbearable and by a simple twist of fate she adopted a puppy and that puppy sort of brought her back. I loved that.
This is a beautiful tribute. The cover is gorgeous and the proceeds (again a great charity) you need to buy this book.
It took me a while to read all the letters. I had to take breaks. It's a lot. It's all heart and I could only handle small doses. But I am so glad I interrupted that employee and asked "I'm looking for something where the proceeds go to a charity for the victims of 9/11"
Always trying to to help any small way I can.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was informative in the fact that it makes the reader envision those who died on 9/11 as actual people..getting to know them beyond just a name that we hear read at the anniversary or see inscribed on a memorial. I think they could have done a better job at widening the variety of the people they chose to memorialize in this book--a lot of people were chosen from the towers..it would have been nice to read more about people who died on the planes. not sure if this was intentionally done like this or if families of passengers on the planes weren't open to divulging information about their loved ones for this book. this is the type of book, inmy opinion where you don't want to rate as 5 stars because it is really a tragic and sad book to read.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how not to give this 5 stars. What those poor families have had to endure because of the horrible fate of their loved ones on 9/11 is absolutely heartbreaking. What I loved, however, was that so many of them talked about the kindness of others as a result of their losses, as well as their faith and surety that their loved ones were still with them; they could feel their presence and see them in their children. This just reaffirms what I already believe. This is a really quick read and I'm glad I saw it while I was at the 9/11 memorial so I could discover it. If you decide to read it, though, be prepared for tears!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every American should be required to read this book. This was a wonderful tribute to the families and victims of 9/11. Their were many promising stories of hope, forgiveness and moving on when facing one of the worst tragedies of this countries history.

Anyone who lived through this will always remember this day and will never forget all of the fallen heroes and the struggles of their families to recover from this horrific event!

I hope their will be a second edition.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by grandchildren, spouses, parents, and even children not yet born at the time, this book is comprised of short, moving letters to loved ones killed on 9/11. Some write of their last moments together or the moment they found out what happened.  Some tell of moving on, finding a new "normal" or a new spouse.  All tell of the love they shared and the loss they felt.  The pictures with each story helped me feel a connection to the families. What an honor to read.

[Amy Brown (amylikestoreadalot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have tissue on hand...read the first 3 letters and already crying! 9/11 victims remembered 10 years later in a letter written to them by a loved one. Finished...so heartbreaking, but very interesting peek into the lives of some of the victims. I wish nothing but healing and happiness for their families!

[Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book on holiday in New York when I visited Ground Zero. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. It's such a moving book made up of letters from the loved ones of those who are no longer with us. The book had me laughing and crying and it really makes you realise the impact of 9/11

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful tribute to 100 of the thousands of people who died on 9/11. The letters were written to the deceased by a member of their family and each includes a picture. It was a fast and worthwhile read.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look into how these 100 people who lost a family member in 9/11 have survived these 10 years. These people are amazing (the ones lost as well as the ones who are left). Heartfelt, esp. the letters from the kids who never met their dads. A quick read. A keeper.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will probably weep when you read many of these letters - they are so poignant. At the same time, they share a spirit of growth and joy and love. I highly, highly recommend you read this - and then google Tuesday's children.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book are short biographies written about some victims of 9-11 along with a letter by one member of their family written to the person. It makes 9-11 more personal instead of a big number of people who died. Lots of moving words and memories. Worth the read.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hard read but a good one. Letters from the survivors of 9/11's victims lets us know that even in their grief, they're all all right.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sad and touching book, you could feel in the letters that the victims were very much alive to family and friends. This tradgedy is as much alive today as it was on September 11,2001.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tribute to family lost on 9/11 but also an example of courage and strength born of heartbreak. Hard to put down.

[BB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very hard to read too many at once. Lots and lots of tears. Such pain and loss and waste.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never forget - This takes you on a 'walk' with the loved ones of those that died on 9/11. Many touching stories, may they all keep going in faith and peace.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pain. The memories. The feelings. Of course I cried. It was too familiar.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely heartbreaking but was such a good read. This book taught me to never take anyone or any day for granted and to trust God in everything.