Angel in the Rubble

Sometimes terrible things happen.

I interviewed Genelle Guzman just after the world changed on September 11, 2001. I wondered how what she went through would affect her life in the years to come. In this eloquent and poignant book, I ended up reassured and inspired. And not just about Genelle, but about humanity. Even though we know Genelle was the 'last survivor', the detail in this book is intricate and tense; as you read each word it makes you angry, sorrowful, and incredulous all over again. This isn't just Genelle's incredible story. This is a story we will never forget. - Gary Tuchman, CNN national correspondent

On 11 September 2001, Genelle started her working day like any other: throwing on her high heels, dashing off to work on the 64th floor of the northern Twin Tower of the World Trade Center, organising coffee for workmates, and settling down to her work. Then they hear a loud bang. The floor shakes, but nothing dramatic seems to have happened.

Clouds of paper start to float past the window. Some time later, Genelle and her co-workers discover a plane has slammed into their building. They're advised to remain where they are, which they do. Eventually, they take matters into their own hands and begin to make their way down the endless flights of now empty stairs. They were so near their goal. Then the building begins to sway and the entire tower collapses on Genelle. She finds herself alone and unable to move in the dust and the darkness.

This riveting story brings to life Genelle's 27-hour ordeal and rescue from under the debris of the 9/11 World Trade Center wreckage. Genelle, the last survivor to be pulled from Ground Zero, shares her miraculous experiences during those 27 long hours and the immense richness of her life beyond it.

The remarkable true story of the day that changed Genelle Guzman-McMillan's life.