Life After Windows

by Inez Ribustello

Ribustello grew up in the small town of Tarboro, North Carolina but found her way to the big apple to attend culinary school in 1998. In New York City, her love for wine, food, often enjoying both at the same time, was born. She knew that working at Windows on the World—on the top floor of the Twin Towers—was where she was meant to be. So, she began to work entry-level positions as she waited for them to call and offer her a job. And waited and waited. Finally, the call came. And she landed the job. For over two years, Inez saw her dream become a reality. Windows became her home. It became the place she fell in love. The place she learned how to catalogue and recognize over thousands of wines. The place she learned how to run and manage people, and a business, to success. And then, on September 11th, 2001, while Inez was back in Tarboro for her sister’s wedding, that reality evaporated into thick, black clouds of smoke. The weeks, and months, that followed left her broken. Feelings of devastation, guilt, exhaustion, and hopelessness bubbled up to the surface every day. But, over time, Inez finds herself again. Love is reborn, children provide a renewed insight on life, and new businesses provide growth and purpose. Life After Windows is written in Inez’s honest, unadorned voice. It reads like a letter from a friend. It is large in scope, going right up to Black Lives Matter, and is an ambitious book, serious about sharing the realities of loss and what happens thereafter. Inez hopes readers find her story interesting and inspiring, and finish feeling left in a positive, hopeful place with lessons learned but memories cherished.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Book Club, Biography Memoir

280 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2021

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was massively disappointed after reading this as it barely touched on the part of 9/11 and mostly was a diary channeling Inez’s love of wine. Save yourself the time if you are trying to gain insight on the aftermath of 9/11. However, if you are interested in becoming sommelier, then this book may be for you.

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am fascinated by the stories of those with direct connection to the 9/11 attacks and this account had a very interesting twist in that it incorporated the life of a young sommelier, something of which I know little to nothing about. What drew me into the story was how the author, a college student from a small eastern North Carolina town, was pulled into the world of wine, which ultimately led her to become the manager of the largest wine list in North America: Windows on the World, the restaurant at the top of the World Trade Center, which was no small feat and deserves a book all on its own. That path she took included a few lucky breaks, a primer on what should be called "The Dummies Guide to Following Your Intuition," and an illustration in the manner in which successful Southern families work, i.e., my father's business partner knew a guy who got me an interview... or, my cousin's husband introduced me to... or, my sister's college roommate provided me a place to stay while..., etc. Having grown up in North Carolina, I was very familiar with the process of what used to be called "the good ol' boy network," and seeing it here being utilized to build a dream for this impressive young female student was heartening. I had no idea of the training and education involved in becoming a Master Sommelier, so that alone was fascinating to me. Her accounts of how the wine cellar at WOTW worked, where and how the wine was purchased, stored and served to high profile clientele, the family environment she found at the restaurant (and within the buildings themselves) provided an interesting read.

The book falls somewhat flat during the account of the attacks themselves. I understand it, having had my own experience and connection with 9/11. When I go back to review my journal entries of that time, they are devoid of emotion and often read like sanitized media accounts. I guess that was due to the shock of it. It was not until about 6 years later that I was able to process it and put the memories down in writing, and it was still very difficult to relive. So the author's account reads like that to me — basically a retelling of watching it unfold on television, which so many of us experienced — an account which still seems only halfway emotionally processed.

Nonetheless, her story continues on to the healing she encountered through that same southern family in addition to the new family she had built in New York, with new husband, children, and friends who all shared that life-altering experience. Overall, it is an interesting account that reads like a journal entry... it's not Gabaldon-esque sensual prose, it's not overly dramatic or detailed; it's basically a story told through the eyes of one who experienced it. I enjoyed it through about 82% of the book (I read this on Kindle, so I know exactly where it happened) and I really wish she had just stopped there. The remaining chapters appear to be rehashed blog posts that literally retell the story she just told; entertaining, sometimes hilarious, stories of her various adventures and exploits with her children, which, while funny, don't really have anything to do with the story as advertised; a disorienting, timeline-jumping narrative of her continued education in the wine industry and ultimate separation from said industry (did I really need to see the long, detailed, kiss-off letter to The Court of Master Sommeliers that once again rehashed the entire story just told?); and then the non-sequitur liberal-progressive chapter about Black Lives Matter, which honestly reads more like a pronouncement of her Wokeness in order to protect her two restaurant businesses in the event the rioters come to loot and burn the Tarboro business district; and a random chapter about "My black friend, Veronica." The whole last portion of the book can be distilled down to the author stating: "I'm not a racist! I have lots of black friends!" which to the (literal) communist BLM movement, is the ultimate statement of White Privilege. And honestly, what does any of this have to do with the subject matter anyway? It caused me to bump my review from a 4-star genuine and honest, no frills account of the days leading to and beyond 9/11 to a 3-star WTF? moment at the end.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reads like a (one-sided) conversation with a friend sharing their story with you - or a long letter, perhaps. It is easy to keep turning pages, and overall I enjoyed reading the story of Inez’s life this far. That said, it is less about 9/11 than it projects in the blurb, and while that certainly plays a large part in her experience and growth, it isn’t what the book is about; if that’s what you’re hoping for/expecting, let this one go.

If you are interested in an autobiographical journey that includes a hugely personal connection with that event, and other the things life can throw at you throughout the span of half a lifetime, it is well worth a read. Inez is a good writer, and tells her own story well (not as easy as some would have you believe). The last 5th of the book felt like an add-on, covering topics that occurred during the last year and a half up to publication (the pandemic, the increased visibility of the BLM movement, and the authors thoughts, experiences, and interactions with these). Truly, they are part of her Life After Windows, and yet they felt less connected to the rest of her story; perhaps because they are so much more recent, and she feels the need to comment while she’s able.

Overall, a good read, and a worthwhile one, though for some (at least parts of) it will rankle, and I surely don’t like or agree with some of what she writes - but even so, just maybe, it’s good to see experiences unlike your own. For me, it reminds that we are all human, we are all experiencing life differently, and we are (most of us) doing our best. 3 stars.

[Beth Farley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really more like Life before, during AND after Windows, but I'm ok with that. I did go into it thinking it would be more about 9/11, but got drawn into her whole journey. While I can't imagine the fascination/obsession/career path choice with the wine industry (and learned way more about it than I ever thought I would want to) or her proximity to 9/11, I did relate to other things such as the closeness and bonds with an extended family and small town life.

[Alyssa Shanahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always have a hard time rating memoirs in comparison to other novels and always end up giving at least 4 stars, it is their life after all. I wanted to read a 9/11 book that focused more on those who survived and this was definitely that. Inez lost many people in 9/11 and the rest of her life was changed because of it. A great read for this season.

[Julie Horton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't exactly what I thought this would be. More or less a story about someone's life. I couldn't really relate to her occupation as a wine taster/seller. There were sad parts and funny parts, but for some reason this book didn't resonate with me.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review: https://hiplibrariansbookblog.com/202...

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75. Not a bad story but I read it really thinking it was more of an account of 9/11 so when it wasn’t I was a little disappointed.

[Kristien Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the start to this novel. I felt so many things. I just felt like there were missing parts for the second part. I wanted to hear how motherhood went. The second part of the novel felt rushed unlike the first part. I still liked it.

[Rod · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say but this book was not what I was lead to believe it would be. Yes, she does talk about her struggles with 9/11, but it it mostly about her journey on how to become the best alcohol seller ever. I learned interesting insights into the world of selling wines, but this was more of anecdotal stories from her life rather than how she overcame the sense of loss. Although well intentioned, I don't believe it provides the insights into overcoming struggles in life. I rather found it shallow. I also find her faith in her Jesus rather shallow, more of a convenience rather than a conviction to guide her life choices. She does as she wishes and only calls on Jesus to help her on the good times. Her life's coping skills revolve around overworking, oversleeping, and overdrinking. I wouldn't be surprised if she has a drinking problem and doesn't see it or want to acknowledge it. She does a lot of drinking in her life. I understand she is in the business of making and selling wine and beer, but that is her whole world, which to me should indicate a drinking problem. I know, it is an assumption I am making. The last several chapters really had nothing to do with 9/11. I suppose people can find way to identify with her struggles, but that is as far as it goes. Very little is actually about 9/11 and overcoming the grief of such a horrible event. Over half of the book talks about her climb to the top of the wine industry, then a few chapters on 9/11, and then the rest of how she rebuilt her life in a small town to start an over the top restaurant where drinking wine is glamorized and a brewery where they have social events promoting beer drinking. She shows how she grew up with white privilege and at one point she talks about it, which is good. But she never really goes too deep into how she changed her life. She does give some ideas when it came to the struggles of her marriage, but even then, she admits to not sharing things that are too personal. Instead, she talks about the problems other people in her life went through. I'm sure people will identify with some of her stories, but that is as far as it goes. I would not call this a self help book as it doesn't offer any help here. The books reads as a collection of blog entries, some are connected and some aren't. There are a couple of humorous stories, but really nothing that helps with the process of healing. This book will start conversations, but not sure if the conversations will be as intended. I do wish her and her family well and I don't deny she went through a shockingly horrible event in her life when 9/11 hit, as did many people. But in the end she comes through as her biggest loss was losing her dream job. If you find comfort in her stories, I wish you well too. But don't expect much from this book. In short, it lacks depth as she talks about her struggles from a safe distance.

[Emily Kessler · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish reading this book, although I pushed myself to continue far further than I wanted. The cover and title made me think it would be more about processing and healing from 9/11, and that's just not the case. I would classify this more as a memoir about the wine and restaurant worlds, with a little bit of family and 9/11 sprinkled around. I feel a bit duped about what I was getting into on this one.

[Alo Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This definitely contained much less information about the specific impact of the tragedy than I’d have assumed based on the title and cover. However, it still held up. If half-stars were options, it would have gotten 3.5, but my mental rating system, is really more of a percentage, I’d say 73%, so it didn’t feel right going up to 4.

I don’t recall the split between the before, during and after, but it FELT like a huge portion went into the before: her love of wine, her trajectory towards the job, the move to the city, etc. it’s not that it wasn’t somewhat entertaining, but for anyone reading without a blurb, it was unexpected. She did a good job making information about the world of wine accesible to laypersons, like myself. Overall, it’s one of those books that was simply “okay.”

[Ariya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best book. I read it after seeing it advertised by the Holderness family. It reads like a memoir but it does not only focus on 9/11. She focuses on her life in general before 9/11 and after and the random in-between.
If you are looking for a book that focus solely on 9/11, then this may not be the book for you. If you like reading memoirs and are definitely familiar with wine, then this book may win you over.

As for me, the book had some funny moments and I did enjoy it, just not as much as I thought I would.

[Lauren Van Andel 6 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life After Windows is a sweet book sharing the real, the raw, and the ugly of a journey through loss and extreme change. Inez Ribustello shares how 9/11, Windows (the restaurant), becoming a Sommelier, and chasing true love radically shapes and molds her life. Being released on September first of 2021, this book even gives references to Black Lives Matter and the COVID19 Pandemic, and how Ribustello walked through that with her husband, children, friends, and companies she ran. To my surprise, Inez Ribustello focuses more on her journey with wine than the grief and highlighting 9/11 as the title and cover may lead you to believe. It was a shift I wasn’t expecting to not talk much about 9/11; however, she does exactly what she intends by conveying what her personal life looks like after. She conveys incredibly well the emotional, mental, and physical rollercoaster that life can be. She shares personal, genuine stories with her strong, yet emotional personality live throughout the book. I recommend this book if you desire to be made aware of true feelings and the lifestyles of other people who walked through some of the same tragedy’s and parts of life that we did.

[Meg Moravick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spending time with Inez through her own eyes and voice through the audiobook was enlightening. I was pleasantly surprised going into this that it had a big focus on wine and food which are always things I enjoy reading and learning about.

As I am part of the generation of people who are too young to remember 9/11 aside from just the general sadness and my teachers crying as I say in my first grade classroom, I was a bit apprehensive about jumping into a book about 9/11 and it’s aftermath. But Inez’s story is so much more than that. It’s about overcoming tragedy and trauma and forgiving yourself. It’s about finding passions and letting those passions drive you forward in life.

I am honored to have been let in on glimpses of her life story, as an NC native who also has big dreams, I related a lot to her life, overcoming hardships, and the way food, wine, passion and family inspire you to keep moving.

[Destinee Cromwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little surprised on the ratings I’ve read because the book doesn’t focus mainly on 9/11. If you read the summary prior you would see the author writes her journey up through the Black Lives Matter movement.

I loved the vulnerability the author has through this book as she experiences 9/11, losing friends, having unexpected kids, marriage problems, working towards being a sommelier, and experiencing IBS. There is SO much that encompasses this book and the strength she had to push through those difficult times. My favorite part is the ending when she is unapologetically truthful about the social issues we have in America such as racism. She wasn’t afraid to use her business to speak up surrounding the BLM movement despite the judgement her small town gave them including boycotting their business.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up after seeing it mentioned in my UNC alumni magazine, mostly because I enjoy reading NC authors. This one struck me because the author's hometown is not far from my own and indeed it felt as if I was reading a friend's memoir. The raw emotion after 9/11 was palpable but not gratuitous in any way. I appreciated that 9/11 was only a part of the author's journey - it felt much more like a true memoir/life story rather than just focusing on that singular traumatic event. I appreciated all the wine info since I also love wine, although not enough to make a career out of it. I was really fascinated by the whole process of becoming a Master Sommelier - that's just insane.

[Bryna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up after the obligatory family plug on The Holderness Family's podcast. It was a good, easy read.
As with what others said, with the cover art and title you would expect a heavier 9/11 presence. Did I mind that she didn't get all graphic and make me cry? Not at all.
She went through her life and you learn all that goes into being a sommelier (read; A LOT) I'm glad I have a good industry background to relate to because otherwise I feel like it would be difficult to connect to the book.
I still liked it and now will be looking to visit the restaurant and taproom if I'm ever in the area!

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, thought provoking and beautiful. Thank you for writing and sharing this memoir. I couldn’t put this book down, it was a joy to read and put me in a very reflective head space. Thank you Inez for your honesty and vulnerability. Very funny moments throughout the book. Incredibly well written and relatable. Can’t wait to share this book widely with people from all different walks of life. Thank you for writing and sharing this book. <3

[Patty Hooker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read about real life- especially if you are knowledgeable about wines, you would find this interesting. Inez is a roll with the punches kind of girl who has a realistic view that life is not always real or beautiful but you can make it worthwhile. She seems like the kind of girl who does not know a stranger and I love how she so easily makes friends and connections. She loves her family first and foremost which is always my kind of girl. This was an easy, interesting read.

[Kelly Hobgood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The fact that the author grew up about 30 minutes from my own hometown probably helped me identify with many of her struggles as adult. The global trauma of 9/11 is only a part of her story, though certainly at the core of shaping future decisions. Lots of commonality can be found with the developmental stage one finds oneself in their 40’s/50’s - what’s important, what to stand up for, and what to let go.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story I didn't know I needed to read

This story was both heartbreaking and hilarious! I didn't realize how much I needed this story. As an adult who has compound trauma dating back to childhood, to being a single mother to two adopted children with special needs, ot never dawned on me that my busy lifestyle was a cooping mechanism. Thank you for sharing your story

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about this book from the cousin of the author whom I happen to follow on social media. I’ve been drawn to 9/11 books recently because reading the events through someone else’s eyes helps me understand my experiences of that time. I think even now after living through a pandemic it gives some clarity. I really enjoyed this book.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate the idea of this book. I learned a lot about the wine to table industry and the author’s experiences. The melancholy that was before and after 911 was evident as she went on with her life. But it is a linear story that is written by an amateur and could be told best with some help and creative editing.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of memoirs. This one was okay. The best part about it was learning more about the personal experiences of someone who had survived 9/11, and how that effected them. It's not a side of the story often told. I also appreciate learning more about the life of a sommelier and restauranteur.

[Katie Ackerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much more than a history of 9/11. Yes, it recounts the events, but it’s really more of a journey that one woman took in her life before, during, and after 9/11. This book was a “survivors” account of surviving the tragedy in a new way that is never heard it before. I really enjoyed the perspective that Inez gave.

[christina cloutier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calming, heartwarming and real

I love the pace she tells her story, it very real. I liked that she kept part of her story personal, we all deserve that. It’s a quick read but it will stay with you. Was an uplifting story to read post the 20th anniversary.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I saw this book on a facebook post, I knew I had to read it, not only because she is a 9/11 survivor, but also because we are both in the hospitality industry! Thank you for sharing this story.

[Kristen Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The scope of the book was perhaps broader than necessary and had I not known Inie’s story from my time in Eastern NC the writing may have needed more context, BUT the voice was powerful and honest and told a story near and dear to my heart.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the first half was very interesting and well done. I thought the third quarter was good, and the ending was rough. I felt very connected to the author, I really appreciate her being brave enough to share her story.