Fantastic book! I really enjoyed this one. It kept me on my toes despite bringing back memories of that terrible day. I found myself rooting for Roselle and Mr. Hingson all the way through.

My thanks to Nelson Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Thunder Dog’ written by Michael Hingson and Susy Flory in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

On 11th September 2001 Michael Hingson arrived at his office on the 78th floor and on realising that something was badly wrong managed to escape from the terrorist bombing of the Twin Towers in New York’s World Trade Centre.

In the book ‘Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog and the Triumph of Trust’, as well as sharing his horrific experiences as he descended 1463 steps to safety, Michael Hingson talks about his guide dogs especially Roselle who devotedly stayed by his side during the disaster and long after until she finally reached her final day on 26th June 2011. He also tells of his wife Karen who didn’t know if Michael was alive or dead.

Although I was mainly interested to read how Michael coped when he realised the urgency of leaving his office in the Twin Towers, I was equally interested in learning about his background, how he used sounds – echolocation – to familiarise himself with his location, and that as a boy he was able to ride a bike. If I can use the word ‘enjoy’ for reading about such an awful time in American history, then I did enjoy this novel that’s given me a greater knowledge of blind people and how their disability shouldn’t stop them from achieving what they can in life. I congratulate him for wanting to make the world a better place.

While I had heard of Michael Hingson and his guide dog escaping the World Trade Center on 9/11, reading the details of his story in his own words filled me with sadness as I remembered that day. But over it all, this is a book of hope. From the fearless way Michael and Roselle navigate the world to their amazing story of survival, overwhelming positivity, healing, and faith in God take precedence. Mike Hingson exudes a confidence and strength that most “light-dependent” people (as he puts it) lack. There is no space to feel sorry for him, only things we can learn from his journey.
Published in 2012, this is a book that needs to stay alive, a story that should never be forgotten. I am very thankful for the opportunity to read and review it. The author weaves the details of his life without sight into the description of his time descending the North Tower stairwell in a way that is very clear and makes the book impossible to put down. I learned so much about blindness, ability vs. disability, and prejudices that we don’t even think we have. The author and many others are emerging as leaders and changing the world in their own quiet yet powerful ways every day. This is one book not to miss!
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.