Thunder Dog

Thunder Dog recounts Michael Hingson's escape from the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks, guided by his guide dog Roselle. The memoir alternates between the events of that morning and Hingson's life story as a blind person navigating the world with his service animals. Through his experiences growing up blind in 1950s America, Hingson demonstrates how he developed independence and pursued education and career success. His relationship with several guide dogs, particularly Roselle, shows the unique bond between humans and service animals. The narrative provides an inside perspective of the World Trade Center evacuation alongside Hingson's broader journey of living with blindness. His account offers insights into both the historic events of 9/11 and the daily realities of life without sight. This memoir explores themes of resilience, trust, and the ways humans and animals work together to overcome obstacles. The parallel stories illuminate how preparation and adaptability can make the difference in both everyday challenges and moments of crisis.

Readers call this a compelling account of survival during 9/11, highlighting the unique perspective of a blind man and his guide dog descending 78 floors of the World Trade Center. What readers liked: - The bond between Hingson and his guide dog Roselle - Educational insights about living with blindness - The calm, matter-of-fact tone of the narrative - Details about guide dog training and capabilities What readers disliked: - Frequent tangents into Hingson's personal history - Repetitive content - Heavy focus on blindness advocacy over 9/11 events - Religious references that some found unnecessary One reader noted: "The parts about 9/11 were gripping, but the rest felt like filler." Another commented: "Changed my perspective on what blind people can achieve." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (8,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,800+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (200+ ratings) The book consistently ranks high in service animal and disability memoir categories.

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🐕 Michael Hingson has been blind since birth, yet he successfully escaped from the 78th floor of the World Trade Center on 9/11 with his guide dog Roselle leading the way. 🏢 During their 78-floor descent, Hingson and Roselle helped calm and guide others down the stairs, even as the second tower was struck and their own tower began to collapse. 🦮 Roselle, a yellow Labrador retriever, remained focused and calm throughout the entire ordeal, despite the chaos, smoke, and debris—a testament to the exceptional training of guide dogs. 📚 The book's title "Thunder Dog" comes from Roselle's fear of thunderstorms, making it particularly remarkable that she maintained her composure during the explosions and collapse of the towers. 🎓 Hingson went on to become a prominent public speaker and advocate for the blind, earning a master's degree in physics and working as a high-level sales manager before 9/11.