72 pages • 2 hours read
The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11
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Book Brief
560
Book • Nonfiction
United States • Early 2000s
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff offers an oral history of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks through firsthand accounts from more than 500 individuals, including survivors, first responders, bystanders, and government officials, to depict the harrowing events of the day. The narrative illustrates the catastrophic impact on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93, as well as the emotional aftermath for those affected. The book includes graphic depictions of violence, loss, and trauma.
Informative
Emotional
Unnerving
Dark
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
43,001 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Garrett M. Graff's The Only Plane in the Sky is a gripping, meticulously researched oral history of 9/11 that immerses readers in the day's events. Praised for its emotional depth and detailed narrative, some found its fragmented format disjointing. Overall, it is acclaimed for bringing human experiences to the forefront of the historical tragedy.
Who Should Read The Only Plane in the Sky?
Readers who are captivated by oral histories and firsthand accounts of historical events will enjoy The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff. Similar to The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright and 102 Minutes by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn, this book offers a deeply personal and multi-perspective narrative of 9/11’s impact.
43,001 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Genelle Guzzman
Genelle Guzzman
The last survivor rescued from the rubble of the WTC towers on 9/11, working for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey at the time of the attacks.
President George W. Bush
President George W. Bush
The 43rd president of the United States, whose leadership and actions during the 9/11 attacks are documented as part of his crucial role in ensuring national security.
Osama bin Laden
Osama bin Laden
The founder of the terrorist organization al-Qaeda, responsible for orchestrating the 9/11 attacks and later becoming the target of a significant international manhunt.
560
Book • Nonfiction
United States • Early 2000s
2019
Adult
18+ years
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