God @ Ground Zero: How Good Overcame Evil . . . One Heart at a Time

My friend recommended this book and I read it in one day. It was encouraging and served as a reminder that each of us is finite. Ray’s responses to those who were suffering is encouraging and helpful as we encounter those who are hurting around us. I would love to read another book by this author perhaps unpacking some of the principles he uses to care so well for others. I would highly recommend this book to others.

Chaplain Ray did a wonderful job conveying the heart and soul of the work God was doing in the midst of the chaos and aftermath of Sept 11, 2001. I so enjoyed reading this book that I limited my reading time each day to make it last longer. I had worked in NYC doing volunteer relief grief ministry for about two months over the last year. It brought back many memories and reminded me how awesome it was to see how God was actively working in the lives of the volunteers, relief workers, steel workers, policemen, firemen, the people of New York City. Excellent book!

I read this book in one day. It was captivating. Giunta explains what so many people experienced in the days following Sept. 11. There were many details I learned from this book that wasn't mentioned in other media. So many people were affected by this tragedy, not just those whose lost loved ones. Giunta tells of the true heroism of our citizens in poignant ways. Don't be put off by the title if you're not religious. Giunta is not an "in-your-face" preacher. If you are religious, by all means, read it. All of us could use a little more of the faith Giunta has. There was one disturbing fact that emerged from his book that hasn't been mentioned before. Giunta's personal life story is brief but very touching.

This book is PERFECT for those with questions like "why did I survive" "how can I move on from here?" and "how could God let this happen?"Like most people, it all came rushing back on Sept 11, 2002, and this book reminded me of all the questions I'd had a year ago, and simply set aside. Though I'm not a particularly religious person, I think this book can be read by anyone believing in a higher power. I do believe in God, and I have, like so many others, wondered how God could let such a thing as Sept 11 happen. Chaplain Ray's book is extraordinary, and while he doesn't (and can't) give all the answers, his discussions with those at ground zero and around New York gave me comfort, and made me realize we were all asking the same questions.It's not as heart-wrenching as some of the other books available, as it begins after the towers collapse. There are personal accounts from witnesses, and Chaplain Ray's stories as he sifts through ground zero in the first few days alongside greiving workers are amazing.

God @ Ground Zero is a remarkable book and unlike other "9/11" books because it is so filled with grace and beauty in the awful tragedy that occurred. I wept and hurt as I read, but also saw hope and was so encouraged by the touch and conversations. I hope this book gets widely read - it is beautiful - and I am so much more aware of how God can use each of us in a very real way, to listen, to come alongside, to "be there" for one another. It is excellent!

This is an awesome book! Once you start it, it's hard to put down. The media doesn't even come close to telling the depth of the experiences of the people involved and how 9/11 truly affected them, the way this author does. The author gives you a first hand account of Ground Zero in a way that you can vividly visualize and almost smell the smell that was hanging in the air. Not only will you read heart wrenching stories of the author's encounters with people working at Ground Zero, but you will read about another story within this story, which is truly amazing in itself. At times, this book is almost unbearable to read because of the tragic stories, but at the same time, it is too compelling to put down. If you didn't take time to stop and ponder about your life after 9/11, this book will put it into perspective. I have already bought more copies to give to others. If there is one book that you buy about 9/11, this should be the one!