25 Years Later: 6 Books That Bring the Heroes and Heartbreak of September 11 to Life
From a soon-to-be-released Jodi Picoult page-turner to true survivor stories, these reads capture the love, loss and courage of that unforgettable day
Key Takeaways
- These moving books honor 9/11 through unforgettable stories of love, loss and hope.
- Discover 6 powerful books that explore the lasting impact of the September 11 attacks.
- From novels to memoirs, these 9/11 books capture resilience, grief and courage.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people and changed the world forever. Over the years, countless documentaries, TV news specials, movies, books and plays have told the story of the innocent lives lost on that tragic day. But here at Woman’s World, we’re interested in the historical fiction books about September 11, 2001—the novels that make you feel like you’re living through that day right alongside their characters. Read on for 4 unforgettable novels that honor the lives lost, the heroes who stepped up and the love stories that emerged from tragedy, and 2 nonfiction picks for readers who want the real history behind the story.
5 historical fiction books about 9/11
These heartbreaking, beautiful stories about love and loss will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
‘Hollow Bones’ by Jodi Picoult
Bestselling author Jodi Picoult is back with her 30th novel, and it’s another page-turner about people forced to make difficult choices—including a character from her beloved novel, My Sister’s Keeper. Molly’s mom died in the September 11 attacks, and it shaped every aspect of her life. Now, as an adult working in emergency preparedness, she prides herself on her ability to handle anything—until she and her husband get shocking news that changes everything. (Out September 15)
What early readers are saying: “I fell in love with the characters. The character development was spot on as was the information as always. Jodi takes real issues and puts the best spotlight on them and this book is no different. The amount of research she goes through is unmatched! Also, Don’t skip the authors note at the end.”
‘A Fall of Marigolds’ by Susan Meissner
Susan Meissner is a master at bringing historical events to life, and this dual-timeline 2014 novel is a heartbreaking look at two tragedies. The story flips between nurse Clara Wood, who lost the man she loved in the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in New York City, and Taryn Michaels, whose husband died in the 9/11 attacks. As both women attempt to heal from their devastating loss and overcome the guilt they feel, a scarf patterned with marigolds links their stories together.
What readers are saying: “I loved this book! I was drawn into it from the beginning. I found myself reading and telling myself just one more chapter before bed! The characters and their stories are woven together like the marigold scarf. The past is connected to the present. Sad, beautiful, engaging.”
‘The Light We Lost’ by Jill Santopolo
In this 2017 debut, Lucy and Gabe meet in New York City on a rooftop on September 11. As they watch the tragedy unfold, they vow to live their lives to the fullest. What follows is a 13-year on-and-off romance as Gabe begins working as a photojournalist traveling the world, and Lucy remains in New York. A tearjerking story of first love, missed chances and the choices that define us.
What readers are saying: “The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo is a beautifully written novel about the complexities of love, soulmates and the possibility of fate. It is a book that catches you on a wave at low tide from the very first page and keeps you swimming out to sea until the very last page, when the tide finally comes in.”
‘The Lies that Bind’ by Emily Giffin
This 2020 book introduces Cecily, a young journalist who meets Grant in a bar in New York City in the spring of 2001. They begin dating, then Grant disappears on 9/11. Thinking he’s been a victim of the attacks, she searches for him—only to find out she’s not the only one looking for him. What she learns forces her to question everything she thought she knew about him—and about love.
What readers are saying: “This is a book you start and absolutely cannot stop. Cecily and Grant’s connection is palpable. Then 9/11. And the twists and turns that follow. I couldn’t stop turning pages! And I’m honestly not sure how I felt about the ending…. pissed, satisfied, pensive…. I’m not sure Cecily made the choices I wanted. But maybe she did?? Idk. I’m SO CONFUSED by my feelings!!”
Nonfiction books about 9/11
There have been countless nonfiction books recounting the September 11 attacks, but here are two that stand out.
‘The Day the World Came to Town’ by Jim DeFede
This bestselling 2002 book, which inspired the hit Broadway musical Come From Away, is a look at how the September 11 tragedy brought out the best in so many people. When 38 planes were grounded at Gander International Airport, the number of people in the tiny Canadian town nearly doubled, from 10,000 to 17,000. The townspeople met stunned travelers as they deplaned, feeding them and sharing their homes, computers, toiletries and more. The passengers were stranded for days, and many of them formed friendships with the townspeople that have lasted decades.
What readers are saying: “Everyone should read this book. No, seriously. DeFede is such a fantastic journalist and a fantastic writer. As someone who personally leans more toward fiction than nonfiction, I don’t think I could have read this entire book without someone like DeFede weaving creativity and passion throughout the pages. A+ job, man.”
‘Cleared for Takeoff: A Pilot’s Memoir of Purpose and Resilience After 9/11’ by Captain Nia Gilliam
Nia Gilliam always knew she wanted to be a pilot. She was only 25 years old and the only Black female pilot working for her airline on September 11, 2001. In her new memoir, she tells her incredible story, from sitting in the cockpit on the runway and watching a plane fly into the South Tower, to the effects the harrowing experience had on her life. An inspirational story of how one woman rebuilt her sense of purpose after tragedy shook the very thing she loved the most.
What readers are saying: “Cleared for Takeoff is the deeply personal story of Captain Nia Gilliam, a pilot who navigated both the heights of a glass ceiling–shattering career and the turbulence of a world in crisis. From the chilling silence of the Newark runway on 9/11 to Gilliam’s courageous decision to step away from the pilot’s seat for her own battle for survival, her journey defines resilience. A must-read memoir about purpose, identity, and the strength required to soar when the world feels grounded.”
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