Thunder Dog

Reading “Thunder Dog” by Michael Hingson was like seeing through the eyes of a blind man.

At first glance, you think the story is just about a guide dog, Roselle, who safely leads his master down 78 flights of stairs in the World Trade Center and out to safety on the morning of September 11, 2001. But not halfway through the book you begin to see the true picture: Michael Hingson’s whole life story led up to this day in his life. The lessons and trials he experienced as a blind kid opened his eyes to whole new world far different than what the eye can see.

Reading this book not only gave me another perspective of 9-11 from an unusual “eye witness”, but it also opened my eyes to the world of direction in darkness, trust without seeing, hope without that light at the end of the tunnel.

It seemed like he occasionally wrote with a chip on his shoulder, frustratingly explaining why he is normal and doesn’t have to be treated differently or with special attention, though I’m sure most others were acting out of ignorance or genuine concern and not spite.

However, the overall spirit of the book was not like this but was in fact a fascinating read. It seems very appropriate for it to be published just before the 10 year anniversary of that fateful day.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”