Firehouse

by David Halberstam, Denis Leary (Introduction)

One of America's most distinguished reporters and historians offers the deeply moving personal story of Engine 40, Ladder 35 -- located on the West Side of Manhattan near Lincoln Center -- and the absolute sacrifice its firefighters made on September 11, 2001.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, two rigs carrying thirteen men set out from this twelve of them would never return.

Firehouse takes us to the epicenter of the tragedy. Through the kind of intimate portraits that are Halberstam's trademark, we watch the day unfold--the men called to duty while their families wait anxiously for news of them. In addition, we come to understand the culture of the firehouse why gifted men do this; why, in so many instances, they are eager to follow in their fathers' footsteps and serve in so dangerous a profession; and why, more than anything else, it is not just a job, but a calling.

This is journalism-as-history at its best, the story of what happens when one small institution gets caught in an apocalyptic day. Firehouse is a book that will move readers as few others have in our time.

More than 6 years after his death David Halberstam remains one of this country's most respected journalists and revered authorities on American life and history in the years since WWII. A Pulitzer Prize-winner for his groundbreaking reporting on the Vietnam War, Halberstam wrote more than 20 books, almost all of them bestsellers. His work has stood the test of time and has become the standard by which all journalists measure themselves.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, New York, American History, Audiobook, Terrorism

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

David Halberstam was an American journalist and historian, known for his work on the Vietnam War, politics, history, the Civil Rights Movement, business, media, American culture, and later, sports journalism. He was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting in 1964.

Halberstam graduated from Harvard University with a degree in journalism in 1955 and started his career writing for the Daily Times Leader in West Point, Mississippi. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, writing for The Tennessean in Nashville, Tennessee, he covered the beginnings of the American Civil Rights Movement.

In the mid 1960s, Halberstam covered the Vietnam War for The New York Times. While there, he gathered material for his book The Making of a Quagmire: America and Vietnam during the Kennedy Era. In 1963, he received a George Polk Award for his reporting at the New York Times. At the age of 30, he won a Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on the war. He is interviewed in the 1968 documentary film on the Vietnam War entitled In the Year of the Pig.

Halberstam's most well known work is The Best and the Brightest. Halberstam focused on the paradox that those who shaped the U.S. war effort in Vietnam were some of the most intelligent, well-connected and self-confident men in America—"the best and the brightest"—and yet those same individuals were responsible for the failure of the United States Vientnam policy.

After publication of The Best and the Brightest in 1972, Halberstam plunged right into another book and in 1979 published The Powers That Be. The book provided profiles of men like William Paley of CBS, Henry Luce of Time magazine, Phil Graham of The Washington Post—and many others.

Later in his career, Halberstam turned to the subjects of sports, publishing The Breaks of the Game, an inside look at the Bill Walton and the 1978 Portland Trailblazers basketball team; an ambitious book on Michael Jordan in 1999 called Playing for Keeps; and on the pennant race battle between the Yankees and Red Sox called Summer of '49.

Halberstam published two books in the 1960s, three books in the 1970s, four books in the 1980s, and six books in the 1990s. He published four books in the 2000s and was on a pace to publish six or more books in that decade before his death.

David Halberstam was killed in a car crash on April 23, 2007 in Menlo Park, California.

Reviews

[Susan Liston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this in my vast unread pile and just started reading it at lunch. I bought it so long ago I didn't remember it was about a fire house that lost 12 men on 9/11. Yikes. But although obviously very sad, it wasn't maudlin or deliberately tear jerking at all. Just a profile of each man, how he fit into the workings of the station and some commentary from family members. Quite well done, because it is poignant and affecting without turning into a sob-fest.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written, simple book, and a stunning introduction to Halberstam. It never verged into sentimentality or victimhood, but rather moved me in its quiet truth and sober reflections. It is also a remarkable example of the power of place as an exploration of community, and the individuals who make up that community. In this case, that place is a firehouse in Manhattan (Engine 30, Ladder 25), and the individuals are 13 firemen, 12 of whom died after responding to the 9/11 attacks. They were among 343 total firefighters, whose stories are in many ways encapsulated by Halberstam's book. The short book manages to give readers an intimate portrait of each man—his childhood, his reasons for joining the fire department, his family, his personality, quirks, and role in the community. In these portraits are revealed remarkable bravery, leadership, camaraderie, but also simple, everyday moments that make a human life uniquely precious. In his epilogue, Halberstam comments that "one of the things that makes a career in journalism both pleasurable and valuable is the reward that comes in discovering, again and again, the nobility of ordinary people.

[Tom Gase · Rating 5 out of 5]

As powerful of a book as you'll ever read. It's only 200 pages (some Halberstam - AKA God - books are as much as 800-900 and been great) but it gets to the point and the research and writing are second to none. Halberstam profiles 12 firefighters that all died on 9/11 that were stationed at the 40/35 station right by the Lincoln Center on 66th and Amsterdam in Manhattan. The profiles are amazing and Halberstam makes it seem as if you have known all these brave heroes all your life. Halberstam doesn't focus TOO much on the actual 9/11 day but more of how each person became a firefighter and what they were doing that morning. Halberstam talks to dozens of family members and friends and often the story makes it seem as if a bug flew into your eyes. It gives one a more appreciative view of firefighters, if that was even possible. This is the 17th book I've read by God - AKA David Halberstam - and maybe the sixth or seventh five-star book by him. He's written some of all time favorites such as Summer of 49, Teammates, The Children, The Powers that Be, Best and the Brightest, Breaks of the Game and The Coldest Winter immediately come to mind. This book joins those as a classic. A hard to find book these days, but a gem.

[Carin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought a nonfiction work by a famous author about a firehouse would be cool. Didn't realize until I started reading it that it's about September 11th. Still wanted to read it, but knew it would be hard, so even though it's very short, it took me a little while.

It's about Firehouse 40/35 (Engine 40, Ladder 35) in midtown Manhattan. On Sept. 11, 2001, the engine and the ladder both went down to the World Trade Center at 9:30 AM, with 13 men aboard the two trucks. One man survived. Mr. Halberstam had lovingly portrayed detailed portraits of every man on those rigs. Several were within a year of retirement. Two were probies. One was engaged to be married in November. One firefighter was filling in from another firehouse and this was his first day at 40/35. Several of the men weren't supposed to be on the rigs that day but changed shifts with other guys for one reason or another. Some wanted more overtime, some guys needed the day off. All were hardworking, caring, honest men who put others' lives before their own. It turns out they only entered WTC2 10 minutes before it collapsed. The one survivor had a broken neck (3 vertebra), a concussion, lost most of his testicles, and had been thrown half a block by the force of the collapse. Later he talked to a reporter about how difficult it was to be the sole survivor, the guilt and doubt he was feeling, only to be branded a coward in the newspaper, for his honesty and feelings.

There isn't much detail about the run itself. After all, very little is known. The survivor, Shea, doesn't remember much thanks to the concussion, and there aren't any records. The FDNY's communication system was so bad as to be practically worthless. This isn't a book about Sept. 11th, but a book about 13 men who gave their lives, the families who loved them, and by extension it's written in honor of all the New York City firefighters who lost their lives that day.

May we never forget them:

Engine 40
Lt. John Ginley
Bruce Gary
Michael Lynch
Mike D'Auria
Vincent Morello
Steve Mercado

Ladder 35
Capt. Frank Callahan
Jimmy Giberson
Michael Otten
Michael Roberts
Dan Marshall
Kevin Bracken
Kevin Shea*

It is a touching, loving, thoughtful, compelling, heartbreaking, and necessary book. I wish a book could be written that would go into such detail about all the NYFD lost that day, but that would be impractical. Instead, we have this brief, beautiful homage. Thank you.

*survived

[Ciara Travers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ciara Travers
May 2, 2012
Firehouse

First Response Character
In my book Firehouse, it illustrates the hardships that engine 40 and ladder 35 go through. In this story it really illustrates how they live and they all grow together as a family. I would love to be a part of this fire house, because all the men are very caring and do everything as a team. For instance the firehouse in midtown Manhattan, feel passionate about being the best. It is an unusually strong house, filled with veterans who do not want to transfer out.
I believe I would be friends with the members of the fire house, because they would be easy to get along with. Some men in the firehouse 40/35 are Hamptom, Gormley, Joe, and Gary, etc. All of the members of the firehouse 40/35 are passionate in doing their job and to save anyway in the way. I think I would be able to fit in with all the members and reflect positively in doing my job. I don’t think our relationship with the members of the firehouse 40/35 wouldn’t be contingent because we would all work, eat, and get along together. Gradually we would become as close as a family.

Second Response
This book has contributed to my personal enlightenment greatly because it contains a point of view of the firehouse 40/35. This book illustrates the impact of 911 on a specific firehouse, and shows how 911 impacted everyone. It portrays the significance of 911 and how it impacted everyone differently. Before reading this I knew how it impacted families, police officers, etc but I never knew how it impacted fire fighters.
This book illustrated how firehouses are a unified family, who work hard together every single day. Even when members from the firehouse are off for the day they still think about their jobs. I gained a greater understanding of our culture because this book illustrated the impact of 911 on a specific firehouse. Firehouses are important because they impact our society today, and they save multiple lives. It was interesting to see a different point of view for a change, and this book was a good choice to read.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the 20th anniversary of 9/11 coming up I wanted to spend some time reading and reflecting on this tragedy and was recommended this book. This book was awesome as it brought you inside one of the firehouses who responded to the call on that fateful Tuesday morning and explored the lives of all those firefighters lost. The author did an amazing job at including explanations from family, friends and co-workers and humanizing the tragedy.

Overall it was a wonderful read, with stories that were sad but worth telling.

[Brian Eshleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The brevity of this book does not provide the author much time to enter into the culture of the firehouse, describe it, and then describe the trauma it underwent on 9/11, but he accomplishes this admirably. Although he is reaching across from a safe, materialistic, white-collar culture to one that is not, his writing is not overtaken with sentimentality or with smirks. He describes real people as individuals with such depth that we come to know something about the firemen down the street.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

As one might imagine, this is not a happy book. However, it is an important one. The author takes us into the lives and culture of the NYC firefighters who were among the first responders to the 9/11 attacks. You close the book feeling like you actually knew these men and their families.

[Alex Esteverena · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Firehouse” by David Halberstam makes the reader feel like they themselves are experiencing the struggles and hardships that the first responders occurred on 9/11. It tells the story of the firefighters who worked at the 40 engine 35 ladder firehouse in mid Manhattan.

Reading Firehouse made me wish that there were ways that such a horrible attack could have been prevented by the authorities, or that the first responders had any idea how to go about saving the people trapped in the World Trade Center. The firefighters who first responded to the terror attack simply rushed to the scene and did what they were trained to do. They ran into the heart of the danger and tried to help people in need. The 40/35 firehouse truck, the first one to the trade center, was reported lost. John Morello, father of Vincent, one of the men from the 40/35 firehouse called a private department who stated, “Thirty Five Truck. Thirty Five Truck is missing… Yes. The whole company is missing.” Everyone from from 40 Engine 35 Truck was first reported missing and their fire truck was destroyed. 13 men set out on rigs that morning, and 12 of them died.

The entire story of Firehouse made me realize how many people were impacted by the events that occurred on 9/11. In total, 2,753 died at the World Trade Center, but millions of lives were changed that day. Everyone who knew someone who died would never be the same. For instance, 6 year old Skylar Mercado, son of engine worker Steve Mercado was told about his father’s death in the attacks, and he immediately asked to be taken to the firehouse. When he got there he saw men returning from search parties and kept saying, “Where’s my dad? You’ve got to go back and look for my dad!” Skylar and many other lives were dramatically affected that day.

Firehouse made me wonder about the reasons behind the attacks of 9/11. How could a person do something so horrible on purpose, fully knowing what they were doing and the terror they were causing millions of people. Osama Bin Laden, the leader of the terrorist group Al Qaeda, was the mastermind behind the events that took place on September 11, 2011. He apparently wanted the attacks to be a message to the United States and to ignite a holy war against us to dismantle us and have our government fall apart. As it turns out, his plan drastically backfired. Although he succeeded in killing thousands, in response to the attacks, America stood as one nation and truly united as a country.




David Halberstam made me see society in an entirely new perspective and truly opened my eyes to what is really important in the world. He showed me that there are so many more important things to worry about and we need to stand together as a country to help one another whenever we can because we are on the same side, not competing. He made me see that we, as a country, cannot function divided. After a time like this we need to come together and be one with each other, rising up against what the enemy wants. For example, the firefighters at 40/35 have a bond with each other that is unbreakable, and they all seem to have wanted to be firefighters since they were young. Reverend Robert Scholz, pastor at a church nearby stated, “You see your father doing it, and you’re proud of him. His life seems honorable and purposeful… and you see the loyalty of these men to each other.” The bond the firefighters have with each other in a way represents the way America was able to come together in response to the attacks.

Firehouse made me believe we can learn from the events that occurred on the morning of September 11th. I believe that we will get even more advanced with airport security, even stricter on public place surveillance, and even stronger with our military troops. Halberstam stated, “It was a tragedy beyond comprehension, not just the worst day in the history of New York City, but on of the worst days in American history- a day that people would compare to Pearl Harbor.” I believe we can learn from such a catastrophic and chaotic attacks because we are now much more prepared for any sort of threat to anywhere in America, regardless of what that specific threat is.

Firehouse actually made me feel very proud to be an American. After reading how loyal the firefighters were to each other and how brave the first responders were to just run into the World Trade Center fully knowing they would most likely not make it out in an effort to help those in need. Captain Jim Gormley stated in his eulogy for firefighter Callahan, “...We are also proud. Proud to have known a good man, better than ourselves. We respect the need for him to leave, to rest.” I truly felt inspired when I read this part because I just can’t believe how lucky we are to live in a country where people will throw their lives on the line to try to help strangers they’ve never met.

The present book made me hope any sort of attack of this magnitude can never happen again. That this many people cannot be killed by another person or group of people in this way so quickly. Although many may think that is incredibly naive, but with recent airport and event security, it is almost impossible to walk into a public place carrying a dangerous weapon that could threaten the lives of others. It also made me hope that people, especially those who were not alive to be a witness to the events, understand the trauma and suffering that was caused not just for the people who died on the day. One example is Kevin Shea, the only man on 40/35 who was deployed that morning who survived. The author explained, “When he returned to the house, he felt somewhat uncomfortable. He wondered whether when the other men looked at him, they saw something wrong.” He felt alone after his fellow firefighters had died, and even more alone because the other firefighters wouldn’t treat him the same, believing he was wrong to have survived. I hope that people realize now how hard it must have been for not only him, but everyone affected by what happened on 9/11.

[Jeffrey Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. David Halberstam examines life in one of FDNYs firehouses and brings us through the events of 9/11.

Where Halberstam succeeds is by showing us the tight relationships these men had with each other. We learn about each of these firemen and their families, and less about going on fire calls with them. We experience the unit cohesion as these men, who previously were known only by their names and faces on a wall, come alive in print.

Underlying this narrative from the beginning, of course, is 9/11. We know these men died. That's why knowing who they are is more important than what they did. It really isn't until the last chapter that he unveils where in the Twin Towers complex these men were found and what they did in their final minutes.

By the last page, we are back in full mourning, experiencing the loss once again just like many years ago. This time, they're more than just names and faces on the back cover of the book. They were real people.

[Janet R. Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read! Firefighters are ALL Heroes in my book!!!

[A.M. Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't pay close attention when I selected this book to read, because I thought it was just about a random NYC firehouse, not one of the first to respond on 9/11. Have tissues ready. This book is less about 9/11 and more about the lives of the men who responded to the call that morning without truly realizing what they were facing, and the lives of the family members they left behind.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The style of writing was not for me, but I appreciate this glimpse into the lives of the firemen who died saving others on 9/11.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows a fire station in New York that lost 12 members when the towers collapsed on Sept 2011. You are given facts about the men, their families and their love of being a firefighter. Though sad, you learn of their dedication to saving others.

[Edmund Davis-Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was also a post on my blog.
http://ed2dq.com/2013/01/10/firehouse...

September 11, 2001 is now over 11 years ago, but still feels fresh.

Especially to anyone who grew up in greater New York City.

I grew up in Montgomery Township, New Jersey just north of Princeton, and from the top of Grandview Hill on a clear day, I could see the World Trade Center 50 miles away (could see the Turnpike Towers of East Brunswick much better about 20 miles away).

The World Trade Center was always the building I saw that let me New York City is coming as we approached the Newark Airport area on the New Jersey Turnpike.

Going to New York often meant going to places like the American Museum of Natural History in the Upper West Side at 81st and Central Park West, where we were long term members.

Not that far from the museum is Lincoln Center, and near that on 66th and Amsterdam Avenue and is the firehouse for Engine 40, Ladder 35. On 9/11 the house had one of the toughest days of any firehouse. 12 went down to the World Trade Center and only 1 returned, and he barely survived.

This is a book about these men, about their house, and about the camaraderie of firemen. They are all truly brothers. They live together, cook together, eat together, laugh together, sleep together, even do projects off hours together and look out for each other.

It’s a proud group of men. Proud of their job, proud of their children, proud of their wives, and generally very happy.

The experience made me think of the laughter, friendship and ribbing of the excellent drama “Rescue Me,” one of my favorite all time shows.

The book is devastating though. Eleven good men, with great lives and families crushed by the towers on that faithful day.

It’s a slow read, it’s an emotional read and I recommend it. Excellent reporting by David Halberstam.
***1/2

[Eric_W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Halberstam's books and usually make an effort to read them as soon as they come out. His tragic death last year hit hard. This book I postponed reading until recently. I suppose the events of 9/11 needed to be viewed through the distance of time. Even with that lens, it was often difficult to forge on.

The Engine 40, Ladder 35 firehouse was close to where Halberstam lived in New York. Twelve of thirteen who left for the Twin Towers on that day were killed. Halberstam recounts what happened to the men (as best as one can tell) and their families. His book reinforces again how small random decisions often make the difference between life and death. One fireman had worked with a saw on helping a man with bicycle lock for which he had lost the key. During the use of the saw, it had slipped and cut the hand of a fellow firefighter. Because of that injury he wasn't on duty on 9/11. Everyone else was killed. Another man in a different company had a doctor's appointment. He was off duty. Or the story of some firefighters from a different firehouse who exited out of the North tower minutes before it collapsed. Some turned to the north, others to the south and west. Only those who turned north survived.

The impact on the families was huge, perhaps especially on the children who not only lost fathers, but often uncles and friends of the family as well since the firemen had particularly close relationships with other firefighters. Listening to the platitudes of politicians was particularly galling to many of the survivors with their pat encomiums.

These sketchy biographies are hagiographic. If you are looking for an expose or sordid details of one man's divorce or affair or whatever, you won't find it. And that's as it should be

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while, I read a book that just stuns me. "Firehouse" is one of those rare finds that found me, not the other way around.

It's 2013 and we have just been through the worst financial crisis MOST of us have ever experienced. We've all struggled over these past five years in one way or another. And, unfortunately, for most of us, that struggle has been self oriented (job, money, debt, investments, etc.) "Firehouse" acts as a stark, yet passionate reminder of who we Americans REALLY are, and what should matter most in our lives.

Some of you may not ever want to revisit September 11, 2001. Certainly that's understandable. It was painful to us all in one way or another. However, I believe that there is much to be learned from history and personal stories, and it seems to me that revisiting a day like 9/11 can be both purposeful and healthy.

I will warn you in advance, you cannot read this book without shedding more than a fear tears. I didn't realize that 9/11 was still such a visceral thing for me. It was hidden deep. However, Halberstam has a unique talent of digging deep into the rubble of ones soul and hitting a sensitive nerve (or two.)

I've read a large number of books that David Halberstam has written, and I believe he is one of the finest authors of my lifetime. However, I know for a fact that nothing of his that I have read, ever moved me like this book has. He has reminded me of how blessed I am to have been permitted to be a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a friend; to be healthy; to have two professions that I am passionate about; and MOST of all, how very privileged I am to have been born an American.

[Kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Firehouse is a biographical account of the firefighters from Firehouse 40/35 in Midtown Manhatten. Thirteen of them went out on a run one fateful morning. Only one returned.

If I were rating this on those 9/11 first responders remembered by this book, there would not be enough stars. They were courageous and selfless.

I am not rating them. I'm rating the writing.

Halberstam started out as a journalist. Maybe it is the difference between the writing of a journalist and a solely nonfiction history writer, but I couldn't attend to the words long enough to finish the book. I felt as clueless as I had been on that Tuesday over ten years ago. Nobody really knew what was going on that day and after reading 3/4 of the book, I still didn't.

I finally resorted to watching youtube videos to fill the need to understand that I was feeling.

Then I skimmed to the end of the book.

What I loved -the historical start with the background and culture of the firehouse.

What distracted me - the jumping from fire fighter story to firefighter story with no apparent lineal telling of the events in 2001.

This was recommended to me as a good book for my middleschool son's nonfiction book report. After battling my way through as best I could, I disagree.

[Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book “Firehouse” written by David Halberstam, was a close to heart story for me for many reason and the following is one of them. My uncle passed away on September 11, 2001, this book is about the Emergency Responders who helped in the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York City. I recommend this book for the age of 14 years of age and up, due to some language and graphic writing.

The book is written with a story before, during, and after the attack on the Twin Towers, told by each fire house member who was on the call. The format is a easy to read text and is about one hundred and seventy pages long. For me, it was a nice read.

I give this book all five stars because it has a good amount of detail and was nicely written by David Halberstam. I recommend this book for the ages 14 and up and for people who want to learn about the Emergency Responders in the 9/11 Terrorist attack in New York City. That is my review for the book “Firehouse” by David Halberstam.

[Becca LovesBrooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intimate look into the lives of all the men who were with FDNY Eng. 40/Ldr. 35 who were killed on September 11, 2001. It also shows us how the men (and the families) coped in the days after 9/11 and how firefighters are truly a band of brothers.

[Melissa (Vacation Mode) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful look at Engine 40 ladder 35, a NYFD firehouse which lost 12 men on 9/11. An in depth look at each life and family.

[Jon Den Houter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books I've read in long time, the kind of book that, whenever I had a bit of free time, I keep returning to, forgoing scrolling on my phone to do so!

Halberstam delineates the men of 35/40 firehouse in mid-Manhattan in 2001, especially those who died in the call of duty on 9/11 (along with firemen from other houses who went out with 35/40 that day): Captain Frank Callahan, Lieutenant John Ginley, Kevin Bracken, Michael D'Auria, Bruce Gary, James Giberson, Michael Lynch, Danny Marshall, Steve Mercado, Vincent Morello, Michael Otten, and Michael Roberts. As he does so, Halberstam brings to life the culture of the firehouse and the backstories of why these guys chose to be firemen.

One caveat: through no fault of Halberstam's lucid writing, it is hard to keep track of all the men and families he writes about. I'd keep engine40ladder35.com/memorial handy so you can see portraits of the men and associate their faces with their stories.

A theme that stood out to me is how so many of the guys choose to be firemen because of the happiness they saw in their firefighting fathers. That happiness, it seems to me, came from two things: (1) the noble calling and purpose of a firefighter "to save lives" and (2) the close camaraderie the firemen share together; as Halberstam put it, "in the firehouse, your friends became like an extension of your family" (89, 126). The draw of this happiness was so great that one of the men who gave his life on 9/11, Vincent Morello, had surrendered his relatively cushy job as a fire engine mechanic, which paid double of the starting firefighter salary, to become a fireman.

In his afterword, Halberstam writes,

There are very few stories that I have written in my fifty years as a journalist that have been so personally rewarding. Though I was an outsider who knew no one at the firehouse and was dealing with a great many people at a time when they were in considerable pain, I was treated with remarkable grace, generosity of spirit, and finally, good humor by everyone there.... firemen do what they do because they love doing it, not because they want the plaudits of outsiders. Instead, what they want most is the respect of their peers. (199-200)

This was the first book I read by David Halberstam, and it won't be my last. He is a stellar writer who writes with precision, grace, and heart.

[Jerry Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

it is always difficult when one reads an account of heroic actions and admirable people, only to find the book somewhat unsatisfactory as was the case here. I didn't hate it and I very much admire the writing of DH in his authoritative account of the Korean War and I thought I would read it over the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

It is a straightforward telling of the story of a firehouse in NYC that lost 12 of its brightest and best on that terrible day. I have never ending admiration of firefighters and the story of their loss, as for all the losses on that day is tragic and makes one viscerally anger even at 16 years distance. However I didn't get much more out of this book than I had already gleaned from other sources and this is, ultimately a tragic story of brave, dedicated men who died serving others.

There is some coverage given to the families and their grief, but one is mainly struck by the ordinariness of the firemen and, as I say, their amazing dedication. Not bad at all and perhaps that view of regular guys dedicated to a difficult and dangerous job that were cut down in the line of duty was what DH was going for. I metaphorically weep for them still, but I didn't find this account all that compelling I'm afraid. It is somewhat disjointed and doesn't hang together well as a narrative.

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always admired firefighters for their courage in battling fires in frequently difficult conditions; for putting their lives on the line in rescuing strangers; for the work ethic and love for the job that is often passed down through generations; for the camaraderie they develop among themselves through long hours in the firehouse; for the care they take of one another's families, whether that's renovating a den or spending time with the child of a fallen comrade; and yes, for keeping their trucks and engines in such orderly, spotless condition.

This book, especially, was a difficult read because I purposely read it over 9/11; I pull out my books on that subject every year and reread a few - not that I need any reminders - but just so the details don't fade, and so I feel again that gut-wrenching horror. We all need to remind ourselves of that day, and educate our young so that the day is never forgotten, or worse, denied.

David Halberstam is an excellent writer and he brings to life each of the twelve men (of thirteen) who set out that fateful, albeit beautiful morning from Engine 40, Ladder 13, located on the West Side of Manhattan near Lincoln Center, and who never returned.

[Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up the book "Firehouse" after discussing the proud traditions of blue collar workers with a close friend of mine. During "9-11" this friend lived near Columbus Circle in Manhattan and he knew that 12 of 13 men on Engine 40 and Ladder 35 perished during the rescue of those caught in the "Twin Towers". We had both visited the Memorials at "Ground Zero" but he had knowledge of this story.

The book involved the backstories of the 12 men who died from that Firehouse near the Lincoln Center. It covered the proud traditions of firemen in general, but also highlighted the incredible valor of common Americans during tragic times.

There is a certain honesty found in the physical Firehouse. David Halbertam describes it as a "Spin free" zone that lives in stark contrast to the way most people live - in this age of social media. You just can't con someone in a firehouse because you cannot hide the truth. It reveals itself in those moments of terror when fighting a blaze.

I liked the book and it was appropriate that the author of "The Best and the Brightest" was asked to write it. The courage of this Firehouse is very similar to the courage displayed by America's young soldiers in Vietnam.

[Helen O'Toole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a deeply affecting book. He honors the sacrifice made by these brave firemen by writing a very personal biography of each of the 12 men who died in the Twin Towers attack. 13 men went out from Engine 40 Ladder 35 and only one survived, Kevin Shea,albeit with both physical and mental scars. One story touched my heart deeply. When Mike Kotula, who was away on the day playing golf, decided that he would man the phones to answer the countless calls from the distraught relatives who were desperate for news. “ He believed that someone who knew and loved all these men and their families should be on the phone- it was not a job for a stranger.”
You really do sense how each fire station-was like a family for its fire fighters. They helped to renovate each other's houses, loved seeing each other's children and kept to long held traditions such as the communal fire house dinners where this camaraderie and trust was strengthened. Their sense of service, duty, doing the right thing comes across on every page. Without being political, it appears to me that these men had more character in their little toes, than the present White House incumbent has in his entire DNA.

[Matt- History on the Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Halberstam is one of America's most renowned journalist. After decades of telling stories about politics, media, war and sports. The stories hit unusually close to home. While the world was in shock over the sheer scope of death and destruction on September 11, Halberstam saw tragedy upclose just at Firehouse 40/35 few blocks from his midtown home.
Halberstam writes Firehouse as a dedication to the men who lost their lives, not focused on the events that killed them, but the events that led them to be firemen. Halberstam's writing is quick and detailed, how he framed the Firehouse and it's occupants to shape the story the overshadowed them was very gracefully done. Firehouse is gut wrenching to read as friends and family recount and remember the 11 lives lost. Halberstam instead of writing about the heroics that lead to their death, he wrote about what made them great people and even better firemen and what made their Upper West Side Firehouse an evny of the department. David Halberstam writes an important human concise story that reminds the reader about the importance of heroes.

[David Swartzlander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 2002 book by the now-deceased, Pulitzer Prize-winner is a gem of reporting and a tale that, though sad and some might call depressing, should be told. It's about a mid-Manhattan firehouse and how 12 of the 13 men working their shifts on 9/11/01 lost their lives trying to save people's lives at the World Trade Center. The book is not an analysis or a critique of the response to the 9/11 attack, but a portrait of human beings doing the work they love. It tells how they were willing to sacrifice their lives for others. It shows the camaraderie of the men in the firehouse, how they would help each other, needle each other, listen to each other - actually become brothers. While sad, Halberstam makes it heartfelt and warm to read. Expect tears to well up in your eyes when you read it. You may wish to keep a tissue handy. But I suggest you read this book. And never forget.

[Kbullett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the fire fighters of Engine 40, Ladder 35 of the NYFD and September 11, 2001. Located at 66th Street and Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. http://www.engine40ladder35.com/


So many lives were changed that day, yet most of us think only of the people killed in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, PA. We do not think about the first responders and the ordinary citizens who helped save lives that day. Firehouse is that story.

David Halberstam was an incredible writer who could put you in the scene without making you feel like you were intruding.

When i finished the book, i went on-line to find out what happened to the families and what the firehouse is like now.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read that didn't end up being quick at all. It took me nearly 6 months to finish, not because it was a difficult book but because the subject matter is obviously heartbreaking and emotional. While there are some reviews about David Halberstam's writing in this as methodical and disjointed I felt like I appreciated that less emotional approach. It wasn't written to tug on your heartstrings or create tears. It was written with what I felt was an integrity to the day-to-day lives of men of 40/35, their families, and specifically the events of 9/11.

This is an important and poignant book that helped remind me of that day almost 18 years ago when so much was destroyed so much so quickly.