The Day That Changed Everything

Leslie Haskin recounts her firsthand experience of September 11, 2001, when she was working on the 36th floor of Tower One at the World Trade Center. The book details the events of that morning through her personal lens as both a survivor and witness. The narrative follows Haskin's journey from the initial impact through her escape from the building, and extends to the aftermath and long-term effects on her life. Her account includes interactions with colleagues and strangers during those critical hours, capturing both the chaos and moments of human connection. The book also traces Haskin's struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and her path to healing in the years following the attacks. Through her perspective as an executive-turned-survivor, she examines how a single day completely redirected her life's trajectory. This memoir speaks to themes of resilience, faith, and the profound ways trauma can reshape one's priorities and worldview. The narrative serves as both a historical document and a meditation on how individuals process and emerge from catastrophic events.

Readers found the first-hand account of 9/11 to be raw and emotionally impactful, with detailed sensory descriptions that put them inside the Twin Towers that morning. Multiple reviews noted the author's honest portrayal of her subsequent PTSD and faith journey. Readers appreciated: - Vivid, specific details of the evacuation - The personal spiritual reflection - The focus on healing and recovery - Clear, straightforward writing style Common criticisms: - Disjointed narrative structure - Religious content too heavy for some readers - Wanted more details about certain events - Some repetitive sections Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (84 ratings) Sample review: "Her description of that morning transported me there. The sights, sounds and smells were palpable. But the constant religious references felt forced." - Goodreads reviewer "A gut-wrenching survivor story that could have used tighter editing but delivers powerful testimony." - Amazon reviewer

102 Minutes by Jim Dwyer This minute-by-minute account chronicles the events inside the Twin Towers from the first impact until their collapse through survivors' testimonies.

Last Man Down by Richard Picciotto, Daniel Paisner A FDNY Chief's firsthand account details his experience as the highest-ranking firefighter to survive the World Trade Center collapse.

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson A blind World Trade Center survivor recounts his escape from the 78th floor with his guide dog, revealing a story of trust and survival.

Report from Ground Zero by Dennis Smith A retired firefighter compiles stories from first responders and rescue workers who served at Ground Zero during and after September 11.

What We Saw by CBS News CBS News journalists present a collection of firsthand accounts, photographs, and news coverage documenting the events of September 11.

📚 Author Leslie Haskin worked in the North Tower of the World Trade Center as an executive for a major insurance company and was at her desk on the 36th floor when the first plane hit on 9/11. 🗣️ After surviving 9/11, Haskin developed severe PTSD and became temporarily homeless before rebuilding her life and becoming an advocate for trauma survivors. 🎯 The book was published in 2006, marking the 5th anniversary of 9/11, and includes previously unpublished photos from Ground Zero. 💫 Haskin's vivid descriptions of small details—like the sound of high heels on the stairwell during evacuation—have been praised for bringing readers directly into the moment. 🤝 Following the book's success, Haskin founded a non-profit organization called Safe HUGS (Helping and Understanding Grateful Survivors) to assist trauma victims and their families.