New Mexico Remembers 9/11

by Patricia Walkow (Editor)

The terrorist attacks of 9/11 seared themselves into America’s collective memory. Non-stop images of collapsing towers, airlines flying into buildings, and a low-flying jet plunging into the Pentagon cannot be forgotten. Recordings of phone conversations between doomed passengers on United Fight 93—who knew about the previous attacks—and their loved ones on the ground, play over and over in our ears. In the subsequent days and months, much was said about New York and Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania. It was as though the rest of the country disappeared. The media people seemed to ignore the reality that the United States was attacked, that people in states like Missouri, Oregon, Alabama, or New Mexico were also terrorized. Aftershocks of the event spread far and wide. This anthology captures the 9/11/2001 experiences of New Mexican writers. Some witnessed the event first-hand. Some were still in school, or out of the country. But all of them now live in The Land of Enchantment, the state snuggled between Texas and Arizona. The talented contributors to New Mexico Remembers 9/11 offer enlightening, sometimes heart-wrenching prose, thoughtful analysis, and evocative poetry. What did they see? Do? How have they coped since then? What did they tell their children? How did they get home? Who got angry? Who retreated into themselves?

250 pages, Paperback

Published October 13, 2020

Reviews

[Joyce Hertzoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

An anthology includes poetry and prose from current New Mexico residents recalling where they were on 9/11 and what the events that day mean to them. Whether they were in New York, Washington D.C. or somewhere else, they each have a story to tell. Whether moving or funny, the reminiscences are all well-written.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. The stories are diverse but all speak to the impact 9/11 had on the lives of the writers. Definitely a good read!

[Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)]

MWSA Review

New Mexico Remembers 9/11 is a compilation of people’s memories of where they were and what they were doing when terrorists hijacked commercial airplanes on September 11, 2001. While the attacks were centered in New York City, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC, the shock and aftershocks were felt by all Americans. The collection includes accounts by people from all walks of life. Some were near Ground Zero, some were overseas, some were working in the Department of Defense or were Air Traffic Controllers, and some were young mothers or school children. The common denominator for this anthology is that all are now writers who live in New Mexico. Whether told through poetry, prose, or photos, the accounts are compelling.

It has been nearly twenty years now, and it is important to remember the events, our reactions, and the way Americans from all regions, religions, ages, and walks of life pulled together to bring comfort to the hurting, physical aid to the injured, and support to our front-line workers.

The anthology is a thought-provoking and memory-inducing compendium of heartbreak, survival, growth, and triumph over adversity. Whether you lived through the events or were too young to remember, this work can give you a glimpse into what we all battled, what we all faced in the aftermath, and what we were able to accomplish together.

Review by Betsy Beard (February 2021)

[Mary Dorsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

a lovely book. well thought and beautifully written. learned a few things i hadn't known. also included, a heart-breaking "tail" and tribute to a fallen, furry hero. some thought provoking analysis that is chillingly applicable to the state of our country and world today. highly recommended. l. dorsey

[Cornelia Gamlem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diverse stories told by diverse storytellers who share their compelling experiences from 9/11. No matter where they lived or where they were, 9/11 touched these writers' lives in so many ways. This book is a testament to a nation brought together by tragedy.

[Patricia Walkow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable anthology from New Mexico writers. In prose and poetry, they recall that bright September day in 2001 when the United States was attacked by extremist Islamic terrorists. Though New Mexico is 2,000 miles from the attack sites in New York, Washington D.C. and Western Pennsylvania, the hearts of these New Mexicans shows how united they were to the victims of that day.

Contributors represent many age groups, cultural backgrounds, and nationalities.

From first-person accounts to poignant poetry to essays about trying to understand "WHY," this volume offers us a chance to remember when Americans were truly united, no matter where they lived.

Highly recommend.

[E. Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great anthology. Highly recommend it.