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Let's Roll!: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage
2003 ECPA Gold Medallion Award winner!
The best-seller that has brought comfort and hope to millions in the wake of 9/11 is now available in softcover! Let's Roll!—the moving, behind-the-scenes story of United Flight 93 hero Todd Beamer and his widow, Lisa—is so much more than a tribute. A message of character, courage, and undeniable faith in the face of horrifying tragedy, it encourages anyone who reads it to live real life right now . . . and to have confidence and hope for the future.
The best-seller that has brought comfort and hope to millions in the wake of 9/11 is now available in softcover! Let's Roll!—the moving, behind-the-scenes story of United Flight 93 hero Todd Beamer and his widow, Lisa—is so much more than a tribute. A message of character, courage, and undeniable faith in the face of horrifying tragedy, it encourages anyone who reads it to live real life right now . . . and to have confidence and hope for the future.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2002
235 people are currently reading
4189 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 574 reviews
July 16, 2008
So I watched United 93 the other day. I had heard wonderful reviews about the film, especially about how refreshing it was that a film about such an emotionally-charged issue simply got out of the way and let the story speak for itself. Of course, nobody knows everything that happened on United 93, which is one reason I'm drawn to the story.
Todd Beamer was a passenger on the flight, known best for fighting back against the hijackers and his catchphrase "Let's Roll". His wife decided to have a dude who wears a purple sportcoat in his publicity photo (unironically I think) ghost-write a book for her. I wish she had not.
I had hoped to learn a bit about Todd Beamer and a lot about what happened during the period around the crash, hopefully gleaning some insight to the flight. What I got was a long-winded story about how Lisa and Todd met, what their parents were like, where they went to school, etc, etc. It takes forever to get to the details of the flight, which turns out to be the only truly interesting part of the book.
It's also unfortunate that the book was written for a 5th grader. I mean, when you tell me that a particular thing Todd did was "so Todd," I think I can understand the "so Todd" phrase without the quotes.
The most disappointing part of the book isn't the content, however. It's Beamer constantly reminding us how uncomfortable she feels with her newfound celebrity after the crash and how she doesn't want any of it. Of course then she details exhaustively all the shows she goes on and the dinners she attends and all the awesome things she says and how everyone loves her and how strong she is and how she grieves with hope but how sad it is that everyone that doesn't have God in their lives grieves without hope. I guess it isn't all about her though. I mean, at least she put that awesome picture of her husband on the cover, since this book was a testament to his life. Could you imagine what it would look like if you wrote a book about someone and then didn't even put a picture of them on the cover? What's that? There's a huge picture of Lisa Beamer on the cover, looking wistfully into the distance?
[crickets chirping]
Todd Beamer was a passenger on the flight, known best for fighting back against the hijackers and his catchphrase "Let's Roll". His wife decided to have a dude who wears a purple sportcoat in his publicity photo (unironically I think) ghost-write a book for her. I wish she had not.
I had hoped to learn a bit about Todd Beamer and a lot about what happened during the period around the crash, hopefully gleaning some insight to the flight. What I got was a long-winded story about how Lisa and Todd met, what their parents were like, where they went to school, etc, etc. It takes forever to get to the details of the flight, which turns out to be the only truly interesting part of the book.
It's also unfortunate that the book was written for a 5th grader. I mean, when you tell me that a particular thing Todd did was "so Todd," I think I can understand the "so Todd" phrase without the quotes.
The most disappointing part of the book isn't the content, however. It's Beamer constantly reminding us how uncomfortable she feels with her newfound celebrity after the crash and how she doesn't want any of it. Of course then she details exhaustively all the shows she goes on and the dinners she attends and all the awesome things she says and how everyone loves her and how strong she is and how she grieves with hope but how sad it is that everyone that doesn't have God in their lives grieves without hope. I guess it isn't all about her though. I mean, at least she put that awesome picture of her husband on the cover, since this book was a testament to his life. Could you imagine what it would look like if you wrote a book about someone and then didn't even put a picture of them on the cover? What's that? There's a huge picture of Lisa Beamer on the cover, looking wistfully into the distance?
[crickets chirping]
September 20, 2021
My bar for five star books is set at "changed my life significantly and/or I'll never forget it." I was about to rate this book four stars; I was probably in my teens when I initially read it. But it struck me... this book HAS shaped my life and I don't think I recognized how drastically until now.
Let's Roll tells the story of Todd Beamer and the other heroes of Flight 93 who saved countless lives on 9/11. In an act that has not been publicized and praised enough, they were the only passengers on 9/11 to fight back against the evil men planning on crashing their plane into another public building. The result: they saved countless lives by causing the plane to crash in a field instead.
This stuck with me for years. After reading Todd's story, I aspired to always be the person who would say "let's roll" and fight back against evil. I don't want to go down without a fight. I now am a part of our hospital's readiness team and an active shooting response trainer. I'm also a capable guardian in community settings. But looking back, I think this story is what started that desire in me. And I didn't remember that until I saw (and subsequently bought) this book at a library sale today. Every American should read this book.
I can't remember it well enough to give it a confident rating, but I'm guessing I would rate it a PG or PG-13.
Let's Roll tells the story of Todd Beamer and the other heroes of Flight 93 who saved countless lives on 9/11. In an act that has not been publicized and praised enough, they were the only passengers on 9/11 to fight back against the evil men planning on crashing their plane into another public building. The result: they saved countless lives by causing the plane to crash in a field instead.
This stuck with me for years. After reading Todd's story, I aspired to always be the person who would say "let's roll" and fight back against evil. I don't want to go down without a fight. I now am a part of our hospital's readiness team and an active shooting response trainer. I'm also a capable guardian in community settings. But looking back, I think this story is what started that desire in me. And I didn't remember that until I saw (and subsequently bought) this book at a library sale today. Every American should read this book.
I can't remember it well enough to give it a confident rating, but I'm guessing I would rate it a PG or PG-13.
May 17, 2020
I loved this book not only because it was a tribute to the heroes of Flight 93, but because it's a real portrait of a life. Lisa Beamer makes her beloved husband Todd come to life like a true novelist, shaping his character with tons of memories and detail.
I also think it's very interesting that Todd Beamer emerges not just as a patriot, or even as a loving family man, but as a businessman committed to success. This goes to the heart of something really flawed in our modern liberal values.
When I was in high school, we all had to read DEATH OF A SALESMAN by Arthur Miller. And the message was very clear. Salesmen, and businessmen in general, are either sad little failures or heartless tycoons. No nuance. No humanity. No in-betweens. It's eye-opening as an adult to read a book like this, about a person who was basically in sales his entire adult life yet who always, always, cared about doing the right thing and helping others.
Now on a second reading, I noticed that Todd Beamer was more like Jay Gatsby than Willy Loman. Like Gatsby, he very consciously invents himself as a hero from top to bottom based on principles and ideals. (He even makes lists just like Gatsby's on how to improve himself!) Unlike Gatbsy, however, he never allows success to tarnish his idealism or courage. His death is strikingly similar to Gatsby's. It's horrific and unexpected and on the surface it appears meaningless. Except that instead of lying around the pool in a daze Todd goes out fighting for everything that's pure and good about America.
Todd Beamer is more than just Gatsby like, he's the Gatsby Gatsby wanted to be! Of course, Lisa Beamer is very different from Daisy Buchanan. But that's because Todd Beamer was looking for different things in a wife than Gatsby. Truth instead of falsehood, courage instead of weakness, Christian values instead of shallow snobbery. And if you still don't see the Gatsby connection, there's a quote Lisa Beamer attaches from a Christian self-help book that Todd really liked. "Failure means to succeed in a way that doesn't really matter." Now that doesn't quite describe Todd Beamer, since he worked to succeed at the important things even at the cost of his own life. But it's a real insight into the life and death of Gatsby. These two books should really be taught together!
Just like The Great Gatsby, this book belongs in every high school in the country.
DEATH OF A SALESMAN . . . not so much.
I also think it's very interesting that Todd Beamer emerges not just as a patriot, or even as a loving family man, but as a businessman committed to success. This goes to the heart of something really flawed in our modern liberal values.
When I was in high school, we all had to read DEATH OF A SALESMAN by Arthur Miller. And the message was very clear. Salesmen, and businessmen in general, are either sad little failures or heartless tycoons. No nuance. No humanity. No in-betweens. It's eye-opening as an adult to read a book like this, about a person who was basically in sales his entire adult life yet who always, always, cared about doing the right thing and helping others.
Now on a second reading, I noticed that Todd Beamer was more like Jay Gatsby than Willy Loman. Like Gatsby, he very consciously invents himself as a hero from top to bottom based on principles and ideals. (He even makes lists just like Gatsby's on how to improve himself!) Unlike Gatbsy, however, he never allows success to tarnish his idealism or courage. His death is strikingly similar to Gatsby's. It's horrific and unexpected and on the surface it appears meaningless. Except that instead of lying around the pool in a daze Todd goes out fighting for everything that's pure and good about America.
Todd Beamer is more than just Gatsby like, he's the Gatsby Gatsby wanted to be! Of course, Lisa Beamer is very different from Daisy Buchanan. But that's because Todd Beamer was looking for different things in a wife than Gatsby. Truth instead of falsehood, courage instead of weakness, Christian values instead of shallow snobbery. And if you still don't see the Gatsby connection, there's a quote Lisa Beamer attaches from a Christian self-help book that Todd really liked. "Failure means to succeed in a way that doesn't really matter." Now that doesn't quite describe Todd Beamer, since he worked to succeed at the important things even at the cost of his own life. But it's a real insight into the life and death of Gatsby. These two books should really be taught together!
Just like The Great Gatsby, this book belongs in every high school in the country.
DEATH OF A SALESMAN . . . not so much.
September 11, 2023
Heavy book because you know how it turns out.😭
Todd Beamer was one of the men who joined together to rush the cockpit on Flight 93 on 9/11.
Lisa has endured so much in her life as her father died when she was fifteen. Her husband died at age 32 leaving her with two small boys and pregnant with her third! Unimaginable! Yet their strong testimony for the Lord shines brightly through it all. ❤️
She gives their background stories and details events leading up to and on 9/11.
She originally thought her husband was safe because of his connecting flight in Chicago. 💔
Fascinating, heartbreaking, yet patriotic all in one.
Highly recommend!
Todd Beamer was one of the men who joined together to rush the cockpit on Flight 93 on 9/11.
Lisa has endured so much in her life as her father died when she was fifteen. Her husband died at age 32 leaving her with two small boys and pregnant with her third! Unimaginable! Yet their strong testimony for the Lord shines brightly through it all. ❤️
She gives their background stories and details events leading up to and on 9/11.
She originally thought her husband was safe because of his connecting flight in Chicago. 💔
Fascinating, heartbreaking, yet patriotic all in one.
Highly recommend!
May 26, 2009
I feel like kind of a jerk for not liking this book.
I do recognize and appreciate the actions of the passengers and crew aboard flight 93, and I respect Mrs. Beamer's strenghth, sympathy, and desire to help others. I think she wrote this book honestly, humbly, and sincerely. And really, what more can you ask for from a book that fits under the "inspiration" category?
I know it's cynical, but most of Let's Roll was just boring to me. The writing was artless and cliché, I wasn't interested in 150 pages of background biographical info and cutesy anecdotes, and I lost patience with the heavy-handed religiousness. Maybe the main problem was that I don't fit into the fairly specific intended audience for a book like this: devoted Evangelical Christians who are bereaved.
So it wasn't a BAD book, I just didn't particularly like it myself.
I do recognize and appreciate the actions of the passengers and crew aboard flight 93, and I respect Mrs. Beamer's strenghth, sympathy, and desire to help others. I think she wrote this book honestly, humbly, and sincerely. And really, what more can you ask for from a book that fits under the "inspiration" category?
I know it's cynical, but most of Let's Roll was just boring to me. The writing was artless and cliché, I wasn't interested in 150 pages of background biographical info and cutesy anecdotes, and I lost patience with the heavy-handed religiousness. Maybe the main problem was that I don't fit into the fairly specific intended audience for a book like this: devoted Evangelical Christians who are bereaved.
So it wasn't a BAD book, I just didn't particularly like it myself.
September 22, 2021
When you’ve been reading fiction for awhile, some times it’s good to take a step back into reality. This book did just that for me.
I knew that I wanted to read this book as the anniversary for 9/11 was approaching. I didn’t know I would break out crying multiple times. To have courage and bravery in a situation like Todd was in was inspiring. I felt as though I knew him after the end of this book.
I also loved reading about Ms. Beamer’s perspective following the events of that day. Often I think we think of that day specifically to honour it. That is good, but what about the days, weeks, months, and years following where kids grew up without their parents, wives coped without their husbands, and husbands coped without their wives.
Great book that I highly recommend.
I knew that I wanted to read this book as the anniversary for 9/11 was approaching. I didn’t know I would break out crying multiple times. To have courage and bravery in a situation like Todd was in was inspiring. I felt as though I knew him after the end of this book.
I also loved reading about Ms. Beamer’s perspective following the events of that day. Often I think we think of that day specifically to honour it. That is good, but what about the days, weeks, months, and years following where kids grew up without their parents, wives coped without their husbands, and husbands coped without their wives.
Great book that I highly recommend.
September 16, 2018
Nothing about the back cover or the inside description would tell you this book is in any way religious but holy wow it is. Hardly a page goes by without the mention of God. It was less about the events on 9/11 and more about this woman and her families relationship with God. This would be fine if she didn't include comments about how she hopes the events on 9/11 give people a reason to turn to Jesus for hope, or telling her son that "When a person dies, those who love God choose to go where God is; those who don't love God choose to go where God isn't, and that place is very sad because there is no love there". I'm all for people having their faith, but it almost read like this book was written to convince people how great God is (versus telling the story about a hero on United Flight 93). It was off-putting personally, but someone who believes in God would probably enjoy it more than I did.
February 11, 2011
As much as I wanted to enjoy this, the way the author chose to write it made it pretty painful. The mention of God in every other sentence made this terribly annoying and I'll be honest, I skipped most of this book and read the important parts which were few and far between. Pretty much the beginning and the end are the only essential parts to this story and there is a lot of filler.
Unless constant reminders of religious devotion and reading about the repetitive woes of a woman who lost her husband don't bother you, this book is best avoided. Pick a documentary about the 9/11 attacks instead.
Unless constant reminders of religious devotion and reading about the repetitive woes of a woman who lost her husband don't bother you, this book is best avoided. Pick a documentary about the 9/11 attacks instead.
January 4, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Lesa Beamer‘s book about September 11th. I remember her name and also her husband’s name when the tragedies struck. It was very interesting to read about her life and her husband Todd’s life before the tragedy. It was an terrible event to live through, but she remained calm and her faith in God got her through the years since it happened.
September 25, 2018
Being only three when the 9/11 attacks occurred, I only remember snippets from the actual day. However, this book transformed my perspective and the heaviness that this day truly holds. I am so proud to be an American and be part of a country whose citizens fight to the very end to preserve freedom. There is so much animosity nowadays towards those of opposing viewpoints. I think whether you are liberal or conservative or are happy or unhappy with the current administration, you need to read this book. It gives you a greater appreciation for the country you live in. Todd Beamer was an American hero as were the other passengers on Flight 93 that fought back. If it weren’t for their heroic actions, more may have perished. However, because of their courage, they chose to fight back and will forever live on as heroes
February 27, 2019
I skipped a lot of the boring family upbringing stuff. I just wanted to get to the actual story of what happened on flight 93 and learn more about Todd. Also, way too much religion, felt like it was overbearing. Partly, I think this is because I do not view God in the same way this author does. I don't believe in a God who is pre-planning out people's lives. Also, some other reviewer mentioned the cover photo, and I tend to agree....why isn't it a picture of Todd?!
December 17, 2018
Not a great book in my opinion, but I enjoyed reading it. I rated it four stars, not for the quality of storytelling, but for the life lessons that were so powerfully conveyed. From an audience perspective, I learned more about philosophical thinking, then about an actual event. A good read nonetheless.
October 20, 2021
I remember where I was & what I did the day of 9/11. This is a wonderful story of faith & courage that is a must read!!!
June 11, 2008
This is the story of Todd Beamer, as told by his wife Lisa Beamer. Todd was a passenger on United Flight 93 that crashed into the Pennsylvnia field on 9/11. It is a very touching story about their lives as children, how they met and their lives together for the few brief years they had together. Lisa has an unbelievable amount of faith in God and reading how she overcame this trial of losing her husband was very touching. She has amazing strength of heart, and strength of character. I found myself needing a tissue through much of the book. She also talks about the last few minutes Todd was alive, on the plane and what he and the passengers did to stop the terrorists. It is definitely a must read!
June 4, 2008
Finished 'Lets Roll' by Lisa Beamer on 6/3/08. The book is about a 9/11 victim (Todd Beamer)who was on Flight 93. I was expecting the book to be more of a heart breaking story of a young widow writing about her fallen 'hero' husband. The book turned out to be more about her faith and how that helped her endure her loss. It was a surprising book - in that Lisa seems to be consoling us and telling us how your faith can get you through tough times. She almost criticises people who grieve differently and are not placing their trust of God. At times she was even judgemental.
August 7, 2017
I was hoping to read a little more into the actions of the crew and passengers of flight 93, however there was lots about Todd, family, and religion. For me, this book was very off-putting because of the extraordinarily heavy religious content. I should have known better than to expect something different though, based on flipping through the book and seeing god or prayer mentioned every other paragraph. The jacket notes do not indicate a religious tone so I feel a little misled. Anyway, my summary is: not enough fact and details, way too much churchy speak.
June 1, 2022
A story of courage, faith and trust. We are all given a time here on earth. Some longer than others, but all to fulfill a purpose for a greater glory. Todd Beamer: devoted believer, loving father, and a man of great integrity. As human beings we enjoy safety and security. But, no one is promised perfect [true] safety and security while on this earth. As Lisa wrote, "Tall buildings are vulnerable, and tunnels, nuclear plants, public stadiums, and other large public places will always have a level of danger. The only true security in this life comes from placing our trust in the God who loves us and is in complete control of the events of our lives and our world." "...Todd had learned the lesson of martyred missionary Jim Elliot, who lived by the adage, 'When it comes time to die, be very sure that all you have to do is die.'" Such an inspiring read and reminder that what we do with the time that is given to us is the most important- for HIS glory. Let's Roll!
April 24, 2021
Loved 💕
January 1, 2022
This is a really good biography of a lady who suffered the unspeakable — losing her husband on Flight 93 on 9/11. This is a great story of faith and enduring during a difficult time. Her husband was faithful even to the end, where he gave his life to stop the terrorists from flying the plane into the Capitol. Who knows how many lives, he and fellow passengers saved by attacking the terrorists. This book will help you renew your faith in God. Lisa Beamer has kept her faith through many hardships she has faced from losing her husband. She is truly admirable! This is a “must read” book!
September 12, 2011
I think I picked this up at a library around the time it came out. I found it sad, heart breaking, and also encouraging. What happened on the flight was amazing. They are definitely heroes!
The decisions that were made and the technology that led to those decisions is pretty astounding. It is crazy to me that with the phones and internet that were used ten years ago in 2001, and especially now in 2011, have the ability to let people make calls and talk to loved ones right before the moment of death. Like those on the doomed 9/11 flights and those above the impact on the WTC. The legacy of those phone calls and messages on answering machines and even emails live on, especially now.
This book is one of those things like 102 minutes, that you just have to read. Even if you don't want to. Its hard, but its almost impossible to turn away. The people that died demand that we carry their words and actions.
The decisions that were made and the technology that led to those decisions is pretty astounding. It is crazy to me that with the phones and internet that were used ten years ago in 2001, and especially now in 2011, have the ability to let people make calls and talk to loved ones right before the moment of death. Like those on the doomed 9/11 flights and those above the impact on the WTC. The legacy of those phone calls and messages on answering machines and even emails live on, especially now.
This book is one of those things like 102 minutes, that you just have to read. Even if you don't want to. Its hard, but its almost impossible to turn away. The people that died demand that we carry their words and actions.
April 26, 2016
This book was written by Todd Beamer's wife in honour of his courage act upon the 9/11 bombing of the Twin Towers and Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and the legacy he left behind. Todd and other passengers on Flight 93 were ordinary people with extraordinary bravery. Lisa guided us through Todd's growing up years and her own, how they happened to meet, fall in love and their journey forward. I cannot even comprehend what fortitude from this young wife and mother who was brought to her knee's once it was confirmed that Flight 93 crashed and burned in Pennsylvania. She had two very young boys to raise and was expecting their third child. It is heart-breaking to read but very uplifting as she struggled and came to terms with it by putting her grief and despair to the side and concentrating on her boys and what was best for them in the present and future. This is also a very powerful and inspirational story about finding faith, strength and hope.
March 20, 2014
This book is an interesting account of an average person's life leading up to a national tragedy. Todd Beamer was a passenger on flight 93 that crashed into a farm field in rural Pennsylvania on 9/11. There are numerous chapters dedicated to the lives of both Todd and his wife Lisa in earlier years, probably more than I was expecting. My first thought, if I'm being totally honest was that it was a bit monotonous. However, I'm glad I read the book cover to cover vs. picking certain chapters because Lisa did an exceptional job a portraying Todd's true self and character. He was a religious man and led his life accordingly. I was moved to tears at the honorable actions of a true hero who died protecting our country, not in uniform, but rather in plain clothes as an ordinary citizen. I enjoy reading biographies and books on true life events.
May 6, 2015
This is a powerful read. It brings to light details about the oft overlooked aspect of 9/11, the first time Americans fought back and won against terrorism. It took me over a decade to come to this book. I recommend this book if you want a bit of personal insight into the impact of the terror attacks on that fateful day to a simple American family.
While not a brilliantly written book - this book doesn't have to be - it is a book that highlights love, faith and family all entwined - in the face of a terrorist attack. It made me cry, it gave me hope, it is a solid book and I am proud we own it.
While not a brilliantly written book - this book doesn't have to be - it is a book that highlights love, faith and family all entwined - in the face of a terrorist attack. It made me cry, it gave me hope, it is a solid book and I am proud we own it.
October 22, 2012
I read this book to learn more about Todd Beamer and his role as hero during the 911 attack, which he helped to cause the doomed flight to crash into a vacant field and not an American landmark. I was so impressed by the strength and courage of his wife, who was left behind to raise 2 boys and was pregnant with their third child. I have a new appreciation for losing loved ones and I could really relate to the author's losing her husband. It was a true story of courage, in which I was amazed and enjoyed very deeply. I recommend this book to anyone.
March 3, 2019
I like to read books of faith. And Lisa Beamer's story is one of faith taught through the generations and then drawn upon to help carry on through a tragic time. For that reason alone, I am so glad I read it. I love the way she unapologetically testified of her faith and of Todd's and shared the blessings and strength they received as a result. She also taught so beautifully how to hold on to faith even when horrible things happen and life takes turns you never expected.
August 16, 2016
I can't begin to imagine the pain and heartache Lisa must've felt that day and even now 15 years later. I'm glad to know her faith sustained her through it all. Faith in Christ is such a strong foundation.
Never say that one person can't make a difference because you can. You just never know what you can do.
Never say that one person can't make a difference because you can. You just never know what you can do.
December 27, 2018
Blah. More of a chronicle of events that would be a great keepsake for her kids. But not a good read for the rest of us.
September 28, 2022
Wow. So good. I don’t know the last time I read a book this quickly, but I couldn’t seem to put it down. I was a little worried about reading this book. I thought it would be incredibly difficult and heart wrenching to read. Then I read some reviews and almost every negative review was a complaint about how Lisa talks about God nearly every page. So I knew I had to read it. It was certainly sad, but the hope that Lisa shared was so beautiful and such an encouragement. Her faith in God reminds me to rest in the One who has all control, who works all things together for good for His people, and who has secured our eternity.
Although I wasn’t quite 9 years old on September 11th, I have several vivid memories of that day. Listening to my mom tearfully pray that morning for everyone involved-including the terrorists behind the attack. Waiting in line for hours at the gas station. My parents discussing plans of what we would do if the attacks continued. The mental image of the towers collapsing is one I can never erase. And I remember hearing about Todd Beamer. The phrase “let’s roll” stuck in my head, even at that age. But I didn’t know he was a Christian, or the depth of faith that he and Lisa had/have in the God who had the power to change the events of that day, but chose to allow it to happen. I loved hearing about their lives growing up, and what shaped them into the people they became. They were very real, very relatable. He was a hero, and his faith stood up under unimaginable pressure.
I’m so glad I read it. Yes, it was hard to read in some ways. But mostly, it was beautiful, uplifting, and filled with hope. Definitely one of the top two books I’ve read this year, (tied with Becoming Elisabeth Elliot) and one I would highly recommend.
Although I wasn’t quite 9 years old on September 11th, I have several vivid memories of that day. Listening to my mom tearfully pray that morning for everyone involved-including the terrorists behind the attack. Waiting in line for hours at the gas station. My parents discussing plans of what we would do if the attacks continued. The mental image of the towers collapsing is one I can never erase. And I remember hearing about Todd Beamer. The phrase “let’s roll” stuck in my head, even at that age. But I didn’t know he was a Christian, or the depth of faith that he and Lisa had/have in the God who had the power to change the events of that day, but chose to allow it to happen. I loved hearing about their lives growing up, and what shaped them into the people they became. They were very real, very relatable. He was a hero, and his faith stood up under unimaginable pressure.
I’m so glad I read it. Yes, it was hard to read in some ways. But mostly, it was beautiful, uplifting, and filled with hope. Definitely one of the top two books I’ve read this year, (tied with Becoming Elisabeth Elliot) and one I would highly recommend.
September 12, 2025
I am so glad I decided to pick up Let's Roll to read on 9/11 this year. This was at times a very difficult read, but I felt an important one.
As someone who both grew up in IL and also attended Wheaton College, Todd Beamer is a name I've known for a long time. His and the other passengers of flight 93 were true heroes and their bravery inspires me. Let's Roll tells the whole story. Lisa Beamer tells both her and Todd's backstories and goes into how they met. For me, I didn't mind reading these parts, but I did see some reviews that mentioned they disliked these portions. I do feel that sometimes the sections may have gone into too much detail and I wasn't as interested, but I truly believe Lisa wrote this as sort of a diary of sorts and it was probably therapeutic for her at the time. You must remember, this book came out right away in 2002, so a lot has happened since. The book definitely felt dated, you can tell it was written in 2002.
The portions that Lisa goes into about what probably took place on the plane that fateful day was very hard to read. It is impossible to read these passages and not feel some sort of deep emotion. The other portions that touched me were Lisa's later musings on hers and Todd's faith. Both were strong believers whose faith is something all believers should a try to emulate.
Although there are lighthearted parts of this book, enjoyment is not meant to be had, impact is more like it.
As someone who both grew up in IL and also attended Wheaton College, Todd Beamer is a name I've known for a long time. His and the other passengers of flight 93 were true heroes and their bravery inspires me. Let's Roll tells the whole story. Lisa Beamer tells both her and Todd's backstories and goes into how they met. For me, I didn't mind reading these parts, but I did see some reviews that mentioned they disliked these portions. I do feel that sometimes the sections may have gone into too much detail and I wasn't as interested, but I truly believe Lisa wrote this as sort of a diary of sorts and it was probably therapeutic for her at the time. You must remember, this book came out right away in 2002, so a lot has happened since. The book definitely felt dated, you can tell it was written in 2002.
The portions that Lisa goes into about what probably took place on the plane that fateful day was very hard to read. It is impossible to read these passages and not feel some sort of deep emotion. The other portions that touched me were Lisa's later musings on hers and Todd's faith. Both were strong believers whose faith is something all believers should a try to emulate.
Although there are lighthearted parts of this book, enjoyment is not meant to be had, impact is more like it.
September 27, 2024
A moving tribute to one of the 40 heroes that died on Flight United 93. Todd Beamer, who we all know was heard saying, "Let's Roll" to his fellow passengers as they prepared to stop the hijackers from completing their mission, was strong in his faith, a family man, a hard working business man, and a real go getter. All these strong traits contributed to helping him be a part of being that hero on 9/11/01.
I usually read a book about that horrific day, every year in September, to honor all the heroes & victims. This book was much easier to read than some of the others over the years. It was still very emotional, but most of the story was about Todd growing up, meeting Lisa, and the life they built together. There was still a description of all that happened that tragic day, but it was not broken down into descriptive details. I've read enough other books and watched enough documentaries and movies to know what happened that horrific day. It was nice to read a book that gave me an idea of the man that Todd Beamer was.
I usually read a book about that horrific day, every year in September, to honor all the heroes & victims. This book was much easier to read than some of the others over the years. It was still very emotional, but most of the story was about Todd growing up, meeting Lisa, and the life they built together. There was still a description of all that happened that tragic day, but it was not broken down into descriptive details. I've read enough other books and watched enough documentaries and movies to know what happened that horrific day. It was nice to read a book that gave me an idea of the man that Todd Beamer was.
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