Life Detonated

The True Story of a Widow and a Hijacker

by Kathleen Murray Moran

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Pub Date Sep 17 2019 | Archive Date Sep 08 2019

Amberjack Publishing

Biographies & Memoirs | Nonfiction (Adult)

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Description

On September 11, 1976, Kathleen Murray's life was drastically changed when her husband Brian Murray, a NYPD bomb disposal expert, was killed by a terrorist’s bomb.

Life Detonated is a powerful memoir that tells the story of a young woman’s journey out of poverty and into the arms of a vibrant young man whose life and death would forever impact her life.

Finding herself seduced by one of the terrorists, whose persuasive letters from prison offered a link back to her husband, Kathleen also details the dysfunctional relationship that developed and their disastrous meeting in person.

This gripping true story is a dramatic statement on resilience in the face of devastating loss, the long road to healing, and ultimately, the empowerment found by coming away from tragedy stronger than before.

On September 11, 1976, Kathleen Murray's life was drastically changed when her husband Brian Murray, a NYPD bomb disposal expert, was killed by a terrorist’s bomb.

Life Detonated is a powerful...

A Note From the Publisher

Kathleen Murray Moran holds a BA in Journalism (Magna cum Laude) and an MA in English from SUNY Stony Brook. She has taught writing and literature at Suffolk Community College for twenty-five years. She is the widow of Brian Murray, and the co-founder of Survivors of the Shield (SOS). She was also instrumental in passing legislation that led to former Governor Mario Cuomo’s COPS Agenda. She worked with Mayor DeBlasio and Councilwoman Christine Quinn’s office to rename the Charles Street corner of Bleecker Street in New York City, Police Officer Brian Murray Way, which was dedicated in an official ceremony on October 1, 2014. She lives on Long Island where she organizes writing and book groups.

Advance Praise

“A raw, somber emotional journey that concludes with hope and a measure of forgiveness.” –Kirkus Reviews

"An impressively candid, extraordinarily detailed, ultimately inspiring read from cover to cover... recommended for both community and academic library Contemporary American Biography collections." –Midwest Book Review

"Moran, who founded the nonprofit organization Survivors of the Shield, shares a remarkable journey in this well-written debut." –Publishers Weekly

“A raw, somber emotional journey that concludes with hope and a measure of forgiveness.” –Kirkus Reviews

"An impressively candid, extraordinarily detailed, ultimately inspiring read from cover to...

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781944995454
PRICE	$16.99 (USD)
PAGES	258

Additional Information

Average rating from 15 members

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Featured Reviews

Kelsee V, Reviewer

Life Detonated was a beautiful memoir. I truly enjoyed reading Kathleen's account of her life.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

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ReadItbyRoma C, Reviewer

Title: Life Detonated

Author: Kathleen Murray Moran

Length: 209 pages

Publisher: Amberjack Publication

Publication date: 19 September 2019

Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Biography

My rating: 4/5

Summary:

The story is a memoir of Kathleen Murray Moran. Her life journey, losing her husband who was in bomb squad and finding meaning to her life.

My Take:

I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for providing with an ARC in exchange for an Honest review. I’ve always been intriguid by real life events and incidents and this is another such book giving us an insight into the life of the girl Kathy who had a difficult childhood, got a living husband in Brian who lost his life seven years into their marriage while diffusing a Bomb.

The pain of losing a dear one is beautifully portrayed making one empathise with the author. Even the thought of losing someone dear is scary and author went through it. The short and cute love story of Kathy and Brian is adorable. Death of Brian leaves tears in your eyes.

Author was undoubtedly a strong woman whose quest to find out the cause of bomb exploding keeps you glued to the book. It does leave you with a feeling of incomplete as the reason is not known. The transition between her past and present life is seamless and easily distinguishable. Her achievements in life are worthy of praise for sure.

The ending of the book is wonderful and the dialogue of Chris to her Mom just sums up entire thing. She broke down and got up only to climb higher. This is the story of courage and determination of the author who made her life worthy.

A good read.

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Reviewer 238609

This was a beautiful tragic tale. This is the story of a wife who lost her husband to a bomb explosion. She seeks to figure out why the bomb exploded and took her husband's life. It was tragic, but beautifully told.

I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.