Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory is the true story of a blind man and his guide dog. This book is going to take you back to the day the towers fell – September 11, 2001. Michael Hingson is going to share his experiences of that day and more. Shedding light on the thoughts that ran through not just his head, but another’s as well. But remember, this is not just his story…it’s his dog’s story as well. While she cannot speak, he will speak for her and share her experiences as well.

As the author shares the story of his life he reveals a shocking tragic truth. The sad truth behind the potential reason for blindness in a number of babies born prematurely during the years of 1941 to 1953. It simply goes to reaffirm that science is a learning process, not a solid guaranteed fact.

The author depicts glimpses of his childhood. How he was raised and how that helped him become the person that he is not just today, but on that fateful day that the towers were struck and fell.

You’re really going to appreciate the explanations of acronyms used in the book. The author takes time to make sure that readers can have a better understanding of the meaning, never assuming that we readers know or understand the various acronyms used.

I wasn’t expecting this book to pull me in so quickly, but it does. Before you realize what you’re doing you’re going to find yourself page-turning to find out what happens next. The story will relax in certain moments, giving you a chance to breathe as the author reflects. However, it will always come back to remind you that he’s not out of the thick of things yet by dropping you back into the middle of it all.

Michael Hingson gives immaculate details of the two towers and the other buildings that surrounded them. I, for one, had any idea just how large the complex truly was – that it spanned 16 acres of land, and that it had so much contained within its wide expanse. Unless you worked there, visited, or were just curious about it before its untimely destruction I doubt that many people did before.

Detail by detail you get what initially seems like will be an average day, but it’s not long before terror strikes. Brace yourself for hair-raising scenes that are depicted on these pages. Chills will run up your spine, and your heart will quake as the author depicts the things that he experienced that day. You can only imagine how you yourself would react faced with the situation that he finds not just himself in, but his beloved dog, Roselle as well.

The author also takes the time to inform us readers of the commands that he uses with Roselle. This attention to the small details that so many would probably dismiss, takes this story to another level. It makes you appreciate just how much thought was put into this book to include not just the verbal commands, but the hand signals and body positioning that go with the commands taught to Roselle.

The author takes time to share memories/experiences with previous guide dogs. There’s one particular story shared that brings a touch of humor to the story and lightens up a dark moment with a funny memory. Reminding us all that dogs have their own unique personalities, and that some guide dogs are just a tad bit goofy. The amount of detail that is provided concerning just the selection of a dog for an individual is truly both eye-opening and educational.

It’s enjoyable how the author details his first guide dog and proceeds forward through the years with each new dog. It’s almost heartbreaking to learn when the various dogs had to retire due to the stress of the job – emotionally and physically. It once again reiterates that we all wish that those animals we love and cherish lived/lasted longer than they do. Some of the antics though utilized by the dogs are more than a little funny.

Piece by piece, detail by detail, the author paints a picture of what is going on inside the World Trade Center, while also filling in pieces of information that were learned after the fact. The facts revealed are shocking as the full scope of what has happened is laid out in full view for you. Just simply reliving through someone else’s experience of what they endured that day is mind-blowing, to say the least.

Another aspect of this book that pulls you in, is the historical facts woven throughout. Many of us will learn new things that we never knew about previous aviation incidents and how lives were impacted by them. Miraculous stories of survival that will leave you with your jaw on the floor from pure shock, disbelief, and relief.

There is one question, that as you are reading this book will truly cause you to not just pause, but full-on stop and think. This question will permeate your mind and allow a trace of fear into your heart. Fear can’t help but creep in as the author himself thinks – “What will I do if the lights go out?” He’s in a race for survival. Perhaps not literally at that particular moment, but the unknown is creeping closer by the second. While he is blind and darkness surrounds him, light is still a comfort to those around him. So the question becomes – what will happen if/when the lights go out?

Remember, this book is a memoir, so while it details the moments and experiences of that fateful day in September, it doesn’t stay there. Frequently in a chapter, the author will reflect back to various periods throughout his life. He regales you with memories from his younger years all the way to his years in college and beyond. The author feels that he has a lot to share with us readers and share he does. Many of the things he shares will be things you had no idea of, and so you’ll find it especially educating.

There is a shift in the story, that you’re not going to see coming.

Seeing 9/11 from multiple viewpoints and experiences take this book to a different level of immersiveness to us readers . You just don’t expect many of the particular angles, but you’re going to devour them nonetheless. You’ll catch yourself holding your breath, crossing your fingers, and praying for the best despite what you’re already going to know. Yes, that is how immersive these chapters are.

From beginning to end the author details not just that harrowing day, but the memories of days from his past and the days following. He will share with you some ideas of life as a blind individual, and in doing so show you just how resilient tone can be desepite. You’re going to find this book insightful, educational, and memorable. Great read.

Pros:

• The story is gripping and keeps you engaged.
• The attention to detail is well-done, making sure that specific acronyms are explained so that the reader can better understand them.
• Multiple viewpoints are given so that the reader gets a better view of the overall impact.
• Fill in content so that the flow remains uninterrupted.

Cons:

• The faith element could have been touched on more since it is mentioned as part of the book.

Lesson of the book: Calmness in the face of fear, blind or sighted, can be what brings you through to the other side.

Cover Score: 9.0

Book Score: 8.6

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