Review: A stellar achievement.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 20, 2011
David Antrobus has written an amazing piece of literature.  As the other reviewers have mentioned, his use of language is inspiring.  Yes, this is a story about a road trip that happened to coincide with one of the most important political occasions in recent American history.  Yes, Antrobus tells his story, and he tells it well.  But, at its heart, this is a book about humanity.  It is a book about all of us.  It is about 9/11, but to pigeon-hole it as a book about a traumatic event is to betray the scope of one of the best books I have read in many years.  I do not say this lightly.  I am a writer, and I appreciate this book on the 'nuts and bolts' level.  As I said, it is beautifully constructed.  The images are rich and filled with valid nostalgia.  It is a book drenched in sentiment that dodges the bullet of sentimentality.  It is a unique account of one man's struggle to make sense of something that is almost incomprehensible.  It is a valuable historical record.  It is an interesting look at the relationship between two nations.  I could go on and on, but none of the accolades I could lay out would give this book it's due.  The sheer, honest *feeling* in this book is worth a million adjectives.  None of which I have room for.  This book bleeds.  If you are a reader, you will understand.It is not a long book.  It does not have grand ambitions.  It is a simple tale, told eloquently and, therein, lies its true beauty.  I recommend this book without reservation.  It is a book I will read again and again, and Antrobus has truly given us a gift by letting us inside his experience.  There is nothing else to say...buy this book.  You will not be disappointed.Joe Café